Spotify, the popular streaming app, is testing a new feature in its home market of Sweden: an emergency alerts system. This system would allow the app to distribute public announcements related to accidents, serious events, or disruptions of important services. While there is no Swedish law requiring Spotify to provide this service, the company is exploring the possibility of supporting emergency alerts.
The motivation behind this test is not immediately clear. However, one theory is that Spotify wants to encourage users to enable their app notifications. Many users disable alerts from non-essential apps, making it difficult for the app to catch their attention and promote new features. By offering an emergency alerts service, Spotify could become a more essential app to have on hand.
This move also positions Spotify in direct competition with Meta (formerly Facebook), which has offered a Safety Check feature for nearly a decade. This feature allows users to receive updates during major disasters. Google has also leveraged its app’s popularity to alert users of disasters, such as earthquake alerts on Android. In the U.S., there have been discussions about requiring online video and streaming apps to support emergency alerts, similar to TV and radio broadcasters.
Code references found within the Spotify app mention the emergency alerts feature, including phrases like “Emergency alerts in Sweden” and “Receive public emergency alerts.” The code also directs users to the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency site for more information on the alerts system.
A representative from Spotify confirmed the test, stating that it was only being tested in Sweden for now. The company regularly conducts tests to improve the user experience, and some of these tests may lead to broader features in the future.
Overall, Spotify’s exploration of an emergency alerts system showcases its commitment to enhancing user experience and potentially becoming a more essential app in users’ lives. By providing valuable information during emergencies, Spotify could differentiate itself from other entertainment-focused apps and establish itself as a reliable source of critical updates.