Spotify launches voice-activated ads: how does it work?

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Spotify, the current leader in music streaming, tests ads that respond to voice commands. When the ad is shown, the service leaves you with the choice of accessing the proposed content, whether it be playlists or podcasts, with a short sentence. Users of Google Home or Amazon Echo will not be disoriented! We explain to you how it works.

Spotify launches voice-activated ads

Spotify is currently testing ads with a voice command from a small portion of US users (Android and iOS), report our fellow Variety. As a first step, these interactive ads will only be used for playlists and other Spotify content. In the long term, brands will also benefit. Ax has already registered his own ad.

Spotify tests commercials to control with your voice

How exactly is it? During the announcement, simply say "Play Now" or "Read Now" to let the advertisement leave room for the proposed content, in this case a playlist or a Spotify podcast. If you say anything else, the ad will unfold as usual.

"We believe that voice, across all platforms, is a critical growth driver, especially for music and audio content," said Daniel Ek, CEO of Spotify, to the group's investors. "We are investing in this area and we are testing ways to explore and refine our offering," says the manager. Unsurprisingly, the streaming service was inspired by the success of Google Home, Amazon Echo or HomePod smart speakers. These connected speakers have changed the relationship of Internet users with music, says the group.

To take advantage of these voice announcements, or to disable them, you must go to the Settings menu in the "Voice Activated Announcements" section. For the moment, we do not know when these interactive ads will be offered on a larger scale.