I don’t want to read people’s comments on Spotify, but it’s adding them to podcasts anyway

Spotify is entering its “like, comment, and subscribe” era

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

First it was TikTok, nowYouTubehas become victim toSpotify’seagle eyes as the music streaming service introduces a new comments section for podcasts. It marks a further step into social media territory for Spotify, following the platform’s introduction of avertical video feedlast year – reminiscent of TikTok’s ‘For you’ page.

Just like a standard in-app comment section, users will be able to post comments on individual podcast episode pages where creators will also be able to like and reply to their listeners while having control over what appears on their episode pages. According toTechCrunch, the feature will begin its roll-out this week to podcasts that have opted in, and will be available to all Spotify users over the next month.

There’s no doubt that Spotify is doubling down on its social media and algorithm-based features like itsDaylist and Blend mixes, but with its podcast comment section the streamer seems to be taking extra steps to ensure creators have more control over their in-app presence. During its period of beta testing, Spotify has apparently trialed options that mean creators won’t have to approve comments one-by-one, meaning that they won’t have to approve comments one-by-one.

In addition to its status of being one of thebest music streaming services, Spotify has become a hotspot for podcasts especially afterexpanding its video podcast featurein 2022. Now housing over 250,000 video podcasts, the introduction of its comment sections shows Spotify wants to create communities among its users, but this could point to the possibility of a similar feature appearing on artist pages - and that’s a major red flag.

Analysis: leave artists alone, Spotify

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Spotify’s social features, and they’ve really helped me tailor my algorithm and improve my listening experiences. But knowing Spotify, it likes to add unnecessary details and tamper with features that should just be left alone.

As for the new comment section for podcasts, I can see that it’s somewhat of a sensible addition even if it results in more annoying in-app page diversions. On paper, a comment section is a great recipe for not only establishing a sense of community among listeners but also drawing listeners back to podcasts by pushing notifications. However, where this could get out of hand on Spotify’s part is if this comment section feature starts appearing on artist pages.

With podcasts, it makes sense. One episode with one topic of discussion (and maybe one guest speaker) leaves room for listeners to openly discuss the specific content of an episode in the comments section. Put this on an artist’s page, and you create a battlefield for fan bases to have at each other.

Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.

Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.

Not only do I think it’s completely nonsensical (how would an artist page comment section look and function anyway?), but it would be too much of a try-hard move by Spotify to stand out from other music platforms and social media apps. You want to stand out from the rest, Spotify?Giving us HiFiwould certainly be a start.

You might also like

Rowan is an Editorial Associate and Apprentice Writer for TechRadar. A recent addition to the news team, he is involved in generating stories for topics that spread across TechRadar’s categories. His interests in audio tech and knowledge in entertainment culture help bring the latest updates in tech news to our readers.

What will Spotify Wrapped 2024 look like? Here are my 3 predictions for this year’s music roundup

Spotify Wrapped 2024 – our release date predictions plus what to expect

I fell in love with the cute and compact Hyundai Inster, but it has one major drawback