Spotify is adding a trio of new features to its app that should make listening to and interacting with podcasts a little easier. First, the streaming service is adding a “Follow” feed to the main Podcasts area on the home screen. With this switch, you can quickly see what’s new in the shows you subscribe to. The company says that its goal is to eliminate the need to search for fresh content among the podcasts you listen to and promises that it will “continue to explore new ways to make this space even better.” And just below the shortcuts on the home screen, Spotify will start displaying podcast recommendations with a note about why the algorithm chose it for you.
Next, Spotify plans to launch a “In This Episode” section for podcast pages. Here you’ll find links to other shows, songs, audiobooks, playlists, and more that the hosts mention or recommend. Creators will be able to add these links at their own discretion, so you won’t have to look for them later.
Finally, the company is revamping podcast comments a bit. Based on user feedback, Spotify is introducing in-stream replies and emoji reactions for creators. All of this will continue to be controlled through Spotify for creators, where they will also be able to control whether comments on their show or specific episodes are available.
