Spotify is introducing the option to make comments on podcasts. The firm already allows Spotify podcasters to include polls and Q&As, so this new tool may provide artists with more opportunities to communicate with their fans.
The new comments feature builds on the Q&A and polls capabilities announced in 2021 to bring interactivity to the podcasting business for the first time.
Newsng understands that comments will be concealed by default (as with Q&A responses), so creators must approve each remark before it appears.
Creators can select whether to enable comments on their entire programme or just specific episodes, and they can opt out of the function entirely.
The update aims to assist podcasters in expanding their audience and amplifying their presence by providing them with new tools for managing their material and engaging with listeners.
Comments will replace Spotify’s current Q&A section. Listeners will be able to make direct comments on podcast broadcasts.
The feature will act as a “two-way conversation,” allowing podcasters to receive near-instant input from their fans.
“Comments have been a long-requested feature from both podcasters and Spotify listeners,” said Spotify’s VP of podcast product Maya Prohovnik.
“Podcasts have historically been a one-sided format and, while we’ve offered other interactivity features like Polls and Q&A for some time, people have told us they want more ways to connect directly.”
According to Prohovnik, creators will be able to manage comments on the Spotify for Podcasters online app beginning Tuesday, as well as a new Spotify for Podcasters mobile app that will be released in a staggered rollout over the coming days.
Podcast creators can now utilise Spotify for Podcasters on desktop or with its all-new mobile app to communicate with listeners, manage their Spotify profile, check their current metrics, and watch their progress live.
We earlier reported that Universal Music Group, UMG, has announced its strategic alliance with Spotify.