Apple Music: Shared playlists now available

Apple has released a long-awaited feature with the update for iOS 17.3, iPadOS, macOS and the Android version of Apple Music: collaborative playlists. This feature was announced at WWDC in June last year as part of iOS 17 - with the release of iOS 17.3, iPadOS 17.3, macOS Sonoma 14.3 and Apple Music 4.6.0, it is now available in practice.
For artists, DJs and music lovers, this new option offers interesting opportunities to curate music together and create new forms of fan engagement.

What can collaborative playlists do?

Collaborative playlists allow multiple Apple Music subscribers to create a playlist together. This means

• Adding, removing and reordering tracks - in real time and synchronized.
• Transparency: Small profile pictures show who has contributed which song.
• Reactions with emojis: Emojis can be added to individual tracks and appear directly in the playlist.

This opens up new creative areas of application for artists in particular - e.g. for interactive fan campaigns, joint pre-listening playlists or community curation.

How it works - step by step

1. Update the software
   Make sure you are using iOS 17.3, iPadOS 17.3, macOS Sonoma 14.3 or Apple Music 4.6.0 (Android).
2. Create or open a playlist
   Tap the person icon at the top right to invite contributors.
3. Share the invitation link
   You can share or copy the link directly in apps. The link is valid for 6 days and can be renewed at any time.
4. Manage access rights
   With "Approved collaborators" you decide whether new participants need to be confirmed. You can also end the collaboration, generate a QR code or leave the playlist.
5. Use emojis
   During playback, you can select an emoji using the smiley icon - this is displayed next to the song in the playlist.
    

Why this is relevant for artists

Apple Music is sending a strong signal towards community features with this function. This opens up new opportunities for artists:

• Shared fan playlists
• Track presentations with reaction option
• Collaborations with other artists and curators
• Transparent music suggestions in a team or label environment
   

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With collaborative playlists, Apple is introducing a feature that Spotify users are already familiar with - but is adding its own touches with intuitive management options and emoji reactions. Artists can use playlists as an interactive tool - both creatively and strategically.