Spotify is testing new card-style user profiles focused on discovery

Image credit: Getty Images

At Spotify’s Stream On event this month, the company showcased a redesigned app with a TikTok-like discovery feed, an AI DJ and other tools for artists and podcasters. But app changes can go much further. The company confirmed that it is currently testing a revamped user profile. This includes a card-style layout that allows users to establish more social identities on the platform, with easy access to his Spotify’s unique features like personalized recommendations, blended playlists and more. can. , co-listening experience, etc.

The change was first discovered in Chris Messina, shared a screenshot of the test on Twitter. He noted the cards added to profiles and the new layout directing users to “discover more features” by tapping buttons.

However, some Spotify users have said they have had their profiles updated for some time now. These profiles are not fully deployed to all users.

Spotify didn’t promise to make this feature available to everyone anytime. New company ideas are often publicly tested and revised based on user engagement and feedback before being rolled out globally. Or, in some cases, it’s completely discarded. That said, given how well it fits into the new Spotify-focused redesign, it’s not very likely that this will be removed.

“We run a lot of tests on a regular basis,” a company spokesperson told TechCrunch when asked about the new profile. “Some of these tests ultimately inform the user experience, while others serve only as important learning. We have nothing more to share at this time,” they added.

Image credit: Chris Messina via Twitter (opens in new window)

A notable change in this version of user profiles is the new headline at the top of the screen, similar to what you see in social networks. Currently, Spotify’s user profile is pretty barebones. The person’s name, number of followers, and number of followers are displayed above the list of playlists and recently played artists. By comparison, the new profile includes follower and following counts, as well as other details about the person, such as which Spotify plan they’re subscribed to, how long they’ve been a Spotify member, and their approximate location (e.g., US). A button that lets you follow them, and another button for profile editing.

There’s also a fun feature where you can set a “feel” above your name to give your profile a little flair.

Image credit: Chris Messina via Twitter (opens in new window)

The new profile still has sections for playlists and artists, but these are displayed as cards with more interactive features available next to these options. You can create playlists and share them with others using the button next to each playlist. Next to each artist name is also a button that allows you to follow the artist on Spotify. Until now, you had to follow the artist by clicking her profile. This is especially useful if you are visiting other people’s profiles and discovering new artists through their activities.

Under the “Discover More Features” section of the new profile, users will be pointed to other things they can do with Spotify — discover live events, like more songs and improve recommendations, Create a blend with friends, check out new audiobooks on Spotify and more.

The bottom of the profile also contains the message “Show more cards”. This indicates future additions to this space beyond playlists and recently played artists. But the feature isn’t fully built out yet — Messina says that when you click it, an in-app message says ‘There’s nothing here yet’ and Spotify says ‘I’ve got content for you. We’re busy building more,” he said, notifying users.

(Would you mind suggesting that we incorporate podcast recommendations into this experience?)

These changes make sense as part of Spotify’s broader focus on the discoveries driving its recent app updates. So, beyond just showing a user’s basic information and activity, these redesigned profiles will allow people to explore more of what Spotify has to offer, allowing people to discover new artists and music from someone else’s. It’s now easier to find and enjoy directly from your profile, with fewer clicks. .