Spotify users can now create podcast playlists

“Until recently, playlists were exclusive to music," the company said. "But now, in the true spirit of Audio First, Spotify users can combine music and podcasts on the same playlists.

“With this recently released, frequently requested functionality, users can build playlists of podcasts, or add podcasts to existing playlists for a mixed-media experience. Users can also set up a playlist of multiple podcasts in a row – perfect for a long drive or maybe a run – or integrate their favourite songs with news, comedy or sports podcasts.”

Additionally, Spotify Premium subscribers can organise a playlist and intersperse it with songs so that the podcasts and music play in a particular order. The new feature is, for now, available on iOS and Android, although Spotify has hinted that the functionality will be coming to PC desktops as well.

“If you’re using Spotify on your computer desktop, you can stream the playlists you’ve made on mobile that include podcasts. You can’t make a playlist with a podcast in it from your desktop—yet,” Spotify said.

Spotify claims to be the second-largest podcasting platform with more than 3 billion user-generated playlists and more than 200 million users.

In February, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek said that the company had heavily invested in the podcast market and announced the acquisition of independent podcast producer Gimlet Media, and podcast creation and publishing service Anchor.

“These companies are best-in-class, and together we will offer differentiated and original content,” Ek said. “Gimlet and Anchor will position us to become the leading platform for podcast creators around the world and the leading producer of podcasts.”

In June, Spotify introduced Your Daily Drive, a new feature that allows users to build their podcast-filled playlists.

“US users can get revved up for a personalised audio feed that blends music and news in one place for the perfect commute experience,” Spotify said.