Spotify uses a wide variety of notification types to drive user engagement and encourage specific actions, such as listening to music, exploring new content, or attending live events. These notifications are customizable and can be toggled on or off in the app’s settings. Users can also choose to receive the notifications through push and/or via email, depending on their preferences.
Like Duolingo, Spotify does not automatically decide to spam users for every notification type, choosing to protect the channels it uses, and gives user’s fine grained control through a dedicated notification settings
(you can toggle the notifications by navigating to Settings > Notifications in the app.)
Spotify’s notifications are categorized into multiple types, each targeting a unique user behavior or interest. These include recommendations, updates, and personalized experiences. Let’s dive into some examples:
Spotify notifies users about upcoming concerts or events featuring their favorite artists, based on location and listening habits.
Example Notification:
For podcast enthusiasts, Spotify sends personalized suggestions for trending or related shows based on listening history.
Example Notification:
“You loved The Daily. Here’s another podcast you might enjoy!”
Spotify keeps users up-to-date with new episodes of their subscribed or favorite podcasts.
Example Notification:
Spotify helps users discover new music with notifications tailored to their listening habits. These messages often highlight new releases from favorite artists or suggest curated playlists.
Example Notification:
“New Music Friday is here! 🎵 Check out the week’s hottest tracks.”
Spotify uses notifications to highlight app features, helping users get the most out of the platform.
Example Notification:
“Did you know you can save your favorite tracks for offline listening? 📲 Try it now!”
Occasionally, Spotify sends promotional notifications with discounts or trials for premium subscriptions.
Example Notification:
“Enjoy 3 months of Spotify Premium for just $9.99! 🎉 Upgrade now.”
Spotify also engages users by sharing curated playlists or content tied to news events or cultural moments.
Example Notification:
“Celebrate Pride Month 🌈 with our special playlist featuring LGBTQ+ artists.”
Spotify connects fans with their favorite artists by notifying them about exclusive merch drops.
Example Notification:
“Limited Edition: Billie Eilish merch is now available! 🖤 Shop the collection.”
Spotify’s push notification strategy is a masterclass in personalization and value, making sure the user has complete control, and does not recieve notifications that are overwhelmingly annoying
