SoundCloud is transforming into a more social platform with the introduction of new community-oriented features. On Thursday, the company announced several features designed to enhance social interaction, including playlists based on the likes of friends or followed artists and an automated list that compiles all the tracks your friends are enjoying. The update also includes suggested follows and more.
These changes come as SoundCloud competes with music streaming giants like Spotify, which has also been making strides to become more social. Spotify recently launched a direct messaging feature that allows users to share playlists and songs directly with friends.
The two most notable features SoundCloud launched let you see what your friends and favorite artists are listening to. For instance, “Liked By Your Crew” is a daily updated list of tracks that your friends and favorite artists are enjoying. It appears on your homepage and shows what is popular among the users you follow. Another feature is “Liked By Playlists,” a scrollable carousel of playlists curated from the likes of friends and favorite artists.
Additionally, SoundCloud has a new Trending Trackwall, which displays popular tracks currently trending on the platform. It includes filters to help you find what matters to you without having to dig through hundreds of playlists.
SoundCloud also launched two features exclusive to its mobile app. One is a “Hot For You” daily personalized track that is trending on the platform and curated to your music taste. The other new mobile feature recommends people to follow, including fans with music tastes similar to yours, users you may know in real life, and suggested artists. This appears as a carousel on the homepage, making it easier to connect with others on the platform.
These features are now available on the web, as well as on iOS and Android devices.