Pandora looks to be soundtrack of Uber experience through new partnership

If you subscribe to the rule that the driver gets to pick the music, you’ll appreciate Pandora and Uber’s new partnership. The internet radio company announced today that it has teamed up with Uber to integrate its music-streaming service into the Uber driver app so that those behind the wheel can more easily control the listening experience.

Drivers will be able to create Pandora stations and give songs the thumbs-up or thumbs-down from the Uber driver app itself. Pandora touted it as a way to deliver what Senior Product Manager Nick Marcantonio called “the perfect music experience.” The company highlighted how both Uber drivers and riders will benefit, as they’ll get to enjoy in-car listening and discover new artists along the way.

“Many drivers already use music to get their day started on the right note, but it can be challenging to find high-quality music that both drivers and riders love — without radio ads and interruptions to the music,” said Bob Cowherd, senior product manager for music and media at Uber, in a statement. “This integration, which will allow drivers to play music on Pandora from directly within the Uber app, will make it easier for drivers and riders to listen to the music they love.”

At this point, the integration is only available in the Uber driver app in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand, but the companies are also working on giving riders the ability to play their favorite Pandora stations through Uber’s speakers as well, according to Pandora. That capability will be more similar to a partnership Uber forged in 2014 with Pandora rival Spotify; Uber passengers became able to choose the music and play Spotify during their ride.

“Spotify continues to be a valued partner, and we’ll be showcasing how music integrations for riders and drivers will seamlessly work together in the coming weeks,” Uber told Digital Trends.

The new partnership gives drivers and riders more options, extending the streaming war from our computer and mobile device screens to Uber vehicles.

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Stephanie Topacio Long