Spotify adds a new, less repetitive shuffle, plus audiobook recaps

Published: Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 1:30 pm

Spotify Unveils Enhanced Shuffle and Audiobook Recaps

Music streaming giant Spotify is rolling out significant updates to its platform, including a revamped shuffle feature and AI-powered audiobook recaps. The company is addressing user feedback regarding the perceived repetitiveness of its shuffle function.

The new shuffle option, which will become the default setting for paid subscribers, aims to reduce the frequency of repeated songs. Spotify's Smart Shuffle, introduced in 2023, previously added songs to playlists based on user listening habits and preferences. While this feature enhanced discovery, users found that it could lead to repeated plays of familiar tracks. The updated shuffle algorithm addresses this by generating multiple random versions of a playlist and scoring them for "freshness," considering factors like recent plays, variety, and the proximity of repeats. Users can still opt for the standard Smart Shuffle through the settings menu. Additionally, both free and premium users can now tap any song to play next while shuffling without disrupting the queue.

In addition to the shuffle update, Spotify is introducing AI-powered recaps for audiobooks. This feature allows users to quickly catch up on a story by providing a summary of the content they've already listened to. The recaps are generated after users have listened to at least 15-20 minutes of a book and are regularly updated as they progress. Spotify has clarified that it is not using audiobook content to train its AI models and that the recaps do not replicate the original narration. The audiobook recap feature is currently available in beta on iOS for a selection of English-language titles.

BNN's Perspective:

Spotify's updates demonstrate a commitment to refining its user experience. The shuffle enhancement is a welcome change, addressing a common user complaint about repetition. The audiobook recaps are a forward-thinking feature that could significantly improve the listening experience, particularly for those who listen in short bursts or take breaks from their audiobooks. While the beta rollout of the audiobook recaps is limited, the potential for this feature to enhance user engagement is promising.

Keywords: Spotify, shuffle, music streaming, audiobooks, AI, recaps, playlists, Smart Shuffle, iOS, beta, updates, features, premium, free, listening, songs, algorithm, user experience

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