Spotify’s reside audio app is now not lively, however the firm has been utilizing the tech to attach followers and artists higher with the “Listening Get together” characteristic. The characteristic lets high-engaging followers be a part of occasions like releasing of an album by an artist with alternatives to ask them questions.
The corporate confirmed to TechCrunch that it has been testing this characteristic within the U.S. and Indonesia since December 2023 with plans to broaden to extra markets.
“It’s nonetheless in its early phases however we’ve had a couple of artists take a look at over the previous couple of months together with Zara Larsson and Bleachers,” A Spotify spokesperson mentioned.
Picture Credit: Threads/Chris
A Listening Get together is listed below the occasions part of an artist’s profile. Spotify mentioned that whereas usually prime followers of a band obtain a particular invitation, any Spotify Premium consumer can be a part of the Listening Get together by way of the itemizing. The corporate didn’t specify what sort of consumer counts as a prime fan moreover of us who’ve “demonstrated an affinity for the artist over time.”
Since Spotify is utilizing real-time audio tech, followers can request to go “on stage” throughout a session to work together with the artist. Plus, every listening get together has a reside chat room in the course of the occasion.
The corporate mentioned the characteristic permits followers to buy the newest merch from artists whereas streaming music alongside different followers. Final yr, the corporate launched an in-app Merch Hub, to offer followers personalised suggestions to purchase stuff from totally different artists.
Notably, Spotify has had a Group Session characteristic to hearken to songs with your mates. Now it’s making an attempt to deliver components of group listening and reside audio interactions along with the Listening Get together characteristic.
Over the previous couple of years, the corporate has additionally tried to develop direct engagement between followers and artists by way of merchandise gross sales, occasions, and ticketing.
