Spotify’s new feature lets you explore the story behind the song you’re listening to

Spotify on Friday announced the launch of a new “About Song” feature that allows users to explore the stories behind the music they listen to. The feature displays short story cards that users can scroll through and rate with a thumbs up or down.

The company says these short, scrollable stories are summarized from external sources to highlight interesting details and behind-the-scenes moments.

Through this new feature, Spotify gives its users access to a feature that is not available on competing platforms such as Apple Music.

About the Song is rolling out as a mobile beta in English to premium users in the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia.

Users can access the new feature through the Now Playing screen by swiping down to find the About Song card on supported tracks, after which they can scroll to explore the story behind the track.

“Music lovers know that feeling: a song stops you in your tracks, and you instantly want to know more,” Spotify wrote in a blog post. “What inspired it, and what is the meaning behind it? We believe that understanding the craft and context behind a song can deepen your connection to the music you love.”

It’s been a busy week for Spotify, as About the Song isn’t the only feature announced in recent days.

Yesterday, the streaming service revealed that users in the US and UK will soon be able to purchase physical copies of their favorite audiobooks directly through the app. Spotify also announced two new features for audiobooks, including “Page Match,” which allows users to scan a page from a physical book to instantly jump to that place in the audiobook, and “Audiobook Recaps.”

Earlier this week, the company made lyrics translation available worldwide and introduced the ability to view lyrics offline to all users, not just premium subscribers. Spotify has also moved the location of song lyrics, where they will now appear directly below album artwork or a short, looping video that plays alongside the music.

Earlier today, Spotify said it was revamping its developer mode APIs, which developers use to test third-party apps. The changes include a mandatory privileged account, a cap on the number of test users, and a limited set of API endpoints.