Spotify’s Newest Social Feature Is ‘Jam’ Session Playlists

Spotify likes its Collaborative and Blend playlist features so much that it decided to mash them together to make a new one.

Simply called Jam, the feature allows a premium user to launch a real-time, collaborative playlist session with a whole “squad” of friends (including free users), who are then invited to add songs, receive algorithm-based recommendations and of course listen to the jam session. The host has the most power, though, and can change the makeup of the group, re-order tracks and even remove a song. They can also choose to ease their iron grip on power and turn on “guest controls” so others can manage the playlist.

Jam is rolling out for all premium and free Spotify users globally starting today.

Here’s how it works: a premium user sees a playlist or song and clicks the “Start a Jam” button (located in a couple places). If this is going down at a party, anyone on your WiFi will be prompted to join as soon as they open Spotify. There’s also a shareable QR code that friends can scan or a link you can send via text or social media. The Jam is then managed and played in real-time — ideally through bluetooth speakers connected to the host’s device. Since it’s a jam session and all.

“Get ready for a deeper way to connect through the artists, songs, and albums that unite you—and to discover some unexpected gems with those around you,” says Spotify.

How is Jam different from Collaborative Playlists and Blend? CP allowed users to create playlists of songs and podcasts with multiple people, but it basically lacked the “real-time” aspect. Blend had that listening session feel to it, but was just between two people. Smash them together and you have Jam.