Spotify adds separate play and shuffle buttons

The buttons will be introduced to subscribers in batches globally. The platform says the functions are purposed to enhance user listening experience by letting subscribers choose the mode they prefer at the top of playlists and albums.

Spotify’s app currently combines the play/shuffle features, which has been a long-standing issue and frustrating for users who usually switch between mobile and desktop devices or iOS and Android. Many of them criticised how the combined button looked and functioned differently across devices.

“We’re improving the listener experience and separating the shuffle and play buttons for Spotify premium users,” the company said, adding that the new change will “allow you to choose the mode you prefer at the top of playlists and albums and listen the way you want to.”

The joint function was introduced in 2020. However, in 2021, the play feature was made the default on albums following British singer Adele’s request. The pop star argued that artists release albums in a certain order and therefore should be appreciated in that way.

Spotify has been widely criticised for limiting the new functionality to paying users with commentators arguing that the change was due the app’s poor design. Spotify says it views the benefits of the separate buttons as something for paid subscribers as they are “paying for the option to listen to any song they want, on demand.”

Other major music streaming services such as Deezer, Apple Music and Amazon Music have separate built-in play and shuffle icons.