Spotify’s Public Podcast Play Counts: Why Creators Are Speaking Out

Have you ever checked how many times your favorite podcast has been streamed on Spotify? Well, that’s now a reality. Spotify recently introduced public play counts for podcasts—but not every podcaster is thrilled about it. In fact, the change has stirred up a bit of controversy, especially among smaller and independent creators.

So what’s really going on? And why are so many podcast hosts upset about what might seem like a simple numbers feature?

Let’s break it down.

What Are Public Play Counts—and Why Now?

Spotify, the world’s largest music streaming platform, has been pushing hard to dominate the podcast space. As part of that push, they launched a new feature that displays how many times each episode of a podcast has been played.

This means anyone—listeners, competitors, and advertisers—can see exactly how popular (or not) a particular podcast episode is. According to Spotify, this is all about transparency. They believe showing play counts will help listeners find trending or credible content and give creators more insight into their reach.

Sounds fair, right?

Well, not everyone agrees.

Why Are Podcast Creators Upset?

For established podcasts with tens of thousands of plays, this change might not be a big deal. But for smaller creators? It can feel a bit like airing your dirty laundry in public.

Imagine being a new podcast host. You’re proud of your work, but maybe you’re getting a few hundred plays per episode. Suddenly, your potential listeners—and even sponsors—can see those modest numbers. That could turn some people away before they even press play.

Here are a few major concerns creators have voiced:

• Perception vs. Quality: A podcast might be high-quality, but low play counts can make it look amateur or unpopular.
• Unfair Advantage: Big names already have built-in audiences. Public numbers make it harder for smaller voices to be discovered.
• Sponsorship Risks: Advertisers might become less likely to work with creators if the play counts seem too low.

It’s kind of like walking into a party where everyone’s wearing name tags that show how many friends they have. If yours only says “23,” it can feel awkward—whether or not you’re the life of the party.

Spotify’s Response: Trying to Tune In

After the feature rolled out and the backlash began, Spotify was quick to respond. The company acknowledged the concerns and said they’re “actively listening” to feedback from the podcaster community.

They pointed out that transparency in podcasting is a long-requested improvement. On YouTube, for example, creators’ view counts have always been public. Spotify seems to be taking a page from that playbook.

However, unlike YouTube, where creators can monetize content directly through views, podcasting still relies heavily on sponsorships and outside deals. That makes smaller numbers potentially more damaging.

So far, Spotify hasn’t promised to reverse the feature, but they have hinted at future tools and updates that might give creators more control over how their metrics are displayed.

Is Transparency Always a Good Thing?

On paper, yes—especially when it comes to digital platforms. Knowing how well something is doing offers value to both creators and consumers.

From a listener’s perspective, play counts can help you decide which episode to check out first. From an advertiser’s angle, it gives a clear window into a show’s performance—without having to request internal data.

But when it comes to creative content, numbers don’t always tell the full story.

For example, let’s say you find a podcast with fewer plays but an amazing message or unique storytelling style. If you’re judging it solely on numbers, you might never take the time to listen—and that’s where smaller shows lose out.

What Can Smaller Podcast Creators Do?

If you’re a new or growing podcaster, this change might feel discouraging. But there are ways to frame public play counts in a positive light.

Here are a few strategies that may help:

• Focus on engagement, not just volume: Encourage listeners to leave reviews or share your podcast. A smaller, loyal audience can be more valuable than large passive ones.
• Tell your story: Use social media or intros to explain your journey. Let your listeners know you’re growing and improving each episode.
• Pitch to sponsors creatively: Don’t just talk about play counts. Share listener demographics, average listening time, and audience engagement.

Remember, every big show started small. Even “The Joe Rogan Experience” had humble beginnings before becoming a streaming giant.

What This Means for the Future of Podcasting

Whether you’re a creator or a fan, this move by Spotify signals a shift. The podcasting world is becoming more public, more data-driven, and yes—more competitive.

In the long run, that could mean better content, more informed listeners, and improved support for podcasters. But in the short term, especially for smaller voices trying to grow, it may feel like a step back.

Spotify has a chance to lead this new era of transparency in a fair and thoughtful way. Giving creators more control, offering nuanced analytics, and educating listeners could be the next best steps.

Final Thoughts: Is This the New Normal?

Change is never easy—especially in creative industries. Podcasting has long been a space for authentic, grassroots storytelling. Turning on public play counts shifts the focus from passion to numbers. That doesn’t sit well with everyone.

But if platforms like Spotify can balance transparency with thoughtful support tools, there’s room for everyone to grow—no matter how many plays they get today.

So the next time you see a podcast with “just” a few hundred plays, don’t scroll past. You might be the listener that helps it get discovered—or even go viral.

What do you think? Should podcast play counts be public for all to see? Or should creators have the final say?

Let us know in the comments—because just like a good podcast, the conversation is half the experience.

Keywords: Spotify podcast play counts, public podcast metrics, Spotify creator backlash, transparency in podcasting, independent podcasters, podcast growth strategies, digital content metrics, podcast sponsorship challenges.