Snapchat is turning Snap Map into a music discovery hub with a new feature called Now Playing, designed to let users share the songs they are listening to in real time.
The feature allows Snapchat users to connect their music streaming account, starting with Spotify, and display their current track on Snap Map. Friends can then see what someone is listening to and discover new songs directly through the app. It adds a more personal layer to Snap Map, moving it beyond location sharing and into real-time social expression.
Now Playing also works with Spotlight, Snapchat’s short-form video platform. If users hear a song they like in a Spotlight video, they can save it to Spotify or open the track’s page on the streaming service. This makes it easier for users to discover music through videos, friends, and daily activity inside Snapchat.
Privacy remains a key part of the feature. Users can control who can view their listening activity, giving them the option to share with selected friends or a wider audience depending on their preferences. Snapchat says Now Playing will not show a user’s previously played songs or full listening history.
The sharing feature stays active as long as the user has opened Snapchat within the last 24 hours. If the app is not opened for more than 24 hours, music sharing automatically pauses. It will only resume once the user opens Snapchat again. Users can also manually pause sharing for three hours, 24 hours, or indefinitely.
The launch comes as music continues to play a major role across social media platforms. Short-form videos, viral trends, and real-time sharing have made apps an important part of how people find new artists and tracks. Snapchat is now joining that trend more directly by making music part of the Snap Map experience.
Snapchat’s music lead Manny Adler described music as one of the most personal ways people express themselves, adding that Now Playing is meant to help users share the soundtrack of their day and discover songs through the people they already know.
Snap Map has grown significantly since its launch in 2017. It originally helped users see where their friends were and explore public Snaps from different locations around the world. Over time, it has expanded with features such as local hotspots, nearby activities, and community-based discovery. With Now Playing, Snapchat is adding music discovery to that mix.
The new Snapchat Now Playing feature is rolling out in regions where both Snapchat and Spotify are available. Canada is expected to receive access soon.
