On August 26, 2025, Spotify unveiled Messages, a direct messaging feature designed to enhance user engagement by facilitating the sharing of music, podcasts, and audiobooks within the app. This feature is available to both Free and Premium users aged 16 and above in select markets on mobile devices.
Feature Overview
The Messages feature allows users to share content seamlessly. By tapping the share icon in the Now Playing view, users can select a contact and send tracks accompanied by text and emoji reactions. Conversations are accessible under the user’s profile menu, with Spotify suggesting message recipients based on prior interactions such as collaborative playlists, Jam sessions, or participation in Family and Duo plans.
Technical Infrastructure
Underpinning the Messages feature is a RESTful API operating over HTTPS (TLS 1.3), utilizing JSON Web Tokens (JWT) for session authentication. Spotify enforces industry-standard encryption protocols for data both in transit and at rest. Additionally, the platform proactively scans for harmful or illegal content in accordance with its Terms of Use and Platform Rules. Users have the option to accept or reject message requests, block senders, or disable the Messages feature entirely through the app’s settings.
Potential Security Risks
While the introduction of direct messaging enhances user experience, it also introduces potential security vulnerabilities if not properly managed. Key risks include:
– Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): If message fields are not adequately sanitized, attackers could inject malicious JavaScript code that executes when the recipient views the message.
– Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF): Attackers might send phishing links to a user’s contacts, leading to unauthorized actions on behalf of the user.
– OAuth Token Exploitation: Malicious links could deceive users into granting permissions via OAuth, allowing attackers to capture access tokens and gain unauthorized access to user accounts.
– Malicious Deep-Linking: Spotify URIs could be manipulated to redirect users to harmful websites or prompt unintended app behaviors.
Mitigation Strategies
To address these potential threats, Spotify can implement several security measures:
– Strict Input Validation: Ensuring that all user inputs are properly validated to prevent injection attacks.
– SameSite Cookies: Implementing SameSite=strict cookies to mitigate CSRF attacks.
– Content Security Policy (CSP) Headers: Enforcing CSP headers to control the sources from which content can be loaded, reducing the risk of XSS attacks.
– Token Management: Regularly rotating refresh tokens and monitoring for suspicious activity to prevent unauthorized access.
Conclusion
As Spotify’s Messages feature continues its global rollout, it is imperative for both the company and its users to prioritize security. By balancing seamless social sharing with robust security practices, Spotify aims to ensure that the new messaging functionality enhances user engagement without compromising safety.
