Pandora has become the first music streaming company to launch its own iMessage extension, allowing users to send tracks to their friends within the iMessage app.
Pandora’s iMessage extension on Apple’s iOS 10 lets you text your favourite music, within the Pandora app.
Available in the AppStore for iMessage, Pandora’s new sharing feature is bringing a collaborative and fun way to play, discover and interact with music directly in your iMessage chat threads.
The person the track is shared with will be able to listen to a 30-second preview sample directly within their iMessage chat thread. They can then tap ‘Start Station’ and dive right in to discover more from that artist and similar artists on Pandora. And if the recipient does not have Pandora installed, they will be prompted to download it.
The current track will pop up under ‘Now Playing’ in iMessage. Pandora’s curators will also handpick tracks that are good for sharing, including the top hits and songs that are trending.
Users need to have iOS 10 installed and once within their iMessage chat thread, they can select the App Store icon above the keyboard. Users will then see a grid view for apps they have already enabled and need to select the ‘Store’ button on the top left. They can then toggle Pandora in the ‘Manage’ tab and the exploration of musical expression can begin.
Pandora has also created a pack of 12 custom stickers that let you react to the tunes you’re sharing, including thumbs up, thumbs down, jam alert and some versions featuring the new Pandora logo.
“The new iMessage sharing feature is a great way for Pandora to further engage with its listeners. Pandora continues to lead the way in innovation as we grow momentum in the Australian and New Zealand markets,” Pandora Australia and New Zealand managing director Jane Huxley said.
Pandora for iMessage is available to download now from the iMessage App Store for all Pandora users.
