[All Platforms] Option to have a true shuffle

[jonathanleyerle]

So I’ve been noticing more and more recently that Spotify’s default shuffle feature doesn’t fully shuffle your songs. It does some sort of grouping to try to get similar songs together based off of what I’m sure is dozens of factors. Every time I shuffle a playlist (the one I noticed this with the most is ~100 songs and 6 hours of mostly full albums) it will group the songs mostly or completely together by album/artist, and given the number of times I’ve re-shuffled and checked the order there’s no way it’s just a coincidence. They also generally seem to be in the same order as well. If I hit shuffle play on a playlist it’ll generally put the same artists at the beginning every time.

With larger playlists of albums I am really not a fan of this shuffling method. If I have 6 hours of music on a playlist I will hardly ever have 6 hours to actually listen through the whole thing, but when I do listen to it I would like to hear all of the music on it equally, and not just the artist or two your algorithm likes to shuffle to first.

Anyways, I’m a reasonable man, all I’m asking for is an option to have a true shuffle (take all songs in the list, put them in a random order, and once they’re all played reshuffle them and play them again). Make it premium only if you want. I don’t think you should scrap the current shuffle algorithm because it sucks. Looking at some of the suggestions on here it seems like some people lobbied hard to have it that way. Just add an option for a true shuffle for those of us that don’t care about potentially getting the same song twice in a row.

[rozeboosje]

... or else?????

[Crisastro]

So ridiculous that this doesn't exist

[zx6dude]

It exists, just not with Spotify 

[americanviolet]

Yes, bring to light the True Shuffle for us premium users who want to hear ALL our playlist songs!

[4227652]

This is definitely needed!

[BastiferGrimm]

Dear Spotify Support Team,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my growing frustration with the “based on playlist” feature within Spotify. While I have raised this concern previously, the situation has only worsened, prompting me to reach out once again.

The heart of the matter lies in the repetitive nature of the algorithm. It seems that the system consistently cycles through the same set of songs, leaving users with a limited pool of tracks to enjoy. As a loyal subscriber, this experience is far from satisfactory. Allow me to elaborate on the specific issues:

• Lack of Variety: The purpose of personalized playlists is to introduce users to new music based on their preferences. However, the current algorithm fails to achieve this. Instead of offering a diverse selection, it often feels like I’m stuck in a musical loop, hearing the same tunes repeatedly. This monotony diminishes the joy of discovering fresh artists and genres.

• Artist Bias: It appears that certain artists receive preferential treatment. While I appreciate their talent, I don’t want their songs to dominate my listening experience. The algorithm should be more equitable, ensuring that lesser-known musicians also get a chance to shine.

• User Feedback Ignored: I’ve requested a simple solution multiple times: a “block song or artist” button. Such a feature would allow users to exclude specific tracks or musicians from their recommendations. Unfortunately, Spotify seems unresponsive to this crucial enhancement. As a paying customer, I expect my feedback to be taken seriously.

• Subscription Price Increase: Recently, Spotify raised its subscription prices. While I understand the need for adjustments, it’s disheartening to pay more for a service that fails to address fundamental issues. If the algorithm remains flawed, the value proposition diminishes significantly.

In summary, I urge Spotify to prioritize user satisfaction. Music is deeply personal, and the algorithm should enhance our experience, not hinder it. As a community, we deserve better—a system that delights us with unexpected gems, introduces us to diverse sounds, and respects our preferences.

Action Needed:

• Implement the “block song or artist” feature promptly.

• Diversify the algorithm to showcase a wider range of music.

• Listen to user feedback and act on it swiftly.

Spotify, you have the power to transform our musical journeys. Let’s make it happen.

Sincerely,

Bastian,
A Dedicated Spotify Listener

[zx6dude]

Another merged thread to this dead end idea.

Welcome Bastian to where all shuffle ideas come to die. 

This 'live' idea is over 4 years old and I think quite dead. Spotify have done nothing to fix it for unknown reasons. Personally, I don't think they ever will.

They have shown an arrogance and lack of care for their customers that I found shocking enough to move to another provider. 

I want customer service and I want shuffle without repeating songs all the time. Spotify provides none of these. 

If you log a call about shuffle and repeats, they aren't even honest enough to say that this is the expected behaviour, they make you uninstall the app, reboot your device and waste your time troubleshooting something that is not fixable.

It's a shame as they do have features I miss, but I'm glad I no longer give them my money. 

[rozeboosje]

I accidentally posted a comment in an unrelated thread recently. Imagine my surprise when Spotify quickly addressed the complaint and fixed it.

My last comment speaks for itself.

https://community.spotify.com/t5/Live-Ideas/Remove-the-ridiculous-monthly-limit-to-lyrics-and-Enjoy-...

[zx6dude]

MAYBE YOU HAVE TO WRITE THE IDEA IN CAPITALS? 😂

I think it is disgusting the way that Spotify ignores this thread. 

[Slip269]

Well, I've cancelled my premium subscription, and stated the reasons in the comments not that anyone will act upon it.

They have taken the time to put a leaving play list together though 😄