11 Tips to Get Rid of Podcasts on Spotify

Part 1. Can You Block a Podcast on Spotify?

Now, you might be thinking, "Can I just block these podcasts?" Unfortunately, not yet. Spotify is pushing podcasts hard, but their recommendations aren't always on point. Sometimes you scroll through and stumble on something completely unexpected - yes, even NSFW stuff. Not exactly the kind of shows you signed up for, right?

While Spotify hasn't added a true block feature, saying "Thanks, but no thanks" to certain podcasts is still possible in practice. With the right tricks, you can even remove or hide unwanted shows and get your feed closer to what you actually want. Think of it as a digital cleanup for your listening experience.

Part 2. How to Hide Podcasts on Spotify (Mobile & Desktop)

There are tools to help you hide or block podcasts across your account. Here are some options:

Tip 1: Use SpotX-Bash (Windows/Mac/Linux)

SpotX-Bash is a command-line tool that hides podcasts from key areas in Spotify, including Home, Your Episodes, and Search results. It works by modifying local cache files, making unwanted shows invisible in the app.

1. Download SpotX-Bash from its official repository.
2. Open a terminal (Mac/Linux) or Command Prompt (Windows) and navigate to the SpotX-Bash folder.
3. Run the command to hide podcasts:
   spotx-bash --hide-podcasts
4. Restart Spotify to apply the changes.

Note: This method directly modifies local cache files, so make sure Spotify is closed before running the command.

Tip 2: Use Spicetify + hidePodcasts.js Extension

Spicetify is a powerful customization tool for Spotify. Combined with the hidePodcasts.js extension, it can block podcasts and audiobooks from Home, the Your Episodes sidebar, and Search page podcast cards.

1. Copy the hidePodcasts.js file into your Spicetify extensions folder:
   • Linux: ~/.config/spicetify/Extensions or $XDG_CONFIG_HOME/.config/spicetify/Extensions/
   • MacOS: ~/.config/spicetify/Extensions or $SPICETIFY_CONFIG/Extensions
   • Windows: %appdata%/spicetify/Extensions/
2. Add the extension to your configuration:
   
   spicetify config extensions hidePodcasts.js
   spicetify apply

   
   Tip: Using config appends the file to existing extensions. Alternatively, you can edit config-xpui.ini and include it in the extensions key, separated by |:
   
[AdditionalOptions]
extensions=autoSkipExplicit.js|shuffle+.js|trashbin.js|hidePodcasts.js

3. Run spicetify apply again to activate the extension.

Note: Changes apply across your Spotify installation and sync with your account. Always back up your Spicetify configuration before modifying extensions.

Tip 3: Use a Tampermonkey Script

Tampermonkey lets you run custom scripts in your browser, controlling the Spotify Web Player's behavior. You can hide podcast recommendations across Home, Search, and Your Episodes sections.

1. Install the Tampermonkey browser extension.
2. Add a new script and paste the code designed to hide podcasts in Spotify Web Player.
3. Save and enable the script.
4. Reload the Spotify Web Player to see the changes.

Note: This method only affects Spotify Web Player in your browser and does not impact desktop or mobile apps.

Part 3. Can You Block a Podcast on Spotify?

Tip 1: Unfollow Unwanted Podcasts

One effective way to reduce unwanted podcasts is by unfollowing them. This removes the show from your library but does not delete previously downloaded episodes - you'll need to manually remove those if you want to free up space. After unfollowing, the podcast may still appear in some recommendations for a short time, but Spotify will gradually stop promoting it.

On Desktop:

1. Open the Spotify desktop app.
2. Navigate to Your Library and click on Podcasts.
3. Find the podcast you want to unfollow and click the green "Following" button or the three dots (options menu) next to its name.
4. Select "Unfollow" from the dropdown menu.

On Mobile:

1. Open the Spotify mobile app.
2. Go to Your Library and tap Podcasts.
3. Find the podcast you want to unfollow.
4. Tap the green "Following" button or the three dots (⋮) next to the podcast's name.
5. Select "Unfollow" to remove it from your library.

Tip 2: Turn Off Podcast Notifications

If you're tired of being bombarded with podcast notifications, take control by turning them off. Simply navigate to Settings > Notifications > Podcasts & Show Recommendations and toggle off both "Push" and "Email" notifications. This allows you to focus more on the music or content you truly enjoy and reduces the chances of discovering unwanted podcasts through recommendation algorithms.

On Mobile:

1. Open the Spotify mobile app.
2. Tap on the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner.
3. Scroll down and select "Notifications."
4. Find "Podcasts & Show Recommendations" and tap on it.
5. Toggle off both "Push" and "Email" notifications for podcasts.

Tip 3: Mark All Episodes as Played

Another way to clear out unwanted podcasts is by marking all episodes as played. This signals to Spotify that you've listened to them and decreases the likelihood of them being pushed to you again. By essentially telling Spotify that you're not interested in that particular podcast or its content, you refine your recommendations and ensure you see more of what you love.

Note: While mobile users can do this easily, desktop users have to mark episodes individually.

Desktop:

Unfortunately, Spotify does not currently offer a direct option to mark all episodes as played on the desktop app. You'll need to mark each episode individually.

1. Navigate to the podcast you want to clear by clicking on its name in your library.
2. Find the episode you want to mark as played and click on the three dots (options menu) next to it.
3. Select "Mark as Played" from the dropdown menu.

Mobile:

1. Open the Spotify mobile app.
2. Navigate to the podcast you want to mark all episodes as played for.
3. Tap on the Gear icon (Settings) next to the podcast's name.
4. Select "Mark as played."
5. Select "Marked all as played."

Tip 4: Organize Podcasts in the "My Episodes" Tab

Keep your podcast listening organized by saving your favorite podcasts to the "My Episodes" hub within your Library. This way, you can access your podcasts without wading through the clutter of the Home page. However, be aware that doing so may increase recommendations similar to your followed podcasts.

1. Search for the podcast you want to follow using the search bar at the top of the Spotify app or desktop interface.
2. Once you've found the podcast, click on the name or icon to open its page.
3. Click the "Follow" button located near the podcast's title to add it to your library.
4. Access your library and navigate to the "Your Episodes" section to find all your followed podcasts neatly organized.

Tip 5: Convert or Rip Podcasts to MP3

If you prefer to have your music and podcasts at your fingertips, even when offline, downloading them from Spotify is the way to go. With tools like ViWizard Spotify Music Converter, you can easily convert your Spotify tracks, playlists, albums, podcasts, and even audiobooks to MP3s and keep them with you wherever you go. With ViWizard, it's not just a dream - it's a reality.

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Part 4. Extra Options to Limit Podcasts on Spotify

Tip 1: Turn Off "Allow Explicit Content"

Let's face it - nobody wants to be caught off guard by explicit content, especially when you're trying to vibe to some tunes or catch up on your favorite podcasts. With this setting switched off, you can browse Spotify with peace of mind, knowing you won't encounter anything NSFW.

1. Head to Settings by clicking on your profile name or tapping the gear icon.
2. Look for the "Allow Explicit Content" option under "Music & Podcasts Preferences."
3. Toggle the switch to the off position to filter out explicit content from your podcast recommendations.

Tip 2: Turn Off AutoPlay for Podcasts

AutoPlay can be a blessing or a curse, depending on your preferences. If you're not a fan of having Spotify dictate your listening experience, it's time to take matters into your own hands. By disabling AutoPlay for similar content, you regain control over what plays next.

1. Navigate to Settings by clicking on your profile name or tapping the gear icon.
2. Find the "AutoPlay Similar Content" option under "Playback" or "Music & Podcasts Preferences."
3. Disable the switch to stop Spotify from automatically playing similar content after your podcast ends.

Tip 3: Listen to More Music to Improve Recommendations

Music has a unique way of transporting us to another world, one where podcasts and audiobooks take a backseat. Sometimes, the best way to drown out the noise of podcasts is to immerse yourself in more music. Luckily, Spotify offers a plethora of curated playlists and personalized recommendations. From the ever-popular "Daylist" to the nostalgia-inducing "Your Wrapped" playlist, you can explore new genres, rediscover old favorites, and create the perfect soundtrack for every moment.