Spotify Unveils Redesigned Desktop and Web Applications

Spotify has announced a comprehensive visual overhaul for its streaming platform on desktop. This includes the launch of a newly designed application for both Mac and Windows operating systems, alongside an updated web application experience.

Enhanced Navigation and Features

These changes, being deployed to all users globally, are centered around streamlining navigation and granting access to new controls and functionalities. Users will find improvements across playlists, search, radio, their listening queue, and their personal library.

The overall update provides the Spotify app with a more efficient and uncluttered aesthetic, a significant departure from the previous iteration.

Relocated Search and Library Organization

A key alteration involves the repositioning of the search bar. Previously located in the top left corner, it has been moved to the streamlined navigation bar on the left side. This bar now sits between links for "Home" and "Your Library."

The app now consolidates destinations within "Your Library." Instead of displaying options like "Made For You," "Recently Played," "Albums," "Artists," or "Podcasts" directly in the navigation bar, users must now access these selections by clicking into the Library section itself.

Refreshed "Your Library" Page

The "Your Library" page now features four primary categories at the top: Playlists, Podcasts, Artists, and Albums. Playlists include features like Liked Songs, Discover Weekly, Daily Mixes, and Release Radar.

Notably, Podcasts have been elevated to the second most prominent position within the update.

A new dropdown menu within "Your Library" allows for sorting these sections by "Most Relevant," "Recently Played," "Recently Added," "Alphabetical," or a user-defined "Custom Order."

Improved Playlist Creation Tools

Users who frequently create playlists will benefit from several new features. They can now add descriptions to playlists, upload custom images, and utilize drag-and-drop functionality for adding tracks.

A new embedded search bar within the "Create Playlist" page facilitates the discovery of new songs and podcast episodes to incorporate into playlists. This streamlines the playlist creation process, reducing the steps required to add content.

Focus on Curators and Content Discovery

This change reflects Spotify’s increasing focus on supporting curators, a topic discussed by co-founder and CEO Daniel Ek on the PressClub show on Clubhouse.

Ek emphasized the importance of curators as Spotify’s content library expands. He stated that playlisters are valuable, but there's potential for greater interaction and understanding of their audience.

Spotify aims to provide tools that empower users to become more effective curators, even on a personal level, by suggesting relevant content for their playlists.

Additional Updates and Features

Further enhancements include a redesigned listener profile page showcasing both top artists and top tracks. A new method for initiating a radio session for any song or artist is available via the three-dot menu.

Desktop app users can now edit their Queue and view their Recently Played items. Spotify Premium subscribers can now download music and podcasts for offline listening directly within the Desktop app.

Addressing Past Neglect and Future Development

In a blog post, Spotify acknowledged a period of underdevelopment for its desktop application. The current launch represents an effort to rectify this situation.

The company remains committed to providing the best possible user experience through continuous testing, development, and expansion of its content offerings.

Marquee Tool Expansion

Alongside the app redesign, Spotify announced the expansion of access to its Marquee tool for promoting new releases. This feature will now be available to all teams in the U.S. through a new campaign management tool within Spotify for Artists.