Spotify is introducing a new feature called “About the Song” that lets users explore the stories behind the music they are playing. The company announced the feature on Friday. It displays short, swipeable story cards that are summarized from third-party sources to highlight interesting details and behind-the-scenes moments. Users can rate these stories with a thumbs up or down.
With this addition, Spotify is offering access to a feature not found on rival platforms like Apple Music. About the Song is rolling out in beta on mobile for premium users in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. The feature is in English.
Users can find the new feature on the “Now Playing” screen by scrolling down to locate the “About the Song” card on supported tracks. They can then swipe through to learn the story behind the track.
Spotify explained the thinking behind the feature in a blog post, stating that music fans often hear a song and immediately want to know more about its inspiration and meaning. The company believes understanding the craft and context of a song can deepen a listener’s connection to the music.
This announcement comes during a busy week for Spotify. Just yesterday, the streaming service shared that users in the U.S. and U.K. will soon be able to purchase physical copies of audiobooks directly through the app. Spotify also announced two new audiobook features called “Page Match,” which lets users scan a page from a physical book to jump to that spot in the audiobook, and “Audiobook Recaps.”
Earlier this week, the company made lyrics translations available worldwide and introduced offline lyrics access for all users, not just premium subscribers. Spotify also moved the lyrics display so they now appear directly beneath the album artwork or the short video that plays with the music.
Also today, Spotify said it is revamping its Developer Mode APIs, which developers use to test third-party applications. The changes will require a premium account for developers, place a cap on the number of test users, and limit the set of available API endpoints.