Spotify is launching a new “About Song” feature that lets users explore the stories behind the music they’re listening to, the company announced Friday. This feature displays story cards that users can scroll through and rate with a thumbs up or thumbs down.
These swipe-able short stories are aggregated from third-party sources to highlight interesting details and behind-the-scenes moments, the company says.
With this new feature, Spotify gives its users access to a feature not available on competing platforms like Apple Music.
About the Song is available in mobile beta in English for premium users in the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia.
Users can access the new feature through the “Now Playing” screen by scrolling down to find an “About the Song” tab on supported songs, which they can browse and explore the story behind the song.
“Music fans know that feeling: A song stops you in your tracks and you immediately want to know more,” Spotify wrote in a blog post. “What inspired it and what’s the meaning behind it? We believe that understanding the craft and context behind a song can deepen your connection to the music you love.”
It’s been a busy week for Spotify, as About the Song isn’t the only feature it’s announced in recent days.
Yesterday, the streaming service said that users in the US and UK will soon be able to purchase physical copies of their favorite audiobooks directly through the app. Spotify also announced two new audiobook features, including a “Page Match” feature that allows users to scan a page from a physical book and instantly jump to that spot in the audiobook, and “Audiobook Recaps.”
Earlier this week, the company made lyrics translations available worldwide and introduced the ability to view lyrics offline for all users, not just premium subscribers. Spotify has also moved the placement of lyrics, as they now appear directly below the album art or a short looping video that plays alongside the music.
Earlier today, Spotify said it was improving its developer API, which developers use to test third-party apps. The changes include a mandatory premium account, a limit on the number of test users, and a limited set of API endpoints.