Spotify’s Pandora-esque Stations app has arrived in the US after it previously emerged in Australia. It’s officially an “experiment” for now, though you can grab it from the App Store or Google Play.
The Stations app is designed for those who want a more radio-like experience, rather than having to seek out music or customize their own playlists both of which take time and effort. It could also appeal to those who want a simpler user interface, as Spotify’s flagship app’s look-and-feel isn’t something that everyone likes.
Instead, Stations keeps things minimalist with a scrollable list of playlists and easy tools to customize your own.
The app features a range of top playlists by genre, decade, activity and more, but over time becomes more personalized to the end user. Users can also personalize their own stations by selecting favorite artists, similar to the customization experience offered today by YouTube Music. A Favorites playlist, based on users’ own interests, is also available.
It’s a clear shot at the likes of Pandora as Spotify seems to be muscling in on the laid-back listening experience. On the flip side, Pandora rolled out an on-demand version of its service a couple of years ago, and it also offers personalized playlists. Stations is just another salvo in the fight for music streaming supremacy.