Spotify has recently announced a significant redesign for its desktop app, offering users easier access to information about the song or podcast they are currently listening to, as well as new ways to organize playlists and other content. This update, which has been described as one of Spotify’s largest revamps to date, will be rolled out to desktop users worldwide throughout this week.
One of the most noticeable changes in the update is the Your Library sidebar on the left side of the screen. Instead of a simple text list of playlists, the interface now features colorful icons. Additionally, the sidebar displays recently played artists and albums, allowing users to easily jump back into their favorite content. Users have the option to minimize the sidebar to view only the icons or expand it to see the name of each entry and other details such as the last time they were played. If users prefer a text-only view without icons, they can access Spotify’s settings and select the “Use compact library layout” option.
The Your Library sidebar can also be filtered to show only lists of artists, albums, or playlists using the icons at the top. This update also introduces a dedicated search box within the sidebar, allowing users to search specifically within their own library without having to use the main search tool that searches the entire Spotify library. Some users have reported seeing a similar interface in the past few weeks, and it seems that Spotify had previously announced an earlier rollout of this feature in April.
On the right side of the screen, Spotify has introduced a new Now Playing view. This view displays the currently playing song or podcast along with additional information. For music artists, this might include tour dates or merchandise, while podcasts may include transcripts or episode descriptions. The right side of the interface used to show what friends were listening to, but this feature is now hidden behind the friends icon located in the top right corner of the screen.
Coinciding with the launch of the new interface, Spotify is reportedly preparing for a more substantial update to its service. According to Bloomberg, the audio streaming platform plans to introduce a new premium tier that could finally bring its much-anticipated lossless HiFi streaming feature to users. This update would provide higher audio quality, enhancing the listening experience for subscribers who seek better sound reproduction.
With these design changes and the potential addition of a HiFi streaming feature, Spotify is reinforcing its commitment to improving user experience and meeting the evolving demands of its diverse user base. The redesigned desktop app aims to provide a more visually appealing and intuitive interface while offering better organization options for playlists and personalized libraries. As Spotify continues to innovate and enhance its service, users can look forward to an even more immersive and enjoyable music streaming experience.