Some streaming platforms don’t even have a basic collaborative playlist. Off the top of my head, I can name three types of collaborative playlists on Spotify. One of them is the Spotify Jam.
Now, I want to talk about how to start a Spotify Jam session, how to use it, why it might not be working for you, and so much more.
- How to Start Spotify Jam: TL; DR
- What Is a Spotify Jam?
- How to Start a Jam on Spotify Mobile App
- How to Start a Spotify Jam on PC [Mac + Windows]
- How to Start Spotify Jam on Spotify TV App
- How to Join Spotify Jam Session
- How to Control Spotify Jam Session as a Host
- Spotify Jam Not Working: Potential Causes
- Spotify Features Similar to Jam
- FAQs
- Time to Start a Jam Spotify Session!
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How to Start Spotify Jam: TL; DR
The fastest way to start a Spotify Jam session is to open a playlist or song on Spotify, tap the three dots, and select “Start a Jam”. You can then use the QR code or invite link to get your friends to join the Jam. This is valid for both mobile and desktop users.
What Is a Spotify Jam?
A Spotify Jam is a real-time group listening session on Spotify. It’s a live playlist that all participants can contribute to. Think of it like an old-school jukebox in a bar, but digital.
A Jam on Spotify has a host and guests. The host has full control and determines the level of control other people in the Jam have, such as whether they can control the volume (on select devices), pause/stop the music, or even contribute to the playlist.
Spotify Jam’s key component is real-time listening. Sure, there are collaborative playlists on Spotify, but a Jam only works in real-time, and everyone listens to the song that’s on at that very moment.
While people can also add or remove songs to a collaborative playlist, they can also listen to the playlist as they please, each on their own device.
To start a Jam on Spotify, you need to be a Premium user. Free users can still join a Jam, but without making any contributions. The feature is available both on mobile and desktop apps – but not through the Spotify Web Player.
How to Start a Jam on Spotify Mobile App
- 1. Find a song, album, or playlist that you want to start a Spotify Jam with.
- 2. Tap the three-dot icon next to the song or the three dots below the playlist’s name.
- 3. Select “Start a Jam” from the menu.
- 4. Choose how you wish to share your Jam.
The next step is to add songs, interact with people, and have fun!
Note that mobile users can also join a Spotify Jam via Bluetooth by tapping their phones to the host’s phone with Bluetooth on.
You can also start a Spotify Jam from the Now Playing menu by tapping the three dots at the top-right corner and selecting “Start a Jam”.
How to Start a Spotify Jam on PC [Mac + Windows]
As of March 2024, Spotify Jam is also available on desktop devices. It works pretty much the same as on mobile devices.
- 1. Open a playlist, album, or song you want to start your Jam with.
- 2. Tap the three dots below the album/playlist name or next to the song.
- 3. Select “Start a Jam” from the dropdown menu.
- 4. Send out your invite link or use the QR code to get people to join.
How to Start Spotify Jam on Spotify TV App
The Spotify TV app is a niche product, for sure. But, it supports the Jam feature, so let’s cover it. This is how to start your Spotify Jam session on the TV app.
- 1. Open your Spotify TV app and play a song of your choice.
- 2. As the song is playing, navigate to “Queue & Jam” with your remote.
- 3. Your Jam QR code will be on the screen. Anyone can scan it with their phone camera to join the Spotify Jam session.
As you can see, the Spotify TV app offers only one way to join a Spotify Jam – the QR code. You can’t generate a sharing link (available on mobile and desktop apps), and you can’t use a Bluetooth connection (mobile app only). But hey, it’s there!
How to Join a Spotify Jam Session
To join a Spotify Jam, you also need to be connected to the same WiFi source as the host. Or, you’ll need to turn on Bluetooth on your phone. After that, the steps are easy.
- 1. Click the invite link or scan the Spotify Jam QR code.
- 2. Choose if you want to join remotely (Premium-only) or in-person (both Free and Premium).
- 3. Select “Join” and you’re in.
Mobile users looking to join via Bluetooth need to be standing 1m (3 feet) within the host’s range. Also, the Jam needs to be active when joining the session – and you need to be a Spotify user, of course. A couple of notes:
- • Spotify Free users can only join a Jam session and listen. No adding songs, no control over what’s playing
- • Spotify Premium users can start and join Jam sessions. As guests, they can add songs and control what’s playing if the host allows it.
How to Control Spotify Jam Session as a Host
As a host, you are in charge of the Spotify Jam session. This means you can add or remove people but also set what they can do in your Jam to an extent.
How to Remove People from Spotify Jam
Removing people from a Spotify Jam comes down to a click or two, and only the host can do it.
- • On mobile, open the jam, tap the three dots next to the person you want to remove and select “Remove from Jam“. Or, you can tap “Remove all participants” to empty the Jam session.
- • On desktop, click on “Remove” next to the participant you want out.
How to Control Spotify Jam Volume
The host is in full control of the volume of any Spotify Jam session. There is no special Jam Volume slider, just your normal Spotify volume control.
However, on Chomecast and Amazon Cast devices, you can find a slider called “Let guests change volume”. Switching it on will allow every Jam participant to – you guessed it! – change volume. Personally, I only recommend this for smaller, more intimate Jam sessions and not for full-on parties.
Who Can Control Spotify Jam
The host has full control of a Spotify Jam session, meaning they can pause, stop, play, or skip songs. The host can also give this control to guests.
- • On mobile, open the jam, tap the three dots next to the person you want to remove and select “Remove from Jam“. Or, you can tap “Remove all participants” to empty the Jam session.
- • On the desktop, on the Spotify Jam Queue screen, there’s the same “Let others change what’s playing” slider. Switch it on.
Spotify Jam Not Working: Potential Causes
Several factors can cause the issue of Spotify Jam not syncing or not working altogether.
- • Spotify Jam is limited for Free users: Spotify Free users can’t start a Spotify Jam. They can only join them as listeners – without adding songs to the playlist.
- • Your Spotify app isn’t up to date: Update your Spotify app to make sure the Jam works smoothly. The feature is not available on mobile app versions before 8.8.68 and on desktop apps prior to the 1.2.32 version.
- • The Spotify Jam link is no longer active: Once the host ends the Spotify Jam, it’s over, and no one can join.
- • The Jam has reached the maximum number of users: Spotify Jam sessions are capped at 32 users. Once that number is reached, no new users can join until someone leaves.
- • You are not on the same WiFi as the host: You can only join a Spotify Jam via an invite link or QR code if you are on the same WiFi connection as the Jam host.
Spotify Features Similar to Jam
If you’re looking for something similar to the Spotify Jam feature, I think you essentially have two options: Blend and classic shared playlists.
- • Spotify Blend: A Spotify Blend is an auto-generated playlist where Spotify makes a playlist that combines the tastes of all users involved into a single playlist. There is also an option to make a Blend with famous people, including musicians, influencers, and sports players.
- • Spotify Collaborative Playlist: A classic shared playlist where all contributors can add or remove songs. The playlists are permanent and available at any time. They don’t end once the host leaves.
FAQs
Can I start a Spotify Jam session without Premium subscription?
No, only Premium users can host a Spotify Jam session. As a Free user, you can join a Jam but only in the listening mode without adding songs.
Why is my Spotify Jam link not working?
A Spotify Jam link no longer works after the host has ended the session. You also need to be on the same WiFi connection as the host. Ad blockers can interfere with the link, too.
Can I start a Spotify jam on multiple speakers?
No, Spotify Jam only works with one Bluetooth device. Of course, you can connect to a single multi-speaker system via Bluetooth, but you can’t connect to separate speakers through Bluetooth.
Is Spotify Jam the same as Spotify Blend?
No, Spotify Jam is similar to Spotify Blend because both are collaborative playlists. However, the Jam is a live listening party, while the Blend is an algorithm-generated playlist that blends the tastes of multiple users.
Is Spotify Jam a collaborative playlist?
Spotify Jam is a type of real-time collaborative playlist. The difference is that a Jam is like a live listening session, while a regular collaborative playlist can be played on any device at any time.
Who controls the volume in Spotify Jam?
The host controls the Spotify Jam Volume. On Chromecast and Amazon Cast devices, the host can grant guests permission to change the volume under Spotify Jam settings.
Who can stop or pause songs in a Spotify Jam session?
By default, only the host can control the Spotify Jam, but the host can also give others permission to do so by switching on the “Let others change what’s playing” slider.
How to leave a Spotify Jam?
There is a “Leave” button that lets you leave the Spotify Jam session. It’s very easy; just know that if the host leaves, the Jam ends.
Is Spotify Jam available on the Spotify web player?
No, Spotify Jam is only available through the app – mobile or desktop. Initially, the Jam was a mobile-only feature but was expanded to the desktop app in March 2024.
Is Spotify Jam saved as a playlist once it’s over?
No, not at the moment. There’s an initiative on the Spotify Community Forum to add this feature, but there’s no guarantee it will come to fruition.
Can I turn Spotify Jam off?
There is no option to remove the Spotify Jam feature. You can avoid using it or decline invitations you receive, but it is not possible to remove the feature from your profile altogether. Users did suggest Spotify add this feature through the Community Forum.
How many people can join Spotify Jam session?
The maximum number in a single Spotify Jam session is 32. This limit applies to mobile and desktop users, including Premium and Free subscribers.
Time to Start a Jam Spotify Session!
Right now, I can just reiterate: to start a Spotify Jam session, just hit the three dots next to any song and select “Start a Jam”. You need to be a Premium user to host a Jam or to add songs to Jam playlists as a guest.
Feel free to explore the feature now, and if you’re interested, check out more of our How To articles.
