Spotify Is Testing A New Interactive Polls Feature For Podcasts
Source: Spotify
Spotify recently started testing a new Polls feature that enables podcast hosts and their listeners to engage with each other by asking and answering a question in-app.
“Ever wish you could communicate directly with your favorite podcast hosts—maybe to share who you think their next guest should be, or weigh in on a debate that took place during the episode? Now, you may just get your chance. Spotify is testing a new Polls feature that gives podcasters the opportunity to ask their audience questions within the app,” the streaming service said in a blog post.
Podcast hosts and listeners have the ability to see responses to Polls in real-time. However, answers remain anonymous. Polls are available at the bottom of the episode page for podcasts that have the feature or on the episode’s Now Playing page. As of right now, podcast hosts can only feature one Poll per episode.
Spotify is testing the feature with a few Spotify Exclusive and Original shows such as The Rewatchables and Crime Countdown. According to reports, the streaming platform intends to give other shows access to Polls, but the timing of that is up in the air.
Insights & Analysis:
It’s no secret that Spotify is focused on podcasting. In the last year, it’s made several investments to support its podcast initiative including acquiring The Ringer, rolling out video podcasts, signing influencers to exclusive deals, and much more.
The addition of Polls is a continuation of Spotify trying to increase its podcast market share.
The feature will be attractive to both hosts and listeners as it provides a way for them to interact and engage with each other. Hosts will see great value in it since they can utilize a Poll to grab insights around topics they discuss in an episode and use it as a tool for informal research. For example, a host could ask their fans what topics or guests they are interested in.
This feedback could help hosts better align future episodes with the topics or guests that their audience cares about the most and potentially increase listenership.
Overall, Polls make podcasts more interactive.
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SOURCE: The Verge
