Amazon Music now lets you chat with others in groups
What's the story
Amazon Music has launched a new beta feature called "Fan Groups" in Canada. The innovative tool allows users to create and join groups based on their favorite genres and artists. Within these groups, the fans can chat, post, and listen to songs shared by other members. The feature is currently available for testing on both iOS and Android devices.
User guide
How to access the Fan Groups feature
To access the Fan Groups feature, users have to tap on the "Find" tab under the search bar at the top of their app. They can then browse through over 30 different groups dedicated to a variety of musical genres, from indie rock and country to Punjabi and K-pop. This way, users can discover new music communities that align with their personal preferences.
User engagement
Seamless music streaming and interaction
Members of these groups can create new posts, join ongoing chat threads, and share or save recommended songs. The feature also lets users stream music without leaving the conversation or group. Just by tapping the play button at the top, they can listen to all added songs or go to a dedicated "Music" tab next to "Posts." This way, users can enjoy seamless interaction while discovering new music within their communities.
Artist engagement
Artists can also join groups
In a major move, Amazon Music has allowed artists to join these groups. This gives them a unique opportunity to connect with fans directly by sharing exclusive content and interacting more personally. The feature is designed to help artists build stronger communities with their supporters, making it a win-win for both parties involved.
Moderation features
Moderation tools for a safe experience
Anyone can create a new group within the Fan Groups feature. Group admins have the power to mute members and delete messages if necessary. Users also have the option to report content or block other members as needed. These moderation features ensure a safe and controlled environment for all users participating in these music communities on Amazon Music.
Market competition
Competing with Spotify and other platforms
The launch of Fan Groups is part of Amazon's strategy to take on Spotify, which has been trying to engage users with different social features. Notably, Spotify introduced a messaging feature in August and a "Jam" facility that lets users co-create playlists with friends and listen together. Other platforms like SoundCloud and Stationhead have also added new social functionalities like commenting features and direct messaging tools for artists.