The Facebook Messenger chat app has recently been updated with a new Apple Music chat extension. This latest development allows Messenger users access to Apple Music content for full streaming and sharing songs directly within the Messenger app.
There have hints in recent times that both Spotify and Apple Music were coming to Facebook Messenger. Facebook first announced plans at its developer-oriented F8 conference, for both Spotify and Apple Music integration in Messenger in April of 2017. However, the Spotify chat extension has been available for months ahead of the launch of the Apple Music extension.
Spotify was integrated as a chat extension this past August with an AI-powered group playlist feature. Now Apple Music is getting its own presence as the streaming music service has officially launched inside the social network’s Messenger system.
To use the extension, simply tap the plus icon to the left of the chat field and add Apple Music to any conversation. You can also interact directly with the bot in a chat just like you would any other of your friends. Simply search for “Apple Music” from the Messenger home screen and start relating with it to discover new artists and genres. You can even send an emoji to the chatbot and it will suggest a playlist to match.
Only Apple Music subscribers can listen to full tracks from Apple Music however, it is also worth knowing that even if you don’t have an Apple Music subscription, you’ll be able to listen to and share 30-second clips from any track you discover. As you might expect, you can sign up for Apple Music right in Messenger, which will then let you share and listen to full tracks after you commit to monthly payments.
This feature appears to still be rolling out to users hence it has not reached full functionality.
Currently, Apple Music trails Spotify in the number of subscribers worldwide, with the former’s 30 million half of the latter’s 60 million paid users.
