Spotify Introduces Auto-Moderation for Podcast Comments

In July 2023, Spotify launched a new feature allowing listeners to comment on podcast episodes. To streamline the management of these comments, the platform has introduced an auto-moderation tool that gives podcasters control over what comments can be published. This tool allows for configurable settings, categorized into 'Standard,' 'High,' and 'Low' moderation levels to filter out sensitive or inappropriate content. The Standard level reviews flagged comments before posting, while the High level holds all comments for approval. The Low level automatically posts almost all comments, only filtering out those in violation of policies. Moreover, creators can customize their moderation by adding specific words, phrases, or emojis to a blocklist, ensuring stricter control over comments. Spotify has reported significant engagement, with users posting 2.5 million comments across 650,000 episodes since the feature's launch. Approximately 44% of published comments receive interactions from the creators. Currently, Spotify's auto-moderation feature predominantly supports English, with the company planning to enhance this service by adding support for additional languages in the future. Until then, all non-English comments require manual review by podcasters. This strategic move not only aims to foster community engagement but also addresses the challenges of managing user feedback responsibly in a rapidly expanding content landscape. As new tools are implemented, Spotify is committed to enhancing the user experience on its platform while ensuring a healthy dialogue between creators and listeners. With these updates, Spotify seeks to improve the way podcasters manage audience interactions, which is crucial for maintaining a positive community atmosphere.