Spotify Technology SA said on Tuesday it has begun rolling out an in-app direct messaging tool called “Messages,” giving both Free and Premium subscribers aged 16 or older the ability to share songs, podcasts and audiobooks within one-to-one chats. The feature launches this week on mobile devices in select markets, with global expansion planned in the coming months. Users can initiate chats with people they already interact with on Spotify—such as collaborative playlist partners or members of shared subscription plans—by tapping the share icon in the Now Playing view. The encrypted conversations support text, emoji reactions and content links, and are housed in a dedicated inbox. Recipients must approve message requests; accounts can be blocked or reported, and users may opt out of messaging entirely. Spotify previously removed a similar service in 2017 after low engagement. The company is reviving the capability as it seeks to deepen social interaction, lengthen time spent on the platform and differentiate itself from rivals including Apple Music and YouTube Music. Spotify counted 696 million monthly active users in the second quarter and has signalled a goal of reaching 1 billion, a target it is pursuing through new social and video features alongside recent price increases.