If you’re a frequent Spotify user, you’re probably already familiar with Spotify’s partnership with Genius which powers those info cards that pop up in the app and show you things like the lyrics and fun – “fun” – facts about the song and artist you are listening too. Today, Genius is partnering up with YouTube to test a similar, expanded product on its own site. Called “Song Stories” the feature is available on the Genius app and website. “It’s meant to be a visual/informational companion to a song, an alternative to just listening to an audio track or watching a music video,” a Genius spokesperson said.
There are a few stories available today which you can test for yourself. If you’re a frequent user of Snapchat Stories, or Instagram’s copycatted version, it’ll feel familiar. Tapping through – Song Stories work on desktop and mobile – is easy enough. Plus, I now know everything I ever wanted to about why B’s “Bartier Cardi” isn’t “Cartier Cardi.” Information which should make me infinitely more fun at parties. Some of the cards will give you the option to swipe to watch YouTube videos – hence the partnership – for even more behind the scenes info. If you’re a regular Genius user, this feature seems like it’ll be fun and handy. If you’re not, well then it seems like it’ll be less fun and handy. But hey, it’s 2018. Every other platform got stories in 2017. Genius is just catching up with the times.
