Snapchat enables real-time music sharing on Snap Map

Snapchat has introduced "Now Playing," a new feature enabling users to share what music they are listening to in real time via the Snap Map service. The feature will initially integrate with the Spotify streaming platform.

The "Now Playing" functionality allows users to link their Spotify accounts and broadcast their current song. It also enables them to see what music their friends are listening to. The feature extends to Spotlight videos, Snapchat's short-form video content, allowing users to save discovered songs directly to Spotify or access the track's page.

Users can control the privacy settings for their listening activity, choosing who can see it. The feature does not display past listening history or the last played song. Sharing remains active as long as Snapchat has been opened within the last 24 hours. If the app is inactive for over 24 hours, sharing pauses automatically and resumes upon reopening. Users can also manually pause sharing for three hours, 24 hours, or indefinitely.

Manny Adler, Snapchat's head of music, stated that music is a personal form of expression that becomes more meaningful when it connects friends. "Now Playing" adds a new dimension for expression and discovery within Snap Map, helping users share their day's soundtrack and find new music through their social connections.

Music sharing has become a trend across social media platforms. TikTok allows song sharing from streaming services, and Instagram enables music sharing through its Notes feature.