Spotify has launched Blend, a new feature that allows users to create custom playlists that combine their musical tastes and those of friends.
Blend was initially released in beta in June and is now available for all Spotify users starting Tuesday. Users can “merge” their musical tastes to create a shared playlist.
Spotify updated the feature with new cover art for individual Blend playlists. The beta version has been removed and the full rollout is underway. You can also see “taste matches scores” which show how closely the user’s listening choices are similar to their friends, as well as “sharable data stories” that will be shared to social media about the pairing.
It is available for both premium and free users. Subscribers also have the ability to see which user preferences were used in determining the songs that will appear on the playlist.
Blend playlists are similar to other concepts that combine listening habits from multiple users. A Duo Mix playlist combines the tastes and preferences of two Premium Duo subscribers, while a Family Mix does it for Premium Family.
Subscribers must click “Create Blend” within the Made for You hub in the iOS app. Then invite a friend. Spotify will then create the tracklist, cover art and shareable elements once you have been accepted.
Apple Music currently doesn’t offer any blend-style playlists involving multiple users, but it does offer options to share user-created playlists with others.