Source
r/audiodrama•
EatComplete

The Spotify problem

DISCUSSION

So spotify are buying up podcasts in order to build up their offering and, presumably, convince more people to download and pay for their software.

I get it, for creators this is brilliant, but for listeners?

I wasn't too fussed when Joe Rogan went Spotify exclusive, however hearing that the entire Gimlet output is about to go Spotify only really hurt my ears.

I'm happy with pocketcasts as my app of choice, but even without that; I just have zero interest in using spotify again.

I guess this is more of a whine than anything else, though I'm curious how far this will go. At least Stitcher and other paid platforms tend to still have ad supported episodes available elsewhere.

Posted Jul 16, 2021, 1:23 PM UTC · edited

6362
thecambridgegeek•

Yeah, it's an annoyance, but then I realise how many podcasts I don't have the time to listen to anyway, and they've simply thinned down the herd for me. What I generally prefer is actually back to the old method of buying things. Let me spend a tenner to get a series (eg like The White Vault did). I know they're getting all of the money, and I don't have to worry about another subscription.

(There have been ~560 fiction podcasts started thus far this year. About three a day. Honestly a third of them could go exclusive, and I'm not sure I'd even notice, except for the reduction in workload. It just means I ignore them.)

I'm more annoyed with their insistence that they're still "podcasts" when they don't have an RSS feed. Because by definition they're not. That's a tiny hill I'm prepared to die on.

41
EatCompleteOP•

That's a tiny hill I'm prepared to die on.

I'm with you there, semantics matter.

17
theoracleofdreams•

That's a tiny hill I'm prepared to die on.

Agreed

10
fox3091•

Didn't they really stop being podcasts when they stopped being for the iPod?

1†
thecambridgegeek•

Nah - the ipod gave them the name, but from the very start, they've always been a method of delivering audio via an RSS feed. They've outlived the original listening device, but the delivery method is the same.

8
Rob_T_Firefly•

A "podcast" behind a paywall is not a podcast.

A "podcast" that only one app can receive is not a podcast.

A "podcast" without a public feed that can be freely pulled into any podcast client or RSS reader is not a damn podcast, don't call it that.

25
ursiwitch•

Spotify’s podcast feeds are public. The same feeds have ads if you don’t subscribe to a Spotify monthly plan

3
Hitch42Audio-Drama.com•

But Spotify doesn't display the podcast feeds. If I see a podcast on Spotify, but want to subscribe to it on a different podcast app, I cannot get the required information. The only thing that Spotify lets me do is listen to shows on Spotify.

3
[deleted]•

[deleted]

1
ArcadeRhetoric•

The best thing we as listeners can do is fund independent podcasts so that they have a fighting chance of staying platform independent. Many creators are working full time and doing their productions on the side, so of course when large platforms offer to buy them up they’ll take the the opportunity to create more highly produced shows.

24
radarforest•

This. The best way to ensure a good podcast you enjoy can continue is to support it. Especially if it's a small team.

Free content isn't free to make, and many indie audio productions cannot pay their cast and crews what they deserve for their talent and skill at market rates. Or minimum wage, even.

Nice reviews about why you liked the podcast also help and combats the trolls who drop 1 stars after 10 minutes. Completely free for you to do, and helps fuel the passion many have for their craft.

Passion alone is unsustainable, if we don't support the smaller fish, they will be eaten.

5
lifelessons09•

I personally think that if Spotify wanted to do the podcast thing they should have launched a separate app that address the needs/wants of podcast listeners.

With so many options in the audio app department, Spotify is not making any compelling argument for listening on their platform besides nabbing exclusive rights to shows. I’m sure they’ll attract loyal show listeners and some folks indifferent to the interface, but they’re also annoying plenty of long-time podcast listeners with this angle.

I’m not invested in any particular Gimlet show (although I did binge season 2 of Motherhacker) so at the moment it’s not a huge issue for me. But I dislike it on principle the same way I did Luminary’s platform.

Frankly I’m way happier to directly pay creators for exclusive or pre-release content. I don’t need yet another sub-par audio platform trying to get a slice of the podcast industry.

18
MonkeyOnYourMomsBack•

It's really weird, I never hear of people using Spotify for podcasts and with the hope that this comment doesn't age terribly, I don't think they ever will. It's just awful for them

13
OMGTako•

I use Spotify for podcasts exclusively, mostly just because I already have a paid Spotify account for music.

11
LovelyIsabel•

Yes! I can't stand the other podcast apps because of ads.

6
OMGTako•

I'm actually not a huge fan of Spotify's platform because for the love of god wtf, why can't they figure out that I don't want my podcasts to shuffle and/or play episode 2 after episode 3 or episode 8 after episode 4? Also, I've had Spotify inject ads into a podcast that didn't even have ads on it, which was kind of annoying since I pay for the service.

5
LovelyIsabel•

Hmmm, I find that I can forward the ads, but I agree it is annoying. The app does need to be streamed lined, badly, but I do really hate ads. Especially if I cannot forward them.

2
Luxtenebris3•

I use Spotify for podcasts, but I also already had it for music. It works fine for them (though maybe other platforms are even better if designed with them in mind?)

2
CreatiScope•

I only listen to a few exclusives like Dissect. Otherwise, I'm on Apple podcasts and I don't want to be switching around to different apps. I really just want one library of podcasts.

2
PretendCasual•

I was this way when Luminary became a thing. Their app was pure garbage on launch and I have barely touched it since but I was invested in The Bright Sessions universe so I got their subscription to stay in the know. And now the episodes that were "exclusive" to Luminary are being released on the regular RSS feed like the rest of the show. I won't support Luminary again.

11
syuvial•

i was invested in bright sessions at the time too and subbed to luminary to binge tAMC when the last episode came out. canceled my sub the minute i finished the last episode, sadly the show was disappointing on top of the cost.

4
[deleted]•

[deleted]

3
theoracleofdreams•

I wrote an email to parcast that I won't be listening to Tales after the switch. Doubt it will do anything, but I won't support the format.

2
2bheardbovethenoise•

I emailed Parcast with an issue a few years ago. They're response amounted to "Well, this is how we do it, so too bad you don't like it." Told me all I needed to know about their concern for listener input.

1
xochiscave•

I doubt I’ll ever use Spotify. And I hate how companies are putting their stuff behind paywalls. It kinda goes against the entire reason podcasts became a thing.

8
Nothingrymes•

Ah man, I use spotify exclusively, especially listening to podcasts. Am I missing out on other podcatchers? What makes spotify so bunk?

8
theoracleofdreams•

No I totally get it. I like Tales by Parcast, and the entire parcast collection went to Spotify. I refuse to use Spotify because their app is just not suitable for podcasts, and, like you, I want to continue using Player.FM that has my settings all good to go!

7
GhostNSDQ•

How is Spotify not suitable for podcast? Its what I use with no problems and it's free for what I listen to. I have considered using Stitcher but I don't really have a need to switch. What does everyone else use and why?

1
theoracleofdreams•

I like to have a list of new episodes where I listen to them in chronological order without branching off into other shows or songs. I spend my commute and work doing other things, so playing items in the order I placed them is important. If I find a new show, I like to listen from the beginning (especially audiodramas) and Spotify doesn't allow that.

EtA: the app treats podcasts like songs and I've been listening to pods since late 2006. I can download for offline listen when I need to which I haven't been able to do on Spotify.

5
Rickyspanish33•

Literally the only way I listen to podcasts is downloading them from Spotify in order to listen offline in whatever order I choose. Not sure where or why you're having a problem

4
theoracleofdreams•

It's just not what I am looking for as an avid podcast listener. It's not compatible for the type of listening I am doing and how I curate my shows. Also, Podcasting should have an easily accessible RSS feed for people to stream as they please, Spotify is trying to pull so many shows to their platform, but are not doing any identifiable change for veteran podcast listeners. I can see it being used in a casual sense, but I know I am not the only one who find the Spotify UI for podcasts downright unuseable.

5
GhostNSDQ•

I can do exactly that with Spotify. Just click sort by date.

2
xt6x•

I use Musicbee. It's good for downloading podcasts to listen to offline and on mp3 players

2
syuvial•

list by new episodes, new episode notifications, hide played episodes, "play from here", are all missing, plus the fact that a bunch of great stuff ISNT on spotify, so unless you want to miss shit you have to deal with both them AND a normal, good player.

1
GhostNSDQ•

All the features you are saying are not on Spotify, are features i use on Spotify. Now if you just prefer another platform that's cool and your choice. But there is nothing wrong with Spotify.

2
syuvial•

maybe those features are phone or paid exclusive then because they sure as shit are not on the spotify program that i just downloaded or the web player.

0
TraegusPearzeAudiohm Media•

Spotify is free and plays no ads when listening to podcasts. It might not be "the best app" for listening to podcasts, but I don't see the problem.

7
IWasGonnaUseThat•

Excactly. This a non-issue. Netflix, Apple, Amazon, Disney do this for real, it's pretty commonplace for media. But Spotify has an actual free ad-supported membership level. You can listen to all their podcasts without paying for anything. You just have to download the app.

5
TraegusPearzeAudiohm Media•

If I want to watch Stranger Things, I need to use Netflix. And pay for Netflix (or use my sister-in-law's account.) I don't get annoyed that it's not on Hulu or Peacock.

Yes, it's a different type of media, but this is the evolution of it. Originally TV was free until networks and companies started putting out original content on their platforms as well. Then you need a cable box to watch things.

Spotify is a free cable box.

2
EatCompleteOP•

See that's the thing. Mostly I just don't want to have to manage podcasts across multiple apps. Things like topical or genre playlists become impossible if two thirds of my podcasts are in application A and one third in application B.

I don't have netflix, so I just didn't watch stranger things. Didn't feel like I missed out, but it's not like I could watch it anywhere, enjoyed it, and then netflix bought it and took it away.

8
[deleted]•

[deleted]

1
kdanger•

I subscribe (paid) to Garbage Brain University. I cannot access my paid episodes through Spotify.

Ergo, fuck Spotify.

3
Junkstar•

Publishing to Spotify is a dead-end unless you are somewhat established. Indie artists and emerging creators will show up in their friend's feeds and have some sense that the system is working for them, but the money will never flow. Spotify doesn't change the game for the better, it actually makes the game harder. You will still need to bust your ass promoting and marketing.

7
Argon_Mint•

I haven’t tried other apps for podcasts but since I have already had Spotify Premium for years I just saw them adding podcasts as a plus. The UI might not be the best but its no where near as horrible as other stuff i have seen and very workable. I see complaints here of the Episodes not playing in the right order, which has never happened to me. You can still sort them by newest or oldest date, you have a playlist that updates when new Episodes are released, you can mark episodes as finished and if you want a „listen to later“ playlist it’s literally a button press to make that yourself and u can even share it with a friend to show each other what you liked. I just dont want any more apps on my phone than necessary and am quite happy to find all the podcasts i want on Spotify alongside my music. The shows i like I still support on Patreon like I would support an artist by buying their music/merch.

4
[deleted]•

[deleted]

1
AlexanderHKemp•

One thing that’s a plus about Spotify’s intentions- they’re not directly interested in leveraging every show up to TV/film. They want to genuinely grow their user base. So they’re spending a ton of $ trying to make content that will satisfy listeners, instead of making a ton of content that will satisfy the studio system. Now there’s still a lot of room for error there, don’t get me wrong, but the base intention seems to work in favor of the listener.

edit: I should have added the disclaimer that I’m currently directing a podcast for Spotify, and they happen to be very genuine and nice people! That’s not nothing, as they say :)

3
TryingToChange117•

Shit I’m still on Apple Podcasts. I’m not paying a streaming service to listen to podcasts, flatout. It’s just principle, I’m tired of these greedy ass corporations.

2
[deleted]•

[removed]

1
CaptainMalForever•

Spotify is free...

1
TryingToChange117•

I thought to listen without ads it’s 10 dollars a month

1
grifff17•

I really hated when the two princes made its second and third seasons spotify exclusive. The only time I’ve used spotify is to listen to those seasons.

2
[deleted]•

[removed]

2
Aglavra•

Wait what? I didn't know about Gimlet. Are all of their podcasts going to be available only on Spotify? Will those who don't have Spotify subscription listen to it?

1
cbsteven•

No, I don't think this is accurate. I've heard of a couple of individual shows going Spotify-only (How to Save a Planet and Chompers come to mind), but I don't think their major shows like Reply App or Science Vs are in danger of going exclusive in the near future.

2
Aglavra•

Thanks for the info

1
whatsawoogie•

I have slowly and reluctantly been listening to more and more on Spotify, sheerly from a convenience standpoint. I’m already on my computer, which is hooked up to my speakers and connected to my AirPods and my old noise cancelling headphones, so it’s easy to throw something on whatever the situation. And being able to pick up in the same spot from my phone or my smart TV helps too.

With all of that said, their UX for podcasts is AWFUL. Limited view and sort options and inconsistent queueing. Subpar recommendations with tons of repetition. I hope if they keep leaning into the space, that they at least make some optimizations, but somehow I think they’ll keep overlooking because so much of the audience is the JRE crowd and not avid fans of the medium.

1
Lmcuster•

Fortunately, I use Spotify for my music, so it's no skin off my nose

1
SyStEm0v3r1dE•

I use Spotify for music and itunes for podcasts, because I tend to backlog my podcasts for like a month before I catch up. Also I am a bit of a digital hoarder and like to keep certain episodes of my favorite shows.

1