Spotify launches ‘User Notes’ feature as Kenya takes center stage in latest platform updates

Spotify has announced a wave of new features designed to make music streaming more personal, interactive and powered by artificial intelligence (AI), headlined by User Notes, a new tool that allows users to attach personal memories to songs.

The announcement comes just days after the streaming giant concluded Greasy Tunes Nairobi, a 12-day cultural event celebrating Kenya’s music and creative scene, highlighting the country’s growing importance in Spotify’s expansion across Africa.

Spotify’s new User Notes feature enables listeners aged 16 and above to add short notes to tracks in their library or playlists.

Users can save memories, write messages about why a song matters, or record moments associated with a particular track, whether it’s a graduation, wedding, road trip, heartbreak or another milestone.

Playlist creators can also choose to share these notes with others, adding context to collaborative playlists. The feature is currently rolling out to select markets, with Spotify yet to confirm when it will become available in Kenya.

AI-powered running mode

Spotify has also introduced Running Mode, an AI-powered workout experience that automatically creates playlists based on a user’s workout type, preferred pace, music taste and session length. The feature can also provide optional motivational audio coaching during workouts.

Running Mode is initially available to Premium subscribers using iOS in selected countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Sweden.

More AI features coming to Spotify

The music streaming platform is continuing to expand its AI capabilities through Talk to Spotify, a conversational assistant that lets eligible Premium users discover music, ask questions about artists, revisit listening history and receive personalised recommendations using voice or text.

Spotify is also improving music discovery through smarter recommendations that better understand users’ listening habits and moods, while collaborative playlists are gaining richer insights that show shared listening activity between friends.

The company has further refined playlist management with enhanced queue controls, making it easier for users to organise upcoming tracks and personalise their listening experience.

Kenya in Spotify’s spotlight

The latest product announcements come shortly after Spotify wrapped up Greasy Tunes Nairobi, a 12-day music and culture residency held at Heltz House in Ngara from July 15 to July 26.

The event brought together musicians, DJs, producers, podcasters, fashion designers and other creatives through live performances, workshops and community sessions inspired by Nairobi’s vibrant youth culture.

Spotify said the initiative was aimed at celebrating local talent while strengthening its connection with Kenya’s growing creator economy.

According to the company, Nairobi is one of Africa’s youngest streaming markets, with more than half of Spotify listeners in the city aged between 18 and 24. The event also showcased local artists and the platform’s Made in Kenya playlist.

While Spotify has not confirmed when User Notes, Running Mode and some of its latest AI-powered features will reach Kenya, the company’s continued investment in local music culture suggests Kenyan users remain an important part of its long-term growth plans.

As Spotify continues expanding its personalised experiences worldwide, Kenyan listeners can expect more of these features to arrive in future updates.