Spotify branches out into its own social network

With its feed, user profiles, and people tab, Spotify is already well on its way to becoming its own social network. And now, the music-streaming service is about to beef up its social aspect even more.

Spotify is in the middle of rolling out a "Follow" tab to replace its "People" tab for desktop users, according to The Next Web. The idea of the "Follow" tab is for people to be able to connect with friends, music artists, and top influential users. The way it works is similar to "liking" an artist or celebrity on Facebook.

Speaking of Facebook -- why would Spotify be moving into its own social networking territory when its home base is already on Facebook? According to The Next Web, the company is looking to continue its partnership with the social network but also wants to gain some of its own independence.

Some users are already able to use the "Follow" tab as it's being rolled out across the site, according to The Next Web. Another tab is also in the works, called "Discover." The "Discover" tab is meant to give users personalized recommendations, album reviews, concert listings, playlists, and more -- but Spotify hasn't debuted it on its site yet.

Growth and independence is probably important for Spotify considering Google looks to be getting into the music game too. The Web giant has recently been in talks with major music labels about a possible streaming music service that is said to mirror Spotify's model.

In other Spotify news, the service also announced today that it redesigned and updated its iOS app.

CNET contacted Spotify for comment on the "Follow" and "Discover" tabs. We'll update the story when we get more information.