Spotify introduces Your Library Sidebar for improved navigation and content collection

Spotify has rolled out a new feature called the Your Library sidebar, which is aimed at improving navigation and making it easier for users to collect and retrieve all types of content. This feature is currently available on Spotify's desktop app and Web Player.

The Your Library sidebar has filters for Playlists, Artists, Albums, and Podcasts, which can be combined with other filters such as By you, By Spotify, and Downloaded. Users can also sort their collections by Recents, Recently Added, Alphabetical, Creator, and Custom Order. These preferences will be remembered across restarts of the desktop app, allowing users to easily access their favorite content.

The expanded library view has options for either a list or grid view, and Playlist Folders can be expanded into the sidebar in a tree view. Users can also create playlists and playlist folders using a dedicated plus button. Additionally, the sidebar size can be customized to suit individual preferences.

While the Your Library sidebar experience will be the same for the most part in the Web Player, not all features will be available. To use all of the features, users can download the desktop app. Users can get started by selecting the Playlists filter and then choosing the Custom Order sort option to see their previous playlist order. The Your Library sidebar also has filter and sort options, and users can scroll through the different filters with their mouse scroll wheel.

So far, the feature has received mixed reviews, and it has been perceived as a controversial addition to the Spotify app client. While some are criticizing it by saying it's just another cluttered redesign, others have praised it for making it easier to organize and access their music and podcast collections. Only time will tell, and we hope the feature can help users find and enjoy all types of content on Spotify more easily. In the meantime, if you're not satisfied with the direction the app is taking, you can always check out the Spotify alternatives we have listed!