On Monday, Amazon Music revealed “Fan Groups,” a new beta tool that enables users to form and join communities centered around their preferred artists and music genres. Within these groups, fans can chat, share posts, and listen to tracks posted by other members.
Currently, this feature is available for testing in Canada on both iOS and Android platforms.
To find Fan Groups, users can go to the “Find” section just below the app’s search bar. According to a company blog post, this area features more than 30 groups, each focused on different musical styles—from indie rock and country to K-pop and Punjabi music.
Members of these groups can start new discussions, join ongoing chats, and share or bookmark song recommendations. Music can be played right within the group chat—simply tap the play icon at the top to hear all shared tracks, or switch to the “Music” tab next to “Posts.”
Importantly, artists themselves are able to participate in these groups, offering them a direct channel to engage with their audience. They can post exclusive updates, interact more closely, and foster a tighter-knit fan community.
Image Credits:Amazon Music
Anyone has the ability to create a new group, and group admins have the authority to mute participants or remove messages, a company representative shared with TechCrunch. Users can also report inappropriate content and block others if necessary.
This addition highlights Amazon’s efforts to rival Spotify, which has been enhancing its platform with various social features to boost user engagement.
Spotify rolled out a messaging tool in August, along with a “Jam” feature that lets friends collaboratively build playlists and listen together in real time.
SoundCloud, too, includes a commenting system and has recently upgraded its service with new social tools, such as playlists based on friends’ listening habits and a direct messaging option for artists. Stationhead, another platform, enables users to enjoy music together during live-streamed sessions.
Fan Groups is expected to become available to users in the United States and additional regions starting next year.
