How to Clear Your Shows on Spotify: The Definitive Guide

So, you’ve been on a podcast binge and now your Spotify is cluttered with shows you no longer listen to? Fear not! Cleaning up your Spotify podcast library is a surprisingly simple process. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your Spotify experience is curated and clutter-free.

The Direct Answer:

To clear your shows on Spotify, you essentially need to unfollow or unsubscribe from the podcasts you no longer want to see. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Open Spotify: Launch the Spotify application on your mobile device or desktop.
2. Navigate to Your Library: Select “Your Library” or “Library” – usually found at the bottom (mobile) or left-hand side (desktop).
3. Go to Podcasts & Shows: Within your library, find the section labelled “Podcasts & Shows.”
4. Select “Shows”: You’ll typically see two options: “Episodes” and “Shows.” Click on “Shows.”
5. Unfollow the Show: For each show you want to remove, tap/click on the three dots (ellipsis) next to the show’s name. In the menu that appears, select “Unfollow.” On some versions, it might show a “Following” button which you can click to unfollow.

That’s it! The show will be removed from your library. Keep in mind that this only removes the show from your list of followed podcasts. It does not delete any downloaded episodes.

Digging Deeper: Understanding Spotify Podcast Management

While the steps above are straightforward, there’s more to know about managing your Spotify podcast subscriptions effectively. Let’s delve into some common scenarios and lesser-known features.

Managing Downloaded Episodes

Unfollowing a show does not automatically delete any downloaded episodes. These episodes are still stored on your device, consuming storage space. Here’s how to remove them:

1. Navigate to Podcasts & Shows > Episodes: Follow steps 1-3 above.
2. Go to “Downloaded” Tab: Look for a tab specifically labelled “Downloaded.”
3. Remove Individual Episodes: For each episode you want to remove, tap/click the three dots (ellipsis) next to the episode title and select “Remove Download.”
4. Clear All Downloads (Podcast Specific): Alternatively, within the “Shows” section, go to the show and tap the three dots and choose “Remove all downloads.”
5. Bulk Clear Downloads (Entire Podcast Library): Go to your Spotify settings. Look for “Storage.” In this section, there should be an option to “Remove all downloads.” Be aware that this will remove all downloaded podcast episodes.

Spotify Desktop vs. Mobile App

The process is generally the same across both platforms, but some visual elements and menu placements might differ slightly. Don’t be alarmed if the “Unfollow” option is in a slightly different location. The core functionality remains consistent.

The “Following” Status

When you follow a podcast, Spotify keeps track of new episodes and may even suggest them to you based on your listening habits. Unfollowing a show breaks this connection. You’ll no longer receive notifications for new episodes, and the show won’t appear in your “Your Episodes” feed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 FAQs to further clarify the process and address common concerns:

1. Will unfollowing a show delete the podcast from Spotify entirely? No. Unfollowing a show simply removes it from your library. The podcast remains available on Spotify for everyone else.

2. If I unfollow a show, will the creator know? No, podcast creators cannot see who unfollows their show on Spotify. Your unfollowing is private.

3. How do I stop Spotify from automatically downloading new podcast episodes? Go to Settings > Podcast Settings. Toggle off “Automatic Downloads.” You can also adjust download quality settings in this section.

4. Can I re-download episodes of a podcast I unfollowed? Yes, absolutely. You can always search for the podcast and download episodes individually, even after unfollowing.

5. Is there a way to archive podcasts instead of unfollowing them? Unfortunately, Spotify doesn’t currently offer an “archive” feature. Unfollowing is the only way to remove a podcast from your library without deleting the app.

6. I unfollowed a show, but it still appears in my “Recently Played.” How do I remove it? Clearing your listening history is the only way to remove shows from the “Recently Played” section. Go to Settings > Social > Clear Listening History. This will clear your entire listening history, not just podcasts.

7. Will unfollowing a podcast cancel my paid subscription to that podcast (if I have one)? No. Unfollowing a podcast on Spotify does not affect any separate subscriptions you might have with the podcast creator, such as through Patreon or a similar platform. You’ll need to cancel those subscriptions separately.

8. Can I unfollow multiple shows at once? Spotify currently doesn’t offer a batch unfollow option. You’ll need to unfollow each show individually.

9. I accidentally unfollowed a podcast. How do I find it again? Simply search for the podcast name in the Spotify search bar and follow it again.

10. Does unfollowing a show affect my Spotify recommendations? Yes, it can. Spotify uses your listening history and followed shows to generate recommendations. Unfollowing a show signals that you’re no longer interested in that type of content, which can influence future recommendations.

11. I’m seeing podcasts in my library I never followed. Why? This can sometimes happen due to accidental taps or glitches. Just unfollow them using the steps outlined above. If it persists, consider contacting Spotify support.

12. Why is the Spotify podcast interface different on different devices? Spotify’s interface can vary slightly depending on the device (mobile, desktop, web player) and the version of the app you’re using. Always make sure you have the latest version of Spotify installed for the most up-to-date features and interface.

Keeping Your Spotify Podcast Library Tidy: Best Practices

Maintaining a clean Spotify podcast library is an ongoing process. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

• Regularly Review Your Followed Shows: Take some time every few weeks to review your followed shows and unfollow any that you’re no longer interested in.
• Be Mindful of Auto-Download Settings: Adjust your auto-download settings to prevent unnecessary downloads and save storage space.
• Utilize Playlists: Create playlists for different podcast genres or moods to better organize your listening.

By following these steps and frequently asked questions, you can effectively manage your Spotify podcast library and ensure a more enjoyable and streamlined listening experience. Happy podcasting!