UPDATE 03/22/: This integration has been discontinued. You can still listen to previews of music tracks and podcasts from Spotify directly within the Facebook app.

UPDATE 06/17/: This integration is now available in more than markets globally.

Music has always been a vehicle for expression, but it’s also a means of connection. Whether you’re discovering a new artist through a friend or sharing your favorite songs from growing up, music has the power to bring people together. So today, we’re excited to announce that we’re expanding our partnership with Spotify, making it possible to share and listen to full-length music tracks and podcast episodes on Facebook.

This new feature, which will introduce a miniplayer experience within Facebook, will make it easier for you to connect your Spotify listening experience with your Facebook community. You can share what you&#;re listening to with your friends and others who share your interests. And if you want, you can tell them why it’s meaningful to you.

Here’s how it works:

• When listening to a song or podcast on Spotify, select the “Share” menu (three dots at the upper right), tap “Share,” then “Facebook” and/or “Facebook News Feed.” Similar to posts and status updates on Facebook, you can add a personal message to add some flair.
• People you share with can tap a “Play” button to listen right within the Facebook app, and a miniplayer experience will appear with playback options (Play, Pause, Dismiss). The first time you’re using the miniplayer, you’ll see a consent dialog pop up.
• When you engage with a post from an artist you follow on Facebook, you’ll see a “Play” button so you can easily jump right into their music.
• You can listen to songs and podcasts from the Spotify app via this integration while browsing Facebook, and even while your phone display is turned off.

To enjoy the full playback experience, make sure the Spotify app is installed on your mobile device and you’re logged in to Spotify. Just like the Spotify in-app experience today, you may hear audio ads from Spotify depending on your Spotify account status. Even if you don’t have a Spotify account or the Spotify app installed on your device, you can still listen to a preview right within the Facebook app.

We’re rolling this integration out to 27 markets, including the US, starting today. We look forward to launching to more markets over the coming months, and we&#;ll continue to build unique social experiences and bring music into the ways people connect and share.