Spotify is expanding the basic Group Session feature by introducing Jam (or "Start a Jam"), which includes a powerful personalization feature and is now available to both Premium and free users. Now, not just Premium subscribers but everyone can have a say in the music. It's a truly welcome new way to listen together in real time, whether virtually or in person.
Here's what you can do with Jam: Premium subscribers can create and host the session, invite both Premium and free users to join, adjust the volume, and control what guests can do in the Jam. Everyone in the session can add songs, vote on what plays next, and check shared recommendations to see what others like.
Currently, Jam is available on computers, smartphones, tablets, TVs, supported Bluetooth devices, and even Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Let's start the party!
Key Features of Spotify Jam:
- Shared Queue: Everyone can add songs, and changes appear in real time.
- Group Recommendations: Spotify suggests tracks based on all participants' tastes.
- Free vs Premium: Only Premium users can start a Jam; Free and Premium users can join. Up to 32 people can participate, in person or remotely.
- Host Controls: Hosts manage playback, queue order, and can let guests control volume or the queue.
- Invite Options: Invite via link, QR code, or tap phones together. Same Wi-Fi users may get automatic prompts.
- Device Support: Works on desktop, mobile, Android Auto, CarPlay, and most Bluetooth or smart speakers.
Part 1. How to Start a Spotify Jam
Desktop
- Open Spotify and go to the song or playlist you want to start a Jam with.
- Right-click on the track or playlist, or open the devices menu.
- Tap Start a Jam.
- Tap Invite.
- You can send invitations by sharing a QR code or a link with your friends and family.
Mobile (iOS & Android)
- Open Spotify.
- From Now Playing, tap the Connect Device icon. Alternatively, select a playlist > More.
- Tap Start a Jam.
- Tap Invite.
- Share a link, scan a QR code, or tap phones together (Bluetooth on) to invite friends. If using a smart speaker or Bluetooth speaker, the Jam starts automatically, and others on the same Wi-Fi network can join.
TV
- Open Spotify.
- Tap Queue & Jam.
- Choose how you want to invite others — have friends scan the QR code or the notification shown at the end of the track.
Android Auto
- From Now Playing, tap Jam.
- Choose a way to invite friends — share the QR code or enable Bluetooth for nearby joining.
CarPlay
- From Now Playing, tap Queue & Jam.
- Share the QR code or enable Bluetooth to invite friends.
Part 2. How to Join a Spotify Jam
Desktop and Mobile
- Open Spotify.
- Tap the Jam invitation link, scan the QR code, or bring your device close to the host (up to 1 meter) to join automatically via Bluetooth.
- Tap Join and choose to listen remotely or in person.
- Note: Anyone can join a Jam, but you need Spotify Premium to join remotely.
- Add tracks from Search or Group Recommendations.
- View the Jam queue and see who added each track.
Part 3. How to Use a Spotify Jam
1. Sync a Jam
The host sets up the queue, allowing everyone to listen together and add new music. Playback stays synced across all devices, and any changes — such as added songs, queue updates, or votes — are reflected in real time.
2. Add Songs to a Jam
You can play, pause, or skip tracks (if allowed by the host), as well as view, add, and reorder songs in the shared queue. You can also add new tracks by searching for them or browsing. However, only hosts can adjust playback volume from the mobile app unless you're using the Jam in a car because anyone can control the volume with the car's dial.
Desktop and Mobile
- Open the Jam session.
- Tap Add Songs on the Jam screen.
- Search for a song or browse Group Recommendations.
- Select a track to add it to the shared queue.
- Participants can see who added each track and vote on it.
Part 4. How to Manage a Spotify Jam
1. Remove Participants
- Open the Jam session as the host.
- Tap the participant's name or the 3-dot menu.
- Tap Remove from Jam.
2. Adjust Volume
- Open the Jam session as the host.
- Tap the current device.
- Toggle Let guests change volume ON or OFF.
3. Control Playback
- Open the Jam session as the host.
- Tap the current device or Jam settings.
- Toggle Let others change what's playing ON to allow guests to control playback.
- Toggle OFF to restrict guests to only adding songs.
Part 5. How to End or Leave a Spotify Jam
1. Leave a Jam
- Open the Jam session.
- Tap the current device.
- Tap Leave to exit the Jam.
2. End a Jam (Host Only)
- Open the Jam session as the host.
- Tap the device you're hosting on.
- Tap End Jam to close the session for everyone.
Part 6. How to Fix Spotify Jam Issues
Fix Hosting Issues
- Make sure you're signed in with a Premium account. Only Premium users can start and host a Jam.
- Confirm your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection is stable. If needed, switch networks or toggle Airplane Mode off and on.
- Check your connected speaker or Bluetooth device to ensure it appears in Spotify's list of available playback options.
- Restart the app and try starting a Jam again.
- If the problem persists, sign out and back in, or reinstall Spotify to refresh the app setup.
Fix Joining Issues
- Accept the Jam invitation sent by the host via link or QR code.
- Ensure you're logged in to your Spotify account and that your app is updated to the latest version.
- Turn on Bluetooth and keep your device close to the host if joining in person.
- If you're connecting over Wi-Fi, check that both devices are on the same network.
- Reopen Spotify and tap the Join link again if it didn't work the first time.
Fix Volume and Control Issues
- Check whether your speaker supports shared volume control. Some devices don't allow guests to change the volume.
- Ask the host to open Jam settings and enable "Allow guests to adjust volume" or "Let others control playback".
- If you're using a Bluetooth speaker or car system, adjust the volume directly on that device.
- Leave the Jam and rejoin to refresh the connection if controls are still limited.
Fix Playback or Sync Problems
- Test your internet speed to make sure it's fast enough for group streaming.
- Update Spotify on all devices to ensure everyone's using the same app version.
- Close other apps running in the background to free up memory and bandwidth.
- Leave and rejoin the Jam to sync playback again.
Pro Tip: How to Listen to Spotify Music Anytime, Anywhere
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It's an easy way to keep your playlists with you and share them freely, no matter where or how you listen.
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Adam Gorden, the digital media specialist at ViWizard, is dedicated to providing the best solutions for digital media management, including audio and video conversion, file optimization, and media workflow enhancements.
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