Spotify’s latest features prove why it’s staying ahead in the streaming race.
2024 has brought a fresh wave of features to Spotify that go beyond just listening to music.
Sure, some have left us wondering why they added them in the first place (*cough* Song Psychic *cough*). But then there are the features that sneak up on you; the ones you didn’t even know you needed but suddenly can’t live without.
From effortless playlist curation to offline music playback, here are the seven new Spotify features released this year that are worth checking out:
1. Offline Backup
We’ve all had that time when we got caught in a dead zone, only to realize we forgot to download our playlist. Well, Spotify’s got your back with the new Offline Backup.
This feature automatically squirrels away your recent jams, making them available even when you’re off the grid. The best part? It uses songs already cached on your device, so no extra data or storage worries.
You can sort the playlist by mood, artist, or genre, and it updates based on your recent listening habits.
Setting it up is also easy. Offline Backup appears automatically in your Home feed when you’re offline. But, for even quicker access, you can also add the Offline Backup playlist to your Library, so it’s available anytime.
2. Listening Parties
Imagine listening to your favorite artist’s new album along with thousands of other fans, all while hearing behind-the-scenes stories from the artists themselves. With Listening Parties, you can do exactly that.
This feature creates a shared, virtual experience where you can vibe with other fans and get the inside scoop straight from the artist’s mouth.
Aside from this, however, Spotify also added other features to help users feel closer to their favorite artists, such as:
- Countdown Pages: Users can pre-save upcoming albums, watch artist clips, and even purchase merch directly from Spotify.
- Live Events Feed: This simplifies concert discovery with Spotify, providing personalized listings based on your location and favorite artists.
- Artist Clips: These are short vertical videos offering behind-the-scenes moments, live performances, and more.
3. AI Playlist
For those stuck in a playlist rut, Spotify’s AI Playlist generator is here to shake things up.
Though still in beta, this feature lets you create personalized playlists simply by typing a creative prompt. Whether you’re craving “indie folk to warm my soul” or “upbeat pop for a workout,” the AI whips up a tailor-made tracklist in seconds.
You can even get more creative with prompts, referencing not just genres and moods, but also artists, places, activities, and even emojis.
To access this feature, simply search for “AI Playlist” in the Spotify mobile app or use the “+” button in Your Library.
And, once your playlist is generated, you can tweak it further by previewing tracks, removing duds, or giving additional cues like “more pop” or “less upbeat.”
4. My Spotify
My Spotify is all about celebrating what makes your listening experience unique.
Unlike general music discovery features, this one puts the spotlight on your personal quirks and preferences. It serves up custom banners and messages that reflect your listening habits (sort of like a year-round Spotify Wrapped!)
But My Spotify isn’t just about showing you your habits. The feature also acts as a gateway to a suite of Spotify-exclusive personalized tools. This includes daylists, Spotify AI DJ, Blend, and the ever-popular Daily Mix.
5. Miniplayer for Desktop
For the multitaskers among us, Spotify’s new desktop Miniplayer is a game-changer.
This floating, customizable window lets you control your tunes without breaking your workflow.
Basically, it keeps a low profile on your screen while giving you quick access to playback controls.
The Miniplayer’s design is also flexible. You can resize it into various shapes (small pill shape, a sleek bar, or a rectangle) to fit your screen and workspace needs.
It even supports video podcasts in picture-in-picture mode. And, if you want more info, just click on the artist name, song title, or album art to jump into the main app.
6. Music Videos
Music videos are back, and this time they’re on Spotify.
Premium users in select markets can now watch music videos directly in the app, adding a visual dimension to their favorite tracks.
And, you can do so just by toggling the “Switch to Video” button.
Currently available in countries like the U.K., Germany, and Brazil, the video catalog is still growing. So, while some big names like Taylor Swift and BTS aren’t in the mix yet, expect the collection to expand in the coming months.
7. Podcast Comments
Spotify’s new Podcast Comments feature allows listeners to engage directly with podcast episodes by leaving comments.
For the first time, listeners can share their thoughts, ask questions, or react to episodes in real-time, all within the Spotify app.
To comment on an episode, users simply scroll to the comment section within the episode’s page on Spotify, where they can add their input or read through what others have shared.
For podcasters, on the other hand, comments are manageable through the Spotify for Podcasters app. This allows them to respond and engage with their audience directly from their phone or desktop.