Spotify is testing an updated shuffle feature in its latest beta release, offering users a choice between a truly random playlist and a ”semi-random” option that prioritizes less-recently played tracks. The update, spotted by Android Authority, addresses long-standing complaints that Spotify’s shuffle isn’t random enough, often repeating songs and overlooking tracks within a user’s library.
Historically, the perception of randomness in music players has been a challenge. Apple faced similar criticism with the original iPod, discovering that a completely random selection doesn’t feel random to listeners when familiar songs recur frequently. This led Apple to adjust its shuffle algorithm to create a more varied listening experience.
Currently, Spotify’s shuffle options include linear playback, regular shuffle, and a “smart shuffle” that intersperses user playlists with Spotify recommendations at a rate of one recommendation per three tracks. The new beta, version 9.0.84.1313, adds a new layer to the standard shuffle, allowing users to select a fully random mode or one that de-emphasizes recently played songs.
This isn’t the first recent change to Spotify’s platform; in September 2025, the company removed 75 million “spammy tracks” in an effort to improve content quality. The new shuffle options, however, directly respond to user feedback regarding the existing algorithm’s perceived lack of randomness.
Source: https://www.androidauthority.com/spotify-shuffle-3602119/
