Spotify is rolling out a set of new features aimed at making it easier for users to find and follow their favorite podcasts, while also giving creators new ways to connect with listeners. This move signals Spotify’s continued push to become the go-to platform for audio and video podcasts, intensifying its competition with giants like Apple and YouTube. The key updates include personalized recommendations on the Home tab, a dedicated “Following” feed for new episodes, and upcoming tools for creators to link related content and use emoji reactions in comments.
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What’s New for Listeners
Finding your next great podcast or keeping up with the ones you love is getting simpler on Spotify. The platform is introducing features designed to put podcasts front and center.
Personalized Recommendations on Your Home Tab
Spotify’s personalized Home screen, already known for suggesting music, will now actively recommend podcasts based on your listening history and interests. This feature has already begun rolling out globally, and early results show it’s helping users discover shows and engage with podcast content more frequently.
Your Dedicated ‘Following’ Feed
Tired of scrolling through your library or Home tab to see if your followed podcasts have released new episodes? Soon, you’ll have a dedicated space just for that. Spotify is launching a “Following” feed specifically for podcasts. You’ll be able to tap a new “Podcasts” button at the top of the app, and then a “Following” button to see a stream of the latest episodes from all the shows you follow, making it much quicker to catch up.
Screenshot of Spotify mobile app showing the new 'Following' feed interface for podcasts with latest episodes listed.
New Tools for Creators
Spotify isn’t just focusing on listeners; they’re also giving podcast creators more power to engage their audience directly within the app.
Soon, creators will be able to easily link to other content mentioned in their episodes. If a host talks about a specific song, another podcast episode, an audiobook, or even a playlist available on Spotify, they can add a clickable link directly on the episode page. This makes it simple for listeners to explore related content without leaving the app. This feature is expected to roll out over the next few weeks.
In a smaller, but fun, addition, creators who participate in the comments section of their podcast pages will soon be able to use emoji reactions to respond to fan comments. Spotify confirms that creators still have full control over whether comments appear on their shows or specific episodes.
Why This Matters
These updates are part of Spotify’s broader strategy to solidify its position in the increasingly competitive podcast market. While Spotify has invested heavily in podcasts, including supporting video podcasts for all creators and introducing programs that incentivize performance, platforms like YouTube have also increased their focus on the format, proving to be a major player, especially in the U.S. where it holds a significant share of weekly podcast listeners.
By integrating podcast discovery more deeply into the core Home experience and providing a dedicated feed for followed shows, Spotify is making podcasts more accessible and reducing friction for listeners. Adding tools for creators to link content and interact via comments helps build community and keeps listeners engaged within the Spotify ecosystem. These changes aim to make Spotify a more compelling and convenient platform for both podcast consumers and creators alike.
