Spotify Tests Redesigned User Profiles to Enhance Social Identity

At its recent Stream On event, Spotify unveiled a range of new features for artists, podcasters, and users, including a redesigned app with discovery feeds similar to TikTok, and an AI DJ. Now, the company is testing a revamped user profile, allowing users to create more of a social identity on the platform and gain access to personalized recommendations, co-listening experiences, Blend playlists, and more.

According to a company spokesperson, Spotify routinely conducts tests, some of which inform the user experience while others serve only as learning opportunities. The spokesperson did not commit to making the new feature available to everyone at a particular time, but given how well it fits with the new Spotify redesign, which emphasizes discovery, it is unlikely to be scrapped.

One notable change in this version of user profiles is the new heading at the top of the screen that resembles something seen on a social network. Currently, Spotify user profiles are bare-bones, displaying only the user's name, follower and following counts, playlists, and recently played artists. The new profiles, on the other hand, include more details about the user, such as their Spotify subscription plan, general location, and how long they have been a member. The profiles also feature a button to follow them and another for profile edits, as well as a "vibe" feature to add some personality.

The new profiles retain the sections for playlists and artists but present them as cards, with more interactive features available next to these options. For example, users can click a button to create a new playlist directly from their profile, or use buttons next to each playlist to share them with others. Next to each artist's name is a button to follow the artist on Spotify, which previously required a click into the artist profile.

Under the "Discover more features" section, users are directed to other things they can do on Spotify, such as finding live events, improving recommendations, creating Blends with friends, checking out audiobooks, and more. The profiles also include a message at the bottom indicating that there will be future additions coming to this space beyond the playlists and recently played artists.

While the feature is still in testing, the new user profiles are an exciting development for Spotify users looking to establish more of a social identity on the platform while enjoying personalized recommendations and other unique features.