Spotify Discover, a new feature being tested in the iOS app, provides a vertical video feed to scroll through that is being described as a pared-down version of a TikTok-style feed.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Spotify is now testing a new Discover feature
- It includes a TikTok-like vertical video feed
- You can scroll through the feed vertically
- You can like a track in the feed or skip it
Spotify Discover brings TikTok-like vertical videos
The new Spotify Discover feature, currently in testing, was first discovered by Chris Messina who posted a video of the feature in action on Twitter.
The Discover feature, he said, appears to be a “pared-down version” of a TikTok-style feed of music videos. Messina told TechCrunch that people who are included in the test via Spotify’s TestFlight build can get to Discover by hitting a new icon in the navigation toolbar at the bottom of the Spotify app, in between Home and Search.
Not only that, @Spotify Discover is basically a pared down version of a TikTok-style feed of vertical music videos (likely using their canvas format) that you can like or skip.#NewSpotify pic.twitter.com/hpOEZ8v9bl
— Messina.eth (@chrismessina) November 24, 2021
The video feed is in a vertical orientation much like those immersive fullscreen clips on TikTok that everyone is copying, including Instagram, YouTube, Snap and even Netflix.
Discover also seems to borrow minimal interactions in this vertically-scrolling format it heavily popularized. For example, you can get to the next or previous video with a quick swipe-down or swipe-up gesture, respectively. Tapping the heart icon instantly likes the currently playing content. Other relevant options are hidden behind a three-dotted menu. Read: What is Private Session in Spotify and how to use it
Spotify has confirmed to TechCrunch that it’s currently testing a new feature in its app.
At Spotify, we routinely conduct a number of tests in an effort to improve our user experience. Some of those tests end up paving the way for our broader user experience and others serve only as an important learning. We don’t have any further news to share at this time.
It wouldn’t say when Discover might roll out to everyone. If the company receives enough negative feedback, it may postpone the public launch or nix the future altogether.