Here's what to expect in Spotify's new TikTok-style feed
Don't be surprised if you click the Spotify app and find that its design seems a little familiar.
At the company's annual Stream On event that was held in Los Angeles, the digital music service is set to introduce a significant redesign of its app, incorporating a short-form video feed that is similar to TikTok and Instagram.
The new structure puts emphasis on displaying videos and snippets of songs, podcasts, and audiobooks. Once you go to your Music and Podcast & Shows feeds, the usual display of album and podcast covers will instead be replaced by the vertical feed that has been popularized by TikTok and Instagram, which will play previews of the content and creator-made videos.
The format will also apply to Spotify's curated playlists like Discovery Weekly and Rap Caviar. However, the app will still display shortcuts to your personalized playlists and mixes above the TikTok-style feed.
If you're worried that the previews will disrupt the music you're jamming to, Spotify will still allow you to listen to your favorite songs while scrolling the recommendation feed on mute. If a preview manages to catch your interest, you have the option to stop your music and start listening to the suggestion instead.
This comes as the music streaming company is aiming to be more than just a simple music app, having added podcasts and audiobooks in the mix over the years. It hopes that the new design will help users discover more content on the platform by previewing glimpses of the content that they may be interested in.
Spotify has opted to start rolling out the new format in waves starting on March 8, which means you may still not experience the update until after a few weeks or months.
Previously, the company had added AI technology into the app in the form of DJ—an AI-powered feature that gives you personalized curated music in reference to your music taste with a commentary in its realistic voice.