Spotify Launches Following Feed and Podcast Recommendations

Spotify is enhancing its mobile app experience with new podcast-focused features designed to simplify how users follow and discover podcasts. The centerpiece of this update is the introduction of a dedicated Following feed, which consolidates the latest episodes from podcasts a user subscribes to into one easily accessible location within the main Podcast feed on the Home screen.

Previously, users found it challenging to keep track of new episodes from their favorite podcasts, often having to search or navigate through multiple screens. The Following feed addresses this pain point by offering a streamlined, centralized hub for all new content from followed shows, enhancing convenience and user engagement.

In addition to the Following feed, Spotify is integrating personalized podcast recommendations directly into the Home feed. Positioned just below user shortcuts, these recommendations include both audio and video podcasts that users can play or save instantly. This feature aims to make discovering new shows more immersive and effortless.

To increase transparency and trust in recommendations, Spotify plans to add brief notes explaining why certain podcasts are suggested. This thoughtful touch helps users understand the relevance of recommendations, potentially increasing their willingness to explore new content.

Beyond user-facing features, Spotify is also enhancing the creator experience. A new “In this episode” section will allow podcasters to link directly to content referenced during their shows that is available on Spotify. This feature, rolling out in the coming weeks, enriches episode pages and deepens listener engagement.

Additionally, Spotify is introducing threaded replies and emoji reactions to comments, fostering more interactive and community-driven discussions around podcast episodes. These social features encourage listener participation and can help build stronger fan bases.

Why These Updates Matter

In the crowded podcast market, discovery and ease of access are critical to retaining listeners and growing audiences. Spotify’s Following feed directly addresses a common user frustration by simplifying content consumption. Meanwhile, embedding recommendations and creator tools within the app ecosystem helps Spotify maintain its competitive edge and deepen user engagement.

For developers and product managers, Spotify’s approach offers valuable lessons in user-centric design and feature integration. By listening to user feedback and focusing on seamless content discovery, Spotify is enhancing both the listener and creator experience, which ultimately drives platform loyalty and growth.