Spotify is making big moves to enhance the experience for both podcast creators and listeners. On July 9, they unveiled two major updates aimed at boosting engagement on their platform.
Image Credit: Spotify
Firstly, Spotify introduced a new feature allowing listeners to comment directly on podcast episodes. This new feature, referred to as a "brand-new way for podcast creators to interact with their fans," opens up a direct line of communication between creators and their audiences. Listeners can now share their thoughts, feedback, and questions about specific podcast episodes, creating a more interactive and engaging experience.
The comments feature is an extension of the Q&A and polls functionalities that Spotify rolled out in 2021. The team behind this update noted that comments have been a highly requested feature from both podcast creators and listeners. This new functionality aims to foster a sense of community and deeper connection among Spotify users.
Image Credit: Spotify
The design of the comments section is user-friendly and resembles the commenting systems found on popular platforms like YouTube and TikTok. When listeners write a comment, they will see a notification stating, "Comment will be published. Anytime you like a comment, the original comment and your like will be published on Spotify." This ensures that users are aware of how their interactions will appear publicly.
In addition to the comments feature, Spotify launched a new app called "Spotify for Podcasters." This app is designed to help podcast creators manage their shows more efficiently. It offers greater visibility into insights and statistics, enabling creators to track their growth in real-time. Whether it's monitoring listener numbers, understanding audience demographics, or evaluating engagement metrics, the new app provides comprehensive data to help creators refine their content and strategies.
Image Credit: Spotify
The app also includes notifications for various milestones, such as when a show climbs the Spotify charts or reaches a significant number of listens. This feature keeps creators informed about their podcast's performance and helps them celebrate their achievements. Additionally, the app allows creators to manage the comments left by their fans, ensuring they can engage with their audience effectively.
The launch of the "Spotify for Podcasters" app is part of Spotify's commitment to supporting podcast creators. The team stated in a press release, "We’ve kept our promise to manage and update your show on the go, but we rebuilt the Spotify for Podcasters mobile app to work for all podcasters, regardless of where their show is hosted." This means that the app is designed to be versatile and useful for all podcasters, not just those whose shows are hosted on Spotify.
These updates demonstrate Spotify's dedication to enhancing the podcasting experience for both creators and listeners. By introducing comments and the new "Spotify for Podcasters" app, Spotify is making it easier for creators to engage with their audience, gather valuable feedback, and manage their shows more efficiently. This is a significant step towards building a more interactive and supportive podcasting community on the platform.