Spotify is evolving beyond its roots as a music streaming service, transforming into a dynamic social network. With the recent introduction of comments on podcasts, Spotify enables podcasters to interact directly with listeners. This follows other interactive features like Polls and Q&As, enriching the user experience and fostering community engagement.
The 2023 revamp introduced a TikTok-inspired discovery feed, artist profiles for merchandise and concert ticket sales, and the ability to post stories. These updates position Spotify as a comprehensive social platform centered around audio.
The addition of comments on podcast episodes raises the question: will Spotify extend this feature to music artists? Such an expansion could enhance fan engagement, given the larger, more active communities surrounding musicians.
When asked about the possibility, Spotify’s VP of Podcast Product, Maya Prohovnik, didn’t dismiss the idea. She suggested that while Spotify is open to expanding comment support, any changes would consider the unique needs of different creators and artists.
Historically, integrating social networking with music apps has been challenging. Apple’s Ping and Connect both failed despite initial enthusiasm. Currently, Apple Music’s social features are limited to recommending friends based on device contacts. Unlike Apple, Spotify has gradually implemented features that organically enhance social interaction without declaring itself a social network.
Spotify’s 2023 redesign added in-app video feeds, inspired by TikTok, across its Home pages. This move reflects Spotify’s strategy of learning from popular social platforms to improve user experience. CEO Daniel Ek acknowledged TikTok’s influence, emphasizing the importance of adapting to market trends.
Over the past year, Spotify introduced several features to connect artists with fans, including Spotify Clips for short videos, Countdown Pages for new releases, and video messages during the Spotify Wrapped campaign. Users can follow creators and friends, collaborate on playlists, and engage with content in real-time through a tested Community feature.
With these additions, Spotify envisions a platform where users are not just passive listeners but active participants. By fostering engagement and interaction, Spotify aims to compete for users’ time and advertising revenue, positioning itself as a leading social network in the audio space.