Yes—on Spotify you can rate a podcast with 1–5 stars after listening, but the app doesn’t support written reviews.
Why This Question Matters
A rating helps your favorite shows grow, and it takes seconds. Listeners often ask about text feedback, stars, and where to tap. This guide lays out what’s possible, what’s missing, and how to rate on every platform.
What You Can And Can’t Do On Spotify
Here’s a snapshot of feedback options across devices. Use it to see what’s available today.
| Action | Available? | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Rate show (1–5 stars) | Yes, after a brief listen | iOS, Android, desktop, web |
| Write a text review | No | Not offered |
| Follow a show | Yes | All platforms |
| Like or save episodes | Yes | All platforms |
| Share episodes or shows | Yes | All platforms |
| Add episodes to playlists | Yes | All platforms |
| Turn on new-episode alerts | Yes | Mobile |
How Star Ratings Work
Spotify added star ratings for shows in late 2021. The feature appears on a show page once a program gathers enough ratings. You’ll see an average score and a total count, which give new listeners a fast signal. To cut spam, the app only lets ratings in after you play a short portion of an episode. For background, read Spotify’s announcement of star ratings on its newsroom.
Can You Leave A Written Review?
No. Spotify does not take text reviews for shows. You can still show love by following a show, liking episodes, sharing links, and making playlists with standout segments. A recent thread on the official forum confirms the current state: writing reviews isn’t offered in the app; see the forum note on reviews.
Where You’ll Find The Rating Control
You’ll find stars on the main show page, close to the description. If you don’t see stars, tap the three-dot menu and look for “Rate show.” Some layouts shift buttons based on screen size, zoom level, and whether you’re on mobile, desktop, or web.
Step-By-Step Rating On Iphone
Open the app, search the show name, and tap the show tile to open the show page. Tap the stars or the three-dot menu, then pick “Rate show.” Choose one to five stars.
Step-By-Step Rating On Android
Open the app, find the show, then open the show page. Tap the stars under the description, or use the three-dot menu and pick “Rate show.” Select your stars.
Step-By-Step Rating On Desktop Or Web
Open your show page in the desktop app or the web player. Next to the description, look for a row with the average score. Click the three dots and choose “Rate show,” then set your stars.
Do You Need To Listen First?
Yes. Ratings unlock after you listen to a small portion of a show. That guardrail cuts down on spam and drive-by ratings. If stars are missing, play any episode for half a minute, then check again.
Why Ratings Help Creators
Stars supply social proof on the show page. New listeners scan that number before tapping play. More ratings also help show pages surface across charts and carousels. If you don’t feel ready to rate yet, try following the show so new episodes appear in your feed. Small actions add up.
Rating Etiquette That Keeps Things Fair
Pick a number that matches your listening experience. If your view changes over time, update your score. Don’t use ratings to vent about a single topic or guest. If you have detailed thoughts, send the host a short message through their site or show notes links.
Troubleshooting: When You Can’t See The Stars
- You’re on a narrow screen: widen the window or reduce font size to expose the rating row.
- You haven’t played the show: play at least 30 seconds of any episode, then return to the show page.
- You’re not on the show page: episode pages don’t always show the control; tap the show title first.
- The app needs an update: install the latest build and try again.
- Region rollout or testing: features can ship in waves; try again later.
Quick Fixes At A Glance
| Problem | Quick Fix | Where To Check |
|---|---|---|
| No stars on show page | Play 30 seconds, then reload | Show page |
| No “Rate show” in menu | Update app; try desktop | Three-dot menu |
| Average score missing | Not enough ratings yet | Under description |
What About Episode-Level Feedback?
You can’t rate single episodes with stars. Still, you can like episodes, save them to playlists, and share time-stamped links. Those signals tell creators which topics land and which segments need polish.
How Many Stars Should You Give?
Use five when you’d recommend the show without hesitation. Four fits strong shows with minor nits. Three signals mixed results. Two or one means the feed misses the mark for you. Ratings aren’t permanent, so adjust later.
How To See A Show’s Average Score
On the show page you’ll see an average rating and the total number of ratings once a program meets the minimum. If the area looks blank, the show may be new and collecting ratings. Charts and carousels may feature shows with strong scores and steady listening pace.
Creator Playbook: Ask For Ratings The Smart Way
Keep the pitch short. A clear “Tap the stars on the show page if you like the feed” at the end of an episode works well. Place the same one-liner near the top of your show notes. Add an on-site page with a short guide and a link to your show page, then share that page in your newsletter. Rotate the ask so it doesn’t appear in every single episode, and thank listeners when you pass milestones.
Privacy And Data
Ratings appear as an average score. Individual ratings aren’t public, and listeners can’t browse by rater. Creators see summary metrics inside their dashboards. If you want your name attached to feedback, use email or social replies.
Desktop Versus Mobile Differences
Mobile places the star row under the description on most screens. Desktop tucks the rating action inside the three-dot menu beside the description. Layouts can shift after updates, so icons may move a bit over time.
Some accounts also see a small star icon right under the title on mobile. That shortcut opens the same rating card as the three-dot menu. If the icon isn’t there, nothing’s wrong with your account; layouts shift across builds. The control still lives on the show page, and the three-dot route works across platforms when buttons move around.
Extra Step-By-Step Tips
On mobile, reach the show page by tapping the small thumbnail above an episode title. That jump saves a few taps when you start on an episode page. On desktop, right-click the show title to open the show page in a new tab, then use the three dots near the description. If the star row looks cramped, widen the window or switch to full screen for a moment.
Creator Playbook: Common Mistakes To Avoid
Don’t send people to an episode page when you ask for stars. Many will miss the control there. Don’t tie perks to a five-star rating; that feels spammy and may backfire. Don’t flood your feed with pleas. A light touch keeps trust.
What If You Prefer To Share Detailed Thoughts?
Hosts love hearing from listeners. Send a short note through the contact link on the show’s site or the email in the show notes. Some teams read the best notes on air. That gives you a voice while the app relies on stars for public signals.
Policy Notes You May Want
Spotify’s pages explain ratings and chart basics in clear terms. Those pages describe where scores appear and how listeners find shows. App layouts can change over time, yet the rating action remains on the show page.
Why Spotify Skipped Text Reviews
Text comments need moderation, spam control, and tools for reports. Star ratings sidestep most of that overhead. A single tap gives the signal that matters to new listeners without opening the door to off-topic rants or link drops. That choice keeps show pages fast and tidy, which suits an audio-first app.
Where Ratings Fit In The Big Picture
Stars help listeners sort shows at a glance, yet plays, follows, and steady release cadence carry the load over time. Ratings pull people in; the content keeps them around. If you host a show, treat stars as one of several growth levers, not the only one.
The Bottom Line
You can’t post a written review on Spotify, but you can leave a fast star rating that counts. Open the show page, find the rating row or three dots, and set your stars today. Two taps, big help. This small step helps shows grow.