Spotify Desktop App Receives a Revamp with Enhanced Library Functionalities

In recent years, Spotify has focused its resources primarily on its mobile apps and certain podcasters who oppose vaccines, neglecting its desktop app. However, the company has now given the desktop side a significant update, which it claims is one of its most extensive revamps yet. The aim is to bring the standalone app and web app in line with the more popular smartphone-based versions, despite the fact that Spotify was initially a browser-based experience before it became available on high-end phones.

The main content area remains the same, with the same access to browsing and recommended songs and podcasts, but the left side of the app window now features the newly launched “Your Library” feature that the company started testing a few months ago. This gives you instant access to your saved music and podcast collections, helping to save time when switching between playlists. You can now collapse the library for a compact view, which is always nice.

There’s also a new “Now Playing” view on the right side of the screen, which shows you what you’re currently listening to, along with biographical information about the artist. In addition, this field gives you the opportunity to buy products directly from the artist and enjoy all the upcoming tour dates. Some podcasts will also auto-populate the transcript through this field as you listen.

The “Friend Activity” feed was moved to make room for new stuff, but you can move it back. Just look for the “friends” icon next to your profile picture in the top right corner of the main content area and drag and drop your feed to restore it to its former glory. You can also completely remove both the “Friends Activity” and “Now Playing” windows for a streamlined look.

All of these changes have an eye-catching splash of paint that makes everything look and feel like smartphone versions of the app. The update is rolling out today to all desktop users worldwide. It’s a big day for the streaming service, as it just announced that comedian Trevor Noah has signed on for a weekly talk show, and rumors continue to swirl about an upcoming hi-fi.