Now that Spotify is more than just a music streaming app, it’s a social networking platform as well

Spotify has recently expanded its platform with the introduction of comments on podcasts, marking another step toward transforming its app into a social networking experience centered around audio. This move allows podcasters to engage directly with their audience within Spotify, complementing existing interactive features such as Polls and Q&As. Coupled with last year’s app overhaul, which introduced a TikTok-like discovery feed, artist profiles featuring merchandise and concert tickets, and the ability to post stories, Spotify is evolving into a multifaceted audio-centric social network rather than just a music-streaming service.

Following the rollout of comments on podcast episode pages, speculation arises about whether Spotify will extend similar features to music artists in the future. This could significantly enhance the app’s appeal, given the typically larger and more engaged fan bases of musicians compared to podcasts.

When discussing the launch of comments, Spotify VP of Podcast Product Maya Prohovnik hinted at potential expansions to other formats within Spotify, although specifics were not disclosed. She emphasized the company’s commitment to adapting features that best suit different formats and creators.

Interestingly, Spotify’s approach contrasts with Apple’s previous attempts to integrate social networking into music apps. Apple’s ventures with Ping and later Connect faced challenges and ultimately did not achieve lasting success. In contrast, Spotify has gradually integrated social elements into its platform without explicitly positioning itself as a social network focused solely on audio.

Spotify’s CEO Daniel Ek has acknowledged the influence of platforms like TikTok on user experience trends, indicating the company’s strategy to learn from market dynamics and improve its product offerings accordingly. This strategy includes features like Spotify Clips, reminiscent of Stories on other platforms, where artists can share short videos with fans. Additionally, Countdown Pages and the annual Spotify Wrapped campaign further enhance artist-fan interaction.

With these innovations, Spotify aims to foster active engagement among users, transforming the app into a space where users can share thoughts, opinions, and experiences related to audio content. These efforts collectively position Spotify not just as a music streamer, but as a comprehensive platform competing for user engagement and advertising revenue against larger social networks.