How to Delete a Podcast on Spotify: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re looking to declutter your Spotify and ditch a podcast (or several). It’s a common quest! The process, thankfully, is relatively straightforward, but varies slightly depending on what you mean by “delete.” Here’s the lowdown: you can’t truly “delete” a podcast from Spotify. You can only remove it from your library and downloaded episodes from your device.
In essence, you’re unfollowing the podcast and removing downloaded episodes. Let’s break it down step-by-step:
Unfollowing a Podcast (Removing it from Your Library):
- Open the Spotify app on your mobile device (iOS or Android).
- Tap “Your Library” at the bottom of the screen.
- Navigate to the “Podcasts & Shows” section.
- Find the podcast you want to remove.
- Tap on the podcast’s cover art to open its page.
- Tap the “Following” button. This will change to “Follow,” indicating you’ve unfollowed.
Removing Downloaded Episodes (Freeing Up Storage):
- While on the podcast’s page (see steps 1-5 above).
- Look for a “Downloaded” section.
- You have a few options here:
- Remove All Downloads: If you want to get rid of all episodes, look for an option like “Remove all downloads” or a similar phrasing. The exact wording can vary slightly between versions of the Spotify app. This will remove all downloaded episodes from your device for that podcast.
- Remove Individual Episodes: If you only want to remove specific episodes, tap the downloaded indicator (usually a green arrow or a checkmark) next to each episode you want to delete. This will remove the downloaded file from your device.
And that’s it! The podcast will no longer appear in your “Your Library” feed, and any downloaded episodes will be gone from your device. Remember, you haven’t erased the podcast from the face of the earth (or, more accurately, Spotify’s servers), just from your personal view.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 12 frequently asked questions to help you navigate the world of podcast management on Spotify:
1. Can I completely delete a podcast from Spotify if I am the creator?
No, you cannot directly delete a podcast from Spotify through the Spotify app itself, even if you’re the creator. Spotify acts as a platform for hosting and distributing podcasts, but the actual podcast hosting typically happens on a separate service like Anchor (now Spotify for Podcasters), Libsyn, Buzzsprout, or others. To remove a podcast entirely, you need to delete it from the hosting platform you used to upload it initially. Deleting it there will eventually remove it from Spotify, though it may take some time for the changes to propagate.
2. How long does it take for a deleted podcast to disappear from Spotify after removing it from my hosting provider?
The timeframe varies. It can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, but it typically falls within 24-48 hours. Spotify’s systems need to re-crawl your RSS feed and recognize the deletion. If it’s taking longer than expected, contact Spotify support directly.
3. What happens if I unfollow a podcast but still have downloaded episodes?
Unfollowing a podcast only removes it from your “Your Library” feed. The downloaded episodes will remain on your device, consuming storage space, until you manually delete them as outlined in the steps above. It’s a good practice to remove downloaded episodes after unfollowing to free up space.
4. Is there a way to automatically delete downloaded podcast episodes after I listen to them?
Yes! Spotify offers a feature to automatically remove downloaded episodes after you’ve finished listening. To enable this:
- Go to “Settings” within the Spotify app.
- Scroll down to the “Audio Quality” section (or a similarly named section related to downloads).
- Look for an option like “Remove Downloads After Playing” or “Delete Played Episodes.”
- Toggle this option to the “On” position.
This is a fantastic way to manage your storage space automatically.
5. Can I delete a podcast episode individually before listening to it?
Yes, you can. On the podcast page, simply tap the downloaded indicator (green arrow/checkmark) next to the specific episode you want to delete. This will remove the downloaded file even if you haven’t listened to it.
6. How do I manage my podcast subscriptions in bulk?
Unfortunately, Spotify doesn’t offer a straightforward “bulk unfollow” option for podcasts. You need to unfollow each podcast individually, as described above. This is a feature many users have requested, so keep an eye out for potential updates from Spotify.
7. What’s the difference between “unfollowing” and “blocking” a podcast?
- Unfollowing simply removes the podcast from your “Your Library” feed. You can still search for it and listen to it if you want.
- Blocking prevents the podcast from appearing in your search results and recommendations. You won’t see it unless you actively unblock it. Spotify doesn’t have a direct “block” feature for podcasts, but you can achieve a similar effect by consistently skipping a podcast. Spotify algorithms learn your listening habits and will eventually stop recommending it.
8. Will the podcast reappear in my library if I search for it and listen to an episode after unfollowing?
Yes, it will likely reappear in your “Your Library.” Spotify assumes that if you’re actively searching for and listening to a podcast, you’re interested in it again.
9. Can other Spotify users see if I’m following or have downloaded a specific podcast?
No. Your podcast subscriptions and downloaded episodes are private and not visible to other Spotify users.
10. Is deleting a podcast from my library the same as unsubscribing?
Yes, deleting a podcast from your library on Spotify is effectively the same as unsubscribing. You’re no longer following the podcast, and new episodes won’t automatically appear in your feed.
11. What if I’m having trouble finding the “Downloaded” section on a podcast’s page?
The location and wording of the “Downloaded” section can vary slightly depending on the Spotify app version and platform (iOS vs. Android). Here are a few tips:
- Ensure you’ve actually downloaded episodes: The “Downloaded” section will only appear if you have downloaded episodes of that podcast.
- Look for a download icon: There’s usually a downward-pointing arrow or a checkmark icon indicating a downloaded episode. Clicking that icon should either start the download or, if already downloaded, give you the option to remove it.
- Check for a “Filter” option: Some versions of the app allow you to filter episodes by “Downloaded.”
- Update your Spotify app: Make sure you’re running the latest version of the Spotify app. Older versions may have different interface layouts.
12. Can I clear all my podcast downloads at once, across all podcasts?
Spotify doesn’t offer a single button to clear all podcast downloads at once. You need to go through each podcast individually and remove the downloaded episodes. While this can be tedious, especially if you have many downloaded episodes, using the “Remove all downloads” option (if available) on each podcast’s page can speed up the process. Consistently using the “Remove Downloads After Playing” feature (mentioned above) can also prevent a large accumulation of downloaded episodes in the first place.
By following these steps and referring to these FAQs, you should be well-equipped to manage your podcast subscriptions and downloaded episodes effectively on Spotify, keeping your library clean and your storage space optimized. Happy listening!
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