Spotify introduces playlist folders, bulk editing, and background downloads on mobile

Spotify has launched a series of new mobile app features designed to make playlist management and offline listening easier for users. The update introduces playlist folders on mobile devices, expanded editing tools for playlists and queues, and background downloads for music and podcasts.

The new additions mark a shift away from Spotify’s recent emphasis on artificial intelligence-driven features. In recent months, the company has focused on AI-powered tools such as personalised podcast generation, AI-created music remixes and customised audio experiences. The latest update instead concentrates on improving everyday usability and giving listeners greater control over their content.

The company said the new features are intended to simplify organisation and make it easier for users to manage large music libraries and podcast collections directly from their smartphones.

Playlist organisation comes to mobile devices

One of the most significant additions is the introduction of playlist folders within Spotify’s mobile application. The feature has previously been available on the desktop version of Spotify, but mobile users can now access the same organisational tools from their phones and tablets.

We support extremely organized listening habits around here 🤝📂 Which update are you trying first? pic.twitter.com/jc2T7O0On7

— Spotify (@Spotify) May 28, 2026

Playlist folders let users group multiple playlists into a single category. Users can create custom folder names and organise their content according to personal preferences. The system also supports nested folders, enabling users to place folders inside other folders to create more detailed organisational structures.

The feature is expected to appeal to listeners who maintain extensive collections of playlists for different moods, activities or genres. By bringing its functionality to mobile devices, Spotify aims to provide a more consistent experience across its platforms.

Alongside playlist folders, Spotify has introduced new editing capabilities that make it easier to manage content within playlists. Users can now select and move multiple songs or podcast episodes simultaneously, reducing the time required to reorganise large playlists. Multiple items can also be removed in a single action, streamlining playlist maintenance.

New tools improve playlist and queue management

The update extends bulk editing capabilities beyond playlists and into Spotify’s queue system. Users can now make changes to several queued tracks at once, helping them quickly rearrange upcoming listening sessions without adjusting songs individually.

The company believes these enhancements will make playlist and queue management more efficient, particularly for users who frequently curate music selections or podcast line-ups. The ability to handle multiple items simultaneously addresses a common request from listeners who have long sought faster ways to manage large collections.

Spotify has also introduced a new reshuffle feature within the mobile app. The tool is designed for users who regularly listen to playlists or albums on shuffle but feel that the playback order has become repetitive over time.

With a dedicated reshuffle button, listeners can generate a fresh sequence of tracks without manually rebuilding playlists. The feature offers another way to discover familiar content in a different order and may help extend engagement with existing playlists and albums.

The new reshuffle option reflects Spotify’s continuing efforts to improve music discovery and listening variety without requiring users to search for entirely new content.

Background downloads enhance offline listening

Spotify has also improved the way downloads work on mobile devices by introducing background downloading. Previously, users often needed to keep the app active while content was downloading. With the new update, downloads can continue while users switch to other apps or perform different tasks on their devices.

The feature applies to both music and podcasts, allowing users to begin a download and continue using their phone while content is saved for offline playback. Once the process is complete, the downloaded material will be available offline.

Background downloads are expected to be particularly useful for commuters, travellers and users with limited mobile data access who rely on offline listening. The change aligns Spotify with functionality already offered by many competing media platforms.

According to Spotify, playlist folders and bulk playlist editing are now available to all users worldwide. However, some of the newly announced tools remain exclusive to paying subscribers. Bulk editing within the queue, the reshuffle feature and background downloads are currently available only to Spotify Premium members.

The company has not announced whether these Premium-exclusive features will become available to free-tier users in the future. For now, the latest update provides both free and paid subscribers with new ways to organise, manage and enjoy their audio content on mobile devices.