Recently, Spotify introduced a new feature that publicly displays the number of plays each podcast episode receives, which has sparked concerns among podcasters, particularly those with smaller audiences. The feature, termed “Plays,” is intended to offer insights for creators to optimize their content. However, many podcasters argue this could turn the podcasting space into a “popularity contest,” potentially deterring listeners.
Adrienne Cruz, a podcast manager for several smaller shows, expressed that podcasting has historically provided a unique platform for niche creators, but this new metric could jeopardize that dynamic. Feedback from podcasters indicated that public metrics could discourage creativity and experimentation, ultimately harming growth opportunities. Some creators, like those behind the podcast “The Psychology of your 20s,” voiced their opposition directly on Spotify’s announcement, stating that public metrics do not support the creator community.
On the other hand, some podcasters welcomed the additional data, viewing it as an opportunity to understand their audience better. Dr. Mikhail Varshavski, host of “The Checkup with Doctor Mike,” lauded the feature for its potential to enhance content performance analysis, akin to successful practices on platforms like YouTube.
Concerns also arose regarding the fairness of the metric, as it only reflects plays on Spotify, neglecting other platforms where podcasts can be consumed. Podcasters like Gibson Johns and Janny Perez warned that this limited visibility could misrepresent their overall reach and negatively influence partnerships with brands, with Perez noting that decisions based on Spotify metrics might overlook broader audience engagement.
Spotify has stated that play counts will be updated regularly and rounded to the nearest thousand, with new episodes first labeled as “new” before displaying play counts after the initial 24-hour period.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
