- Spotify has launched new playlist tools, including bulk queue editing features
- Background downloading is rolling out to iOS users after being limited to Android devices
- Playlist folders are also rolling out globally.
I love creating new playlists on Spotify, but sometimes its limited editing and queuing tools make the experience more of a chore than a fun activity. Fortunately, the platform has just released a host of tools to make playlists more enjoyable and to “help keep listening smooth” for both iOS and Android users.
Spotify announced yesterday (May 28) more control tools to help you edit your playlists and queue more effectively. The new ‘Edit’ button, rolling out to Premium users worldwide, allows you to select multiple tracks at once, which you can increase to play next or remove them from the queue entirely. This was a tool once offered on Spotify that is now being resurrected, and also applies to audiobook and podcast episode queues.
Spotify’s new ‘Rearrange’ button is another feature that I find a welcome addition to the app. If you find that a playlist isn’t giving you what you want, whether it’s your own or one curated by Spotify, the Rearrange button will generate a completely new sequence of tracks, meaning you’ll no longer have to manually disable and enable the standard shuffle icon to change the order.
Yes, the queue controls have had a much-needed update, but so have Spotify’s playlist organization tools. Although we first saw it a few weeks ago, the ability to create and add playlist folders is rolling out globally to all users after being locked to the desktop experience for 15 years.
These updates are just the beginning, however, and Spotify is also making offline listening for iOS users even more reliable with background downloads, a tool that has until now been limited to Android users.
If you want to download a playlist or podcast episode, for example, you will no longer have to keep the Spotify app open to complete the download process. Now it does everything in the background for you and you will receive notifications to see the progress. “So whether you’re on a flight, underground, or out of range, your listening will be ready to go,” the company says in its announcement.
Spotify adds a feature I’ve wanted for years
Recently, I’ve found myself hitting a wall when it comes to making playlists on Spotify, and it’s not just because of a lack of inspiration. Play and queue features haven’t always made the experience as easy as it could be, but Spotify’s new additions could alleviate a lot of pain points for music fans.
I chronically add songs to a queue while traveling or at a social gathering with friends, and one thing I’ve always wanted from Spotify is an Apple Music-like “play next” option, which is one of my favorite parts of the Spotify rival.
Although there’s still no “play next” option for when you want to add individual songs, you can upload the song you prefer directly from the queue. But unlike Apple Music, Spotify allows you to move multiple songs to the top at once, which not only saves you a lot of time dragging them individually with the three-line icon, but will also stop your friends from bothering you to upload a song they just requested.
As for playlist folders, I can’t believe it took Spotify this long to implement a very basic feature, but hey, we finally have it. If you’re like me and have different types of playlists for the same occasion (I have several workout and music playlists per year), keeping them stored in a categorized folder does wonders for keeping your profile clean, tidy, and navigable.
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