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Sorting In-Progress Podcast Episodes
Curbing Podcast Recommendations
Key Takeaways
- Find in-progress podcast episodes more easily by saving them first.
- Stop unwanted podcast recommendations by marking all episodes as finished in the show's settings.
- While there may not be an automatic equalizer, you can improve your podcast audio by manually applying an EQ in Spotify's playback settings.
While I love Spotify for bringing me all of my audio in one place, there are certain aspects of its podcast functionality that I think could be improved. Here are the podcast-related bones I have to pick with Spotify as well as the best existing solutions I've found.
1 Sorting In-Progress Podcast Episodes
Some episodic podcasts have hundreds of standalone episodes, and you may not listen to these episodes linearly. When you have to pause in the middle of listening, it can be convoluted to find that episode again. Searching on a podcast's show page, Spotify has filters to view All Episodes, Downloaded, or Unplayed, and an option to sort by Newest or Oldest. Personally, I'd love to see an In Progress filter on the show's page. However, this feature is only accessible when you save episodes.
Here's how to save episodes and access the In progress filter:
- Save or add an episode to Your Episodes by tapping the plus sign next to the description.
- Navigate to Your Library tab > Your Episodes. You'll see a filter for In progress on this page.
- Similarly, downloading an episode will add it to Your Episodes. Just tap the down arrow near the episode's description to move it to Your Episodes.
If sorting in-progress episodes is a priority for you, and you're an iPhone user, you might also consider Overcast, which has an automated In Progress playlist on its home page.
2 Curbing Podcast Recommendations
Spotify will push podcasts you've interacted with, even if those interactions are not necessarily positive. If you try a new show and decide to bail after one episode, Spotify doesn't read that as disinterest or offer an option like Netflix's Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down ratings. While you can rate a title publicly on Spotify, this feels like overkill when you're only trying to affect your own algorithm.
In lieu of a personal rating system, here is how to stop Spotify from recommending a podcast you're not interested in:
- Go to the show page and open the Settings gear.
- Under Manage, tap Mark as finished. Select the first bubble to Mark all as finished.
Now, click Done, and you're good to go.
3 Automatic EQ Settings
Spotify has impressive equalizer settings that can improve your audio depending on what you're listening to. For example, I use the Spoken Word equalizer when listening to podcasts, particularly in the car, where street noise and wind drown out voices.
The dreamer in me would love to be able to automate those EQ settings, such as with a preference to apply a specific equalizer any time I play a podcast episode. Until that day, you can apply an EQ manually, even if it is deep in your playback settings:
- Click on your profile icon in the upper left corner of the app.
- Select Settings and privacy > Playback > Equalizer.
- Move the slider to the right to turn on your Equalizer, and Also apply to podcasts.
- Scroll down and tap Spoken Word to apply that equalizer.
These three perceived flaws aside, there is still plenty to love about using Spotify to listen to podcasts. As picky as I might be as a podcast producer and super-consumer, I'll gladly put up with a few points of irksome UI for the rewards of having a comprehensive listening app and features like being able to listen to episodes offline. Ultimately, everyone will have their own unique preferences, and luckily, there are many free apps for podcasts to choose from.
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FAQs
Yes, Spotify offers free access to its vast podcast library. You can listen to new podcasts, the latest episodes, and popular podcasts without paying. However, the free version includes ads and doesn't allow offline listening.
What are the features of Spotify podcast? ›
Podcasts and shows
- Get recommended and featured podcasts and shows.
- Save the podcasts and shows you like. New episodes then automatically save.
- Download to listen offline.
- Some episodes feature videos too.
Yes, Spotify offers free access to its vast podcast library. You can listen to new podcasts, the latest episodes, and popular podcasts without paying. However, the free version includes ads and doesn't allow offline listening.
What are the benefits of Spotify podcasts? ›
Attracting a Broader Audience: By offering a diverse range of podcast genres and styles, Spotify attracts a broader audience, catering to varied tastes and preferences. This not only helps in user retention but also works as a magnet for new users who might come for podcasts but stay for the music.
What are the requirements for Spotify podcast? ›
What are Spotify's podcast requirements?
- Audio formats. Spotify is compatible with audio files in MP3, M4A, or WAV formats. ...
- Image formats. Podcast cover art should:
- Video Files. ...
- Metadata. ...
- Open a Spotify account. ...
- Add your podcast on Spotify. ...
- Upload or record your first episode. ...
- Optimizing your podcast on Spotify.
In general, a podcast episode should have an intro, a section of main content, and then an outro. In most cases, your intro will explain who you are and what you're talking about that day. Next, you'll dive right into your main content and/or your interview. And last, you will close with an outro.
What are the main features of Spotify? ›
Spotify is a digital music, podcast, and video service that gives you access to millions of songs and other content from creators all over the world. Basic functions such as playing music are totally free, but you can also choose to upgrade to Spotify Premium.
How to do a podcast in Spotify? ›
How to Start a Podcast on Spotify
- Create a Spotify for Podcasters account.
- Add information about your podcast.
- Upload your files.
- Add episode information.
- Share your podcast on other directories.
In simple terms, a podcast is a digital medium consisting of audio (or video) episodes that relate to a specific theme. The hosts of a podcast are referred to as "podcasters." While many forms of media have barriers to entry, a podcast is simple to create.
Is Spotify a good podcast platform? ›
Spotify for Podcasters is a completely free podcast hosting service, ideal for beginners and professional podcasters alike. You get access to unlimited uploads, podcast analytics, monetization features, and capabilities like audience engagement and interactivity tools.
Our algorithms take into account the characteristics of the content itself, such as its genre, release date, podcast category, etc. This allows us to identify which content has similar characteristics and might be enjoyed by similar listeners.
What is podcast and benefits? ›
Podcasts represent an opportunity to connect on a personal level with you and your voice. Empowered to choose when and where they want to listen. Finally, the biggest benefit of podcasting is that listeners can tune in when they want to, since podcasts don't go anywhere once they're published.
Why do people listen to podcasts on Spotify? ›
In a recent survey we conducted among Spotify listeners, audiences enjoyed tuning in to their favorite shows while busy with other activities, including commuting and traveling (71%), doing chores around the house (71%), relaxing (43%), and working out (34%).
Does Spotify pay podcasters? ›
Turn your podcasting passion into a true income stream. With ads, subscriptions, and more, our monetization suite puts new value behind your fan base, so you can get paid for doing what you love. Available for eligible creators in select markets. Ads are only available for shows hosted with Spotify for Podcasters.
Is it hard to put a podcast on Spotify? ›
If you host your podcast with Spotify, your podcast automatically appears on our platform. If you host your podcast with one of our aggregator partners, it's easy to submit your podcast to Spotify!
Do you use Spotify for podcasts? ›
You can listen to thousands of them directly from the Spotify app: lifestyle, news, comedy, sport & recreation, and more. Note: While Spotify doesn't play ads that interrupt the music-listening experience of Premium subscribers, some podcasts might have third-party ads within their episodes.
What is the new Spotify podcast feature? ›
Listeners will be able to leave a comment on the Spotify mobile app, while creators can manage feedback both on the all-new Spotify for Podcasters mobile app and on web. When you like or respond to a comment, that fan will receive a notification, helping keep your audience engaged where they're already listening.
How to feature podcasts on Spotify? ›
How to Promote a Podcast on Spotify (7 Simple Steps)
- Submit Your Show to Spotify. ...
- Choose Your Categories Carefully. ...
- Create Captivating Artwork. ...
- Share Spotify Codes. ...
- Get Featured on Spotify. ...
- Buy Spotify Ads. ...
- Add a Spotify Link on Your Site. ...
- Promote a Podcast on Spotify Final Thoughts.
The Radio feature will create a playlist of roughly 50 tracks. If you want the Radio to play endlessly, make sure you enable the Autoplay option in the app settings! Tip: You can Like (on desktop) or Follow (on mobile) a Radio playlist to save it under Playlists in Your Library.
What does following a podcast on Spotify do? ›
For all free content (the vast majority of stuff on there), you'd “follow” it to get new episodes delivered automatically.
