Search a title or topic

Over 20 million podcasts, powered by 

Player FM logo
Artwork

Content provided by Courtney Elmer | PodLaunchHQ.com. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Courtney Elmer | PodLaunchHQ.com or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
Player FM - Podcast App
Go offline with the Player FM app!

Why Spotify’s New “Plays” Feature Actually Hurts Independent Podcasters

12:26
 
Share
 

Manage episode 485591186 series 2633070
Content provided by Courtney Elmer | PodLaunchHQ.com. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Courtney Elmer | PodLaunchHQ.com or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Spotify just rolled out a new feature called “Plays” that shows your episode play counts publicly inside their app. But this move isn’t about helping creators. It’s about algorithmically manipulating what used to be a level playing field—and it benefits Spotify, not you.

Worse? It distracts you from the metrics that actually show if your podcast is working. And for independent, niche hosts, this one visible number will breed unhealthy comparison, magnify self-doubt, and drive thousands of talented podcasters to quit before their show ever has a chance to grow.

In this episode, we’re breaking down what you need to know about this new metric, why it tells you nothing about the true health of your show, and what to focus on instead if you want a real understanding of how your content is resonating with listeners.

Want to know what smart podcasters are tracking instead? Hit play and let’s dive in.

0:07 – Why Spotify’s New “Plays” Metric Is Misleading (and Who It Really Serves)

0:58 – How Public Play Counts Create Unfair (and False) Comparisons

4:51 – Why Vanity Metrics Trap You in the Illusion of Growth

8:10 – The 3 Data Points That Reveal Whether Your Podcast Is Actually Growing

11:15 – Why These 3 Metrics Are the Clearest Measure of Your Podcast’s True Health


Episode Links:


Other Episodes You’ll Love:

→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U

Support the show

Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster!

Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

Want a podcasting growth strategy tailored to your show? Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Audit with Courtney.
Register for Courtney's Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Podcast Growth This Year

Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Demo to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for you and get the podcasting advice you need to grow your podcast.

Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ

©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

  continue reading

361 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 485591186 series 2633070
Content provided by Courtney Elmer | PodLaunchHQ.com. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Courtney Elmer | PodLaunchHQ.com or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Spotify just rolled out a new feature called “Plays” that shows your episode play counts publicly inside their app. But this move isn’t about helping creators. It’s about algorithmically manipulating what used to be a level playing field—and it benefits Spotify, not you.

Worse? It distracts you from the metrics that actually show if your podcast is working. And for independent, niche hosts, this one visible number will breed unhealthy comparison, magnify self-doubt, and drive thousands of talented podcasters to quit before their show ever has a chance to grow.

In this episode, we’re breaking down what you need to know about this new metric, why it tells you nothing about the true health of your show, and what to focus on instead if you want a real understanding of how your content is resonating with listeners.

Want to know what smart podcasters are tracking instead? Hit play and let’s dive in.

0:07 – Why Spotify’s New “Plays” Metric Is Misleading (and Who It Really Serves)

0:58 – How Public Play Counts Create Unfair (and False) Comparisons

4:51 – Why Vanity Metrics Trap You in the Illusion of Growth

8:10 – The 3 Data Points That Reveal Whether Your Podcast Is Actually Growing

11:15 – Why These 3 Metrics Are the Clearest Measure of Your Podcast’s True Health


Episode Links:


Other Episodes You’ll Love:

→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U

Support the show

Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster!

Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

Want a podcasting growth strategy tailored to your show? Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Audit with Courtney.
Register for Courtney's Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Podcast Growth This Year

Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Demo to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for you and get the podcasting advice you need to grow your podcast.

Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ

©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

  continue reading

361 episodes

Semua episode

×
 
Loading …

Welcome to Player FM!

Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.

 

Copyright 2025 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | | Copyright
Listen to this show while you explore
Play