Snapchat is making music discovery a little more social, launching a new Now Playing feature that lets Australians share the soundtrack to their day directly through Snap Map.
Rolling out today across Australia and New Zealand, the new integration with Spotify allows Snapchat users to display what they’re currently listening to in real time, giving friends an easy way to discover new music through the people they already interact with every day.
The feature builds on the popularity of Snap Map, which now reaches more than 450 million monthly users globally, transforming the location sharing experience into a space where music recommendations happen naturally between friends.
Once a Spotify account is linked, users can choose exactly who sees their listening activity. Privacy controls include sharing with all Snapchat friends, only friends already visible on Snap Map, a selected group of friends, or keeping listening habits completely private.
Exploring new music
Now Playing also makes it easier to explore music, tapping a track on Snap Map opens Spotlight videos featuring the same sound, while users can jump directly to Spotify or save tracks straight into their Liked Songs playlist.
According to Ryan Ferguson, Country General Manager for ANZ at Snap, the feature reflects Australia’s deep connection with music.
“From AC/DC to Dom Dolla, Australians have always had some of the most passionate – and unpredictable – music tastes in the world. Millions of Australians connect on Snap Map each month, and Now Playing taps into something that already happens naturally between friends: sharing a song, being surprised by what someone’s into, discovering something new because someone you trust is listening to it. Snap Map is already where Australians share their world with the people they’re closest to – now they can share the soundtrack to it as well.”
Snapchat’s Head of Music, Manny Adler, believes the update adds another layer to how people express themselves online.
“Music is one of the most personal ways people express themselves, and it becomes even more meaningful when it brings friends closer. Now Playing adds a new layer of expression and discovery to Snap Map, helping Snapchatters share the soundtrack to their day and find new music through the people they already know.”
With streaming now central to how Australians discover artists, the partnership between Snapchat and Spotify could make music recommendations feel far more personal than scrolling through an algorithm. Whether it’s your mate spinning Parkway Drive, G Flip or Dom Dolla, discovering your next favourite track may now be as simple as opening Snap Map.
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