Popular music player Spotify has officially launched Spotify 'Blend,' a new shared playlist feature that allows two users to mix their favorite songs into one playlist, producing a "taste match score" detailing where their preferences align and differ.
'Blend' utilizes the same technology as Spotify's other personalized playlist features, meaning it will update daily to adapt to what both listeners are streaming. In addition, it combines Spotify's personalization technology with its collaborative playlist functionality to produce unique social listening experiences. "Blend is one of the first products we’ve developed that require multi-user personalization, which has its unique challenges but also helps us create some really delightful experiences when we get it right," said Arjun Narayen, Product Manager at Spotify.
While 'Blend' certainly presents Spotify users with a fun new feature, it also doubles as a user acquisition tool. Free users will create playlists with premium subscribers but will lack some of the same, enticing them to switch to a paid account.
Collaborative Playlist Apps
Spotify 'Blend' Lets Friends Combine Songs into Shared Playlists
Trend Themes
1. Collaborative Music Playlists - The 'Blend' feature in Spotify is a pointer that developing collaborative music playlists can help music streaming services acquire new users.
2. Personalized Playlist Technology - The daily updating personalized playlist technology in 'Blend' can be extended to other collaborative tools or features in many industries, forming unique customer experiences.
3. Multi-user Personalization - The multi-user personalization in Spotify's 'Blend' presents an opportunity for creating delightful customer experiences in various industries such as social networks or online marketplaces.
Industry Implications
1. Music Streaming Services - Developing collaborative features such as Blend in music streaming services can boost user acquisition and increase paid subscriptions.
2. Social Networks - Utilizing multi-user personalization can increase customer engagement and satisfaction in social network platforms.
3. Online Marketplaces - Developing collaborative features that utilize personalized playlist technology can help define the online marketplace customer experience, making it unique and customer-friendly.