How I redesigned Spotify podcasts to make listening fun again
How I redesigned Spotify podcasts to make listening fun again
PROJECT OVERVIEW
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Podcasts are a new way to listen, but people haven’t changed, they still want to talk, share, and feel connected. This self-started redesign explores how Spotify could help listeners interact more easily. The idea was shared on UX Planet and reached over 4.5k views because it focused on real listener needs.
Podcasts are a new way to listen, but people haven’t changed, they still want to talk, share, and feel connected. This self-started redesign explores how Spotify could help listeners interact more easily. The idea was shared on UX Planet and reached over 4.5k views because it focused on real listener needs.
DURATION
1 Month
DURATION
1 Month
TEAM
Self-initiated project
Featured on
AAPD(中文)↗
UX Planet(English)↗
TEAM
Self-initiated project
Featured on
AAPD(中文)↗
UX Planet(English)↗
Engagement
Engagement
Community
Community
User Experience
User Experience
The Challenge
The Challenge
Connection dies when the episode ends
When I found a famous podcast show had 42% of listeners leaving reviews but only 2% following on social media, I knew the solution was clear: real connection has to happen inside the player, not somewhere else.
When I found a famous podcast show had 42% of listeners leaving reviews but only 2% following on social media, I knew the solution was clear: real connection has to happen inside the player, not somewhere else.
Define
Define
Spotify implementation
I set out to reimagine Spotify’s podcast experience, focusing on features that could enhance engagement, loyalty, and retention, long before Spotify officially introduced a comment board feature in mid-2024.
People wanted to talk, but the app stayed silent
As a podcast host, but I noticed something strange: listeners had lots of thoughts and feelings, yet the app didn’t let them share. One day, I heard a host read fan messages on air, and I realized people wanted to join the conversation so much that they even used the review section like a chat room.
Spotify implementation
I set out to reimagine Spotify’s podcast experience, focusing on features that could enhance engagement, loyalty, and retention, long before Spotify officially introduced a comment board feature in mid-2024.
People wanted to talk, but the app stayed silent
As a podcast host, but I noticed something strange: listeners had lots of thoughts and feelings, yet the app didn’t let them share. One day, I heard a host read fan messages on air, and I realized people wanted to join the conversation so much that they even used the review section like a chat room.
01
Talking was just too hard
To say anything, listeners had to leave the app, find an email or social page, and hope someone replied. That was too many steps, so most people gave up before saying anything at all.
01
Talking was just too hard
To say anything, listeners had to leave the app, find an email or social page, and hope someone replied. That was too many steps, so most people gave up before saying anything at all.
02
New listeners felt left out
Comments were spread across different episodes with no clear order. For new fans, it felt confusing and closed, like a club where everyone else already knew the rules.
02
New listeners felt left out
Comments were spread across different episodes with no clear order. For new fans, it felt confusing and closed, like a club where everyone else already knew the rules.
how to reach good?
how to reach good?
So I gave listeners a place to talk
Instead of sending people away, I added a comment board right inside the podcast app.
Listeners could share thoughts and reply while listening, just like chatting with friends.
By showing how many comments and listeners each episode had,
it also became easy to spot popular shows and jump into the conversation.
So I gave listeners a place to talk
Instead of sending people away, I added a comment board right inside the podcast app.
Listeners could share thoughts and reply while listening, just like chatting with friends.
By showing how many comments and listeners each episode had,
it also became easy to spot popular shows and jump into the conversation.
Make it easy to join
The comment board puts all conversations in one place, so new listeners don’t feel lost.
It helps them understand quickly and feel welcome to join in.
Make it easy to join
The comment board puts all conversations in one place, so new listeners don’t feel lost.
It helps them understand quickly and feel welcome to join in.
Dive into the weeds
Dive into the weeds
Let comments pop up
People often listen without looking at the screen.
So we showed a few comments while the podcast was playing,
giving listeners a quick peek at the chat and inviting them to join in.
Let comments pop up
People often listen without looking at the screen.
So we showed a few comments while the podcast was playing,
giving listeners a quick peek at the chat and inviting them to join in.
01
Help conversations start
Comment boxes look like a chat, so people feel invited to reply. This makes it easier to talk, share ideas, and make new connections.
01
Help conversations start
Comment boxes look like a chat, so people feel invited to reply. This makes it easier to talk, share ideas, and make new connections.
02
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