Spotify has been observed developing a feature named “SongDNA” that would enable users to discover music by exploring the credits of a track or album. The feature was found within the app’s code by reverse engineer Jane Manchun Wong. It is designed to let users browse the writers, collaborators, vocalists, engineers, lyricists, producers, and composers who contributed to a piece of music.
Based on screenshots generated by Wong, SongDNA would present a visual interface for navigating through credits, seeing how individuals are connected, and exploring their other projects. Wong provided an example showing how artist Rei Ami, part of the “KPop Demon Hunters” cast, has also lent her voice to tracks unrelated to the movie.
If Spotify releases the feature, it would present a direct alternative to the streaming service TIDAL’s interactive credits, which also allow users to explore music through the contributors. The function could be a tool for music industry professionals looking for collaborators, as well as for general listeners interested in the people working behind the scenes on their favorite songs.
Wong reported that shortly after she posted screenshots of the feature to social media, Spotify updated its app to remove references to SongDNA. When contacted for a statement, Spotify declined to share details but did not deny the feature’s existence.
Another reverse engineer and technologist, Chris Messina, later confirmed SongDNA’s presence by finding related references within the app’s code. Messina stated that the lines of code suggest the feature could be used to reveal the network of contributors behind songs, allowing users to explore more of their work. The current implementation of SongDNA appears to focus specifically on the people involved in music creation, not the attributes of the music itself.
