Spotify Group Session: How to Use Spotify Listen Mode

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(Pocket-lint) – Spotify lets its Premium users listen to music and podcasts simultaneously with friends who aren’t nearby using a feature called Spotify Group Session.

Even though the feature was initially launched in 2020, it still remains in beta.

In March 2021, Spotify announced that the feature is available in Polestar 2 vehicles. It will allow one host and up to five Premium users in the same car to share control of real-time audio. At the time, the Polestar 2 was the only vehicle equipped with Android Automotive, but presumably the service extends to other Android-powered in-car entertainment systems.

What is a Spotify Group Session?

• Listen together, in real time
• All guests can control what plays
• The feature is still in beta

Designed to meet the needs of users who want to socialize virtually, Group Session essentially allows any premium user to generate a shareable link with up to five friends or family members – who must also have Spotify Premium – allowing the entire group to broadcast the same content in real time.

Imagine each user listening on individual devices and each having the ability to monitor tracks, all from safe and socially distant locations.

But even outside of quarantine, Group Session is handy for long-distance couples or anyone who really wants to host a virtual music-listening party.

How to Start a Spotify Group Session

Group sessions are limited to paid users – or Premium subscribers – of the Spotify mobile app for phones and tablets. Technically, Group Session is still in beta, which means it’s being tested, and Spotify has warned that its features may change.

To host a session, select the Connect menu, then you can start a session, which generates a shareable link that can be sent to social media or other apps.

1. Open Spotify and play something
2. Push the button Connect at the bottom of the screen
3. Press on Start a group session remotely
4. Press on Invite Friends
5. Here you can:
   – Share with any listed social or messaging app
   – Choose Copy Link to send your own path
   – Show them a Spotify code they can scan to join

What can listeners do in a Spotify group session?

Guest listeners can choose to listen on their own device or listen on your device and control it from their device. Additionally, anyone participating in the streaming can pause, play, skip, select, or add tracks to the queue.

Can you chat in a Spotify group session?

Users will need to use a third-party solution to chat, as there is no built-in way to message other Premium users in a Spotify group session.

Written by Maggie Tillman. Edited by Luke Baker.