Spotify Introduces Automatic Podcast Transcripts

Spotify is initiating a move towards providing transcripts for podcasts hosted on its platform. The company revealed this morning the impending launch of a limited beta program. This beta will introduce automatically generated transcripts for Spotify Exclusive and Original shows.

The ultimate objective is to enable transcript availability for all podcasts published on the platform. Alongside this announcement, several accessibility enhancements were also unveiled, including features designed to improve readability and provide text resizing options.

How the New Transcripts Feature Works

The newly implemented transcripts feature will automatically create transcripts for Spotify’s internally produced shows. Users will then be able to read the podcast’s text directly on their iOS or Android devices, regardless of whether audio is playing.

This functionality significantly enhances accessibility, making audio content available to a broader audience, including individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Furthermore, it offers convenience for all listeners seeking to quickly navigate to specific segments of a conversation without the need for fast-forwarding or rewinding.

According to the company, users will have the ability to scroll through and navigate the provided transcripts. Selecting any paragraph will initiate streaming of the show from that precise point.

Benefits for Podcasters and Competition

Should Spotify fulfill its commitment to extend transcript availability across its entire podcast library, it could alleviate the burden on podcasters. They would no longer need to independently transcribe shows and publish them on their websites.

Instead, podcasters could simply direct listeners to Spotify for transcript access. This feature could also reduce reliance on third-party transcription apps and position Spotify as a competitor to Apple’s podcast transcription search capabilities.

This move may also indicate that Apple is preparing to release an update in this area, considering its recent investment in a redesigned Apple Podcasts app, which now incorporates subscriptions.

Rollout and Additional Accessibility Features

The transcripts feature is scheduled to be rolled out in the “coming weeks,” as stated by Spotify.

In addition to the beta announcement, Spotify has introduced several readability improvements. These are designed to assist low-vision and visually impaired users in better identifying various in-app buttons, such as those for initiating playback or shuffle mode.

This is achieved through adjustments to button color, text formatting, and size. While Spotify already supports system-wide text size changes via Dynamic Type, it now allows users to further increase text sizes through a new feature located within the iOS Settings menu. (Settings –> Accessibility –> Display & Text Size; tap “Larger Text” and adjust the slider.)

Spotify confirms that the Podcast transcripts beta will be available to all mobile users for a selection of Spotify Original and Exclusive shows in English over the next few weeks.