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What is a Spotify Group Session?

MihailY
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Hey folks, Group Session has been replaced by Jams. You can read more about it here.

 

Spoiler

Answer:

 

A group session is a fun way for users to create a shared listening experience with their friends and loved ones.


Who can make use of group sessions?
Anyone on a Premium plan using mobile or tablet.

 

What type of group sessions are there?

Currently, Spotify offers Remote group session (up to 7 users) and Group session on speaker (up to 5 users). Remote group session is also integrated into SharePlay, so iOS and iPadOS users running version 15.1 or higher can start a session while in a Facetime call (up to 8 users). Below we'll provide more details about each feature.

 

Remote group session

 

Spoiler

In a group session, everyone invited – no matter where they are – can control what plays.

How to start one?
1. Open Spotify and play something.
2. Tap MihailY_4-1667563434666.png at the bottom of the screen.
3. Tap Start a remote group session.
4. Tap Invite friends
5. Select how you want to share, or choose Copy link and send it to your friends.
Now invited friends can listen on their own device.

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How to keep to the music flowing?

If you'd like to play a song but you don't want to interrupt the currently playing one, you can simply choose Add to queue after clicking on your track. This will ensure that you'll enjoy a smooth transition between songs with no sudden changes in the playback.


How to leave or end a remote group session?
1. Tap MihailY_4-1667563434666.png at the bottom of the screen.
2. Tap Leave session or End session.

 

Group session on speaker

 

Spoiler

Friends who join a session can control what plays on a speaker. This feature works with smart speakers and most Bluetooth speakers.

How to start a group session on speaker?

Note: Make sure your device and the speaker are on the same WiFi network.
1. Open Spotify and play something.
2. Tap MihailY_4-1667563434666.png and choose the device you want to play on.
3. Now multiple people can join and control this speaker.
Note: Group session on a speaker is on by default. The setting is set by device, meaning if you turn it off for the speaker in your living room, the setting will be back on if you connect to the speaker in your bedroom. But if you join the living room speaker again, it will be off. 

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How to join a group session on speaker?

Participants can control what’s playing on the speaker. They can also invite and remove friends.
If you are on the same WiFi network, you can join the session without invitation.
1. Tap MihailY_4-1667563434666.png and select the speaker your friend is playing on.
2. Tap Join session.

3. If you aren’t on the same WiFi network, the host or another participant can send you a QR code or a link with an invitation. Scan the QR code or use the link to join the session.

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How to add or remove friends from a group session on speaker?

To add someone to the session:
1. Tap the current device you’re listening on.
2. Tap the arrow/avatar next to it. (Note: Make sure the group session on speaker is on and that you're not currently in a Remote group session.
3. Tap Invite.
4. Here you can share a QR code they can scan to join, or tap Share as link to send your own way.
Tip: Friends in the same WiFi network can join the session without invitation.


To remove someone from the session:
1. Tap the current device you’re listening on.
2. Tap the arrow/avatar next to it.
3. Tap Remove all participants. Or, tap next to the participant and tap Remove from session.


How to leave a group session on speaker?
1. Tap the current device you’re listening on.
2. Select a different device to play on in the available devices list.
Note: If a host leaves, it’ll end the session for everyone.


 

SharePlay

 

Spoiler

During a SharePlay session, anyone on the call can listen to and control what plays.

 

How to start a SharePlay session?
While you’re on a FaceTime call, open the Spotify app and play something.

This will start a Spotify remote group session and others can join through SharePlay in the FaceTime call.

 
 
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How to join a SharePlay session?
Note: You need to have Spotify installed on your device.

When someone in the call starts a Spotify remote group session, you’ll be invited to join in SharePlay.

Once you join, you can listen together in the call and control what plays in the Spotify app.

 

How to leave a SharePlay session?
Note: If you started the session, leaving will end the session for everyone.

To leave the session, you can:

• Leave the session from the SharePlay banner
• Tap Leave session or End session in the Spotify app
• End the FaceTime call

Can you listen to anything or is there a restriction on what is available?
You can listen to all Spotify content that is available for everyone in their geographical locations.

Does this work on Android?
Spotify will support SharePlay on iOS 15 and iPadOS 15. Apple does not yet support SharePlay for Android. 

What if I have Spotify but not loaded on that specific device, will it still work?
You need to download the Spotify App on your iPhone or iPad for a Spotify session via SharePlay to work. 

What if someone on the call doesn't have a Spotify account?
When someone does not have a Spotify account, this person will be directed to the App Store to download the Spotify app.

Can I still connect to my speaker?
Yes, when in a Remote Group Session you can enjoy listening to your Spotify audio on your speakers, just like you would normally do.
Note: While in a FaceTime call, you can change the volume of your speaker from the volume slider in the device picker. The hardware buttons control your FaceTime volume.

Will songs that other people play end up as part of my listening history?
Yes, they will end up in everyone’s Recently Played but only the host’s recommendations will be affected.

 

What to do if something isn't working as expected?

• Check if you have an active Premium subscription.
• Make sure you’re using mobile or tablet (this feature doesn’t work with desktop).

 

Group session on speaker:

• Make sure your device is connected to the same WiFi network as the speaker and

• You’re connecting to the right speaker from the list of available devices.

• If the other users don't see the speaker in the list of available devices, try sending them a link or ask them to scan the QR code.

 

iOS and iPadOS users:

• Make sure your OS is supported (15.1 or higher).