Spotify seems to have restored 'New Episodes' feed in Library following backlash after removal

In a surprising turn of events, Spotify seems to have actually listened to user feedback and restored a much-loved feature that they removed. Yes, I’m talking about the ‘New Episodes’ tab.

For many podcast listeners on the platform, this modest little feed was a crucial part of their daily routine, a simple way to see what was new from their followed shows without fuss. Its sudden disappearance a couple of weeks ago was met with a significant outcry, and now, just as suddenly, it appears to be back.

When the ‘New Episodes’ section vanished from the Library tab, users were not quiet about their displeasure. The change forced listeners to navigate to a ‘Following’ feed under the Home tab, a move many found cumbersome and less user-friendly. The new system involved more clicks, endless scrolling, and mixed already played episodes with new ones, making the discovery process a chore. As one user, reedbook36, put it on the Spotify Community forums, “You removed New Episodes from our home library and said it would be under Podcasts, but it’s not. Now I have to go through every single podcast to find the new episodes.”

Here’s a screenshot of the Library tab after the New Episodes list was removed:

Another user, EvieAnderson, detailed the new, more complicated process:

So now I have to scroll endlessly through my home page to find the banner new episodes of podcasts, and then I have to open each episode individually to then click again to download them. Then when I go back to the homepage it takes me back to the top again and I have to scroll down the page AGAIN to find new episodes and go through the process each time. It was a stupid change and I don’t understand why you would make it so much harder for users than previously.

This thread garnered over 430 comments, with many users sharing their frustrations towards the removal.

Spotify’s initial response, explaining that the ‘New Episodes’ had “evolved” into the ‘Following Feed’ to “create deeper connections,” did little to soothe the discontent. Many users felt their concerns were dismissed, with some even accusing the company of “gaslighting.” Naturally, many felt the change was a downgrade, as it wasn’t just an inconvenience.

Then, over the last day or so, reports started trickling in. Users began noticing the ‘New Episodes’ feed reappearing in its old spot within the Library tab. And I can confirm, checking my own Spotify app, the ‘New Episodes’ feed is indeed back where it used to be, looking just like it did before its brief, controversial removal.

The quiet reinstatement has been met with a mixture of relief and lingering skepticism. Some users are thankful, like clempadin, who posted, “Me too!!!!!!! Thank you!!!!! They actually listened to us!! Thank you Spotify.” However, others, like SouthsideStan, remain wary: “It’s finally back! I’m still considering leaving the platform. No statement or anything. Just quietly put it back after hundreds of us voiced our concerns… Who knows if they will remove it again.”

For now, it seems a popular feature has made a comeback, potentially due to the vocal feedback from the Spotify community. Whether it’s here to stay, and whether Spotify will formally acknowledge the reversal or the reasons behind it, remains to be seen. Whatever the case, it’s always good to see companies listen to user feedback and take actions accordingly.