How To Use Spotify Blend (And Why You Should)

Originally announced back in June, Spotify Blend is finally out of beta following several weeks of public testing. The new feature, which allows multiple users to blend their favorite tracks into one combined playlist, is a big bet from Spotify, which hopes it can further establish its position as the most social of all leading music streaming services. Blend, for those unaware, is Spotify’s way of letting two friends or family members merge their musical tastes into one curated playlist. According to the company, the feature would make it easier for users to “connect, discover, and share the music they love with one another”.

Overall, the reception to Blend has been positive, for the most part, although there have been a few rumblings about Spotify’s algorithm getting things wrong from time to time. It’s not difficult to understand why Blend has received a warm reception, given that it enhances the playlist experience on Spotify. A part of Spotify’s ‘Only You’ collection, the playlist is generated automatically and is refreshed daily. Any two Spotify users can create a Blend together, irrespective of whether they’re using the free service or have a premium account.

To create a Blend playlist on Spotify, open the app and tap on the “Only You” card from the Search tab. Next, scroll down a little and tap on “Create a Blend” in the “Made for Two” section. Then hit the white “Invite” button and select a friend to create a Blend jointly. It is worth noting that each invitation can only be used once, which means users will require multiple invites to create Blends with multiple friends. Once the friend accepts the invite and joins Blend, Spotify will generate a custom playlist with songs both users already love. The recommendations will also combine both users’ listening preferences and tastes.

It Takes Two

The Blend experience includes new cover art to identify each user’s playlists, as well as “Taste Match” scores to see how the two Blend collaborators’ listening preferences compare to one another. There are also shareable data stories that are unique to every listening pair and can be shared across social channels. For those wondering, Blend playlists reside in the “Only You” section, but users can “Follow” them just like any other playlist. Paid users can also download the playlist tracks for offline listening. For now, a Blend playlist can only be created using the Spotify mobile app on Android or iOS. It is currently unavailable on the Spotify desktop apps for Mac and Windows, and Spotify isn’t saying whether that will change any time soon.

Spotify Blend is a great initiative from the Swedish music streaming service and one that can further enforce its position as the leader in music streaming. It literally blends together two of Spotify’s biggest strengths — playlist personalization and social integration — and presents them in a way that should engage the young and the young at heart alike. While it is unlikely to be a game-changing feature that will have millions of Amazon Prime Music and Apple Music users leaving their respective services to join Spotify in droves, it should still help the market leader keep its flock together and retain its leadership position for just that bit longer.