Spotify brings comments to podcast app for deeper fan engagement

Spotify for Podcasters — the all-in-one podcast platform — introduced a new “Comments” feature on Tuesday. The interactive feature will reportedly allow listeners to comment on podcasts and receive responses from podcasters, allowing for more engagement. In addition to Comments, the app has also been revamped to provide real-time performance updates for podcasts in addition to notifications when a particular podcast hits Spotify’s top charts. The development comes a month after the music streaming platform raised prices for its subscription plans in the U.S. for the second time in 12 months.

In a blog afterSpotify gave a detailed description of the new Comments feature and other additions to the Spotify for Podcasters app. This new feature is said to build on the Q&A feature that the streaming service introduced in 2021. It’s intended to make it easier to connect with listeners by giving them the ability to leave comments on podcasts.

The podcaster can choose to respond to a comment, choose which comments appear during live episodes by approving them, or disable them for specific episodes or the show as a whole. According to Spotify, users will receive a notification when a podcaster likes and responds to their comments. Alternatively, the podcaster can also choose to delete comments and block the user.

In addition to Comments, the Spotify for Podcasters app has been revamped. It is now said to offer detailed analytics for shows, allowing podcasters to track the performance of specific episodes. It is also said to introduce audience insights. Podcasters will now be able to see where their shows are airing, according to Spotify.

The Comments feature is now reportedly available on the Spotify for Podcasters app. However, the arrival of the Comments feature is bad news for Q&A, as it sunset the feature, but existing content may still appear on the episodes page.