Spotify tests new feature that lets NFT holders unlock exclusive playlists

Spotify is testing a new feature that could provide exclusive access to playlists through the use of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). The company is reportedly piloting playlists that can only be unlocked by NFT holders in certain geographies. Kingship, a metaverse band signed to Universal Music Group, is one of the communities that has released a special playlist that can only be accessed by Kingship key card NFT holders. To unlock the playlist, users have to link a crypto wallet like Metamask, Trust Wallet, Rainbow, Ledger Live, or Zerion to authenticate the NFT.

The experience is currently only available to Android users in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Australia, and New Zealand. iPhone users are unable to access the feature due to restrictions on NFT functionality that Apple released in October 2022. Other communities like Overlord, Fluf, and Kevin Rose’s Moonbirds are also publishing playlists that can be unlocked by their token holders.

Spotify has confirmed the pilot by commenting on Overload and Kingship’s tweets. However, the company has not provided any further details on the feature. A spokesperson for the company stated that this is just one of the many tests being conducted by the company to improve user experience. The spokesperson also confirmed that the service is for Spotify Premium users only and that the playlists would be updated throughout the three-month testing period.

The announcement of the NFT-gated playlists pilot comes just before Spotify’s Stream On event on March 8. This indicates that Spotify may have more tech ready to offer content, including songs, albums, or podcasts that could be token gated. Last year, the company experimented with a profile feature that allowed artists to promote their digital art. It also published web3-related job listings in its engineering and marketing departments.

However, the current economic conditions have changed significantly, and many companies, including Spotify, have had to lay off employees and shelve multiple projects. Additionally, crypto markets and companies are facing tough times. Amidst this, many companies have stopped talking about their web3 ambitions.

The pilot indicates that Spotify is still exploring the potential of NFTs and other blockchain-related technologies. This could lead to a more extensive range of content being token gated in the future, which could be beneficial for both the company and its users. Hopefully, more details on this feature will be revealed at the upcoming Stream On event.