WASHINGTON: Facebook has expanded its partnership with Spotify, enabling paying subscribers to share and listen to full-length music tracks and podcasts directly within the Facebook app, which is called Project Boombox.
The integration launched in 27 markets, including the U.S., and will reach more territories in the coming months. Facebook described the expansion as a “natural next step” in its ongoing relationship with Spotify.
According to details, paying Spotify subscribers will be able to listen to audio content — including full music tracks and podcasts — on Facebook, using a miniplayer to allow continued scrolling within the networking app.
In addition to the full-track capability via a “miniplayer experience,” users can share 30-second music clips from Spotify and other music services into Facebook and Instagram Stories.
“Music has always been a vehicle for expression, but it’s also a means of connection,” a Facebook blog post said. “Whether you’re discovering a new artist through a friend or sharing your favorite songs from growing up, music has the power to bring people together,” it added.
The announcement comes a week after Facebook said it was adding podcasts and “live audio rooms” as it faces competition from the fast-growing audio-based app Clubhouse.
More than 170 million people are connected to Facebook pages centered on podcasts, and some 35 million users are members of podcast fan groups, but before now listening to one required leaving the social network.
