Tag: Announcement

Spotify Reports First Quarter 2026 Earnings

April 28, 2026

Q1 2026 Earnings Visual

Today, we announced our First Quarter 2026 earnings, starting the Year of Raising Ambition with strong momentum across the business and continued innovation across our platform. Q1 results were in line with or ahead of expectations across all key metrics; MAU and subscriber growth remained strong as we surpassed 760 million monthly active users, and we delivered our second-highest gross margin to date.

Alex Norström, Co-CEO, said: “We surpassed 760 million MAU, delivered on the subscriber growth we aimed to achieve, and saw healthy engagement from existing users, reactivations and new users alike. Since the global rollout of our more personalized free experience, users in key markets like the US are listening and watching more days per month. All that reinforces our confidence in sustained user and subscriber growth, low churn, and continued progress on revenue and margin.”

Gustav Söderström, Co-CEO, said: “We’re well positioned because of our large, engaged user base, deep creator relationships, and years of investment in personalization and infrastructure at scale. Together, these create a platform that can take advantage of this moment and unlock entirely new growth vectors that will enable us to climb new mountains previously unimaginable. We see significant room to grow across users, formats and engagement and to expand what Spotify is and can become over time.”

Q1 2026 Earnings Results:

    • Premium Subscribers grew 9% Y/Y to 293 million
    • Monthly Active Users (MAUs) climbed 12% Y/Y to 761 million
    • Total Revenue increased 14% Y/Y constant currency* to €4.5 billion
    • Gross Margin improved by ~140 bps Y/Y to 33%
    • Operating Income reached €715 million

In Q1 2026, we offered listeners even more ways to discover and connect with the music, podcasts, and audiobooks they love, while supporting creators, artists, authors and partners with more tools to grow on Spotify. Take a look at Spotify’s Q1 2026 results below:

Putting Discovery and Control Directly in Listeners’ Hands

Connecting Fans with the Artists They Love

    • Bad Bunny Brings Billions Club Live to Tokyo
      Bad Bunny made history with his first-ever performance in Asia, taking the stage in Tokyo for a one-night-only Billions Club Live concert to more than 2,300 top fans. Spotify then brought that unforgettable night to fans around the world with the premiere of Billions Club Live with Bad Bunny: A Concert Film.
    • BTS and Spotify Bring ‘ARIRANG’ to Top Fans in New York City
      As part of Spotify x BTS: SWIMSIDE, BTS took the stage at Pier 17 for their first U.S. performance in four years, celebrating ARIRANG with more than 1,000 top local fans. After the show, the group sat down with Suki Waterhouse for a Q&A, sharing exclusive insights into the making of the album and their return to music.

Supporting Creators and Partners Across the Ecosystem

    • Spotify’s Loud & Clear Report Reveals a Thriving Industry
      For another year, Spotify was the highest-paying retailer globally, paying the music industry more than $11 billion in 2025 and bringing our all-time total to nearly $70 billion. Our annual report on the economics of music streaming shows the significant growth and structural shifts that have reshaped the business, particularly over the last decade.
    • New Formats, Tools, and Research Help Brands Become Part of the Fan Experience
      We introduced new ad formats and tools, including Sponsored Playlists, Carousel Ads, Split Testing, and Automated Bid, while sharing new research designed to help advertisers tap into and surround fandom to drive real results.
    • Supporting Podcast Creators at Every Stage of Growth
      Through new Spotify Partner Program updates, we continue to spotlight how creators are building more sustainable businesses one year in. We also celebrated a defining cultural moment for podcasting as Good Hang with Amy Poehler, from The Ringer, won the inaugural Golden Globe award for Best Podcast. 
    • B-LINE Is Here to Help the U.S. Music Community
      In partnership with Backline, we supported the launch of B-LINE, a 24/7 mental health and crisis support line created exclusively for the U.S. music community, including artists, their teams, and their families.

Read our full earnings results here and listen to the webcast Q&A on our Investor Relations site here.

*Constant currency adjusted measures are non-IFRS measures. See reconciliation of IFRS to non-IFRS results below for additional information.

Reconciliation of IFRS to non-IFRS results, A comparison of revenue on a constant currency basis between March 31, 2026 and March 31, 2025

Introducing Fitness With Spotify: A New Way to Bring Movement Into Your Daily Routine

April 27, 2026

Time on Spotify should feel meaningful and intentional, not something that slips away in a blur of mindless scrolling. That’s why we’re always investing in experiences that leave you feeling more energized, in control, and empowered. We also look to our user base and the creators on our platform for inspiration. And that’s why we’re expanding into a new category: fitness.

Starting today, we’re introducing guided workout experiences on Spotify, bringing fitness into the same ecosystem as music, podcasts, audiobooks, and video. 

 

Free and Premium users will now have access to dozens of curated playlists, as well as content from established wellness creators like Yoga with Kassandra, Caitlin K’eli Yoga, Sweaty Studio, Chloe Ting Home Workouts, Pilates Body by Raven, Abi Mills Wellness, Sophiereidfit, and others.

Through our new partnership with Peloton, Premium users in supported markets will also gain access to a continually growing catalog of more than 1,400 ad-free, on-demand classes as part of their existing subscription. The catalog includes everything from outdoor runs to structured mat-class options across strength, cardio, yoga, and meditation from fan-favorite instructors like Rebecca Kennedy, Ally Love, and Rad Lopez—no specialized equipment required.

With this new genre, we’re opening the door to a broader range of fitness and wellness experiences, all designed to be flexible, accessible, and easy to integrate into your day.

Meeting users where they are 

This expansion builds on how millions already use Spotify, while opening up new ways to serve the nearly 70% of Premium users who work out monthly. More than 150 million fitness playlists are active globally, used by people to get motivated, recover, and reset. Demand continues to grow, with fitness and workout content ranking among the top use cases for our recently launched Prompted Playlist feature. 

“For nearly two decades, Spotify has been the soundtrack to the world’s workouts,” said Roman Wasenmüller, VP, Global Head of Podcasts, Spotify. “But listening was only the beginning. Today, we are expanding Spotify to become a true daily wellness companion. By bringing thousands of creators and partners like Peloton directly into our video and audio ecosystem, we are investing in a future where Spotify isn’t just where you spend your time—it’s where you go to build momentum, improve your wellbeing, and get more out of every day.”

How to kickstart your workout on Spotify

Here’s how eligible Premium users in supported markets can access the full collection of Peloton content:

    1. Open the Spotify app on mobile, desktop, or your TV device. 
    2. Search “fitness” to open the Fitness hub, or find it in Browse all.
    3. From there, you can explore classes and curated playlists to find the perfect session for your mood and goals.

Workouts are available primarily in English, with select options in Spanish and German. You can also download classes for offline access, so you can work out wherever you are.

A more valuable, active Spotify experience

Fitness on Spotify is designed to be flexible and seamless: start a video workout on your TV, switch to audio on your phone for a run, and wind down with guided recovery on your smart speaker. It’s one experience across devices, with no friction or app-switching.

This is just the start. We’ll keep pushing what’s possible, opening new doors for creators and shaping a more active Spotify that doesn’t just soundtrack your day, but moves with you.

Ready to get moving? Explore our new Fitness hub on Spotify today.

Spotify Partners With Bookshop.org and Debuts Page Match Feature to Bridge Physical, E-book, and Audio Formats

February 5, 2026

Page Match UX

Since bringing audiobooks to Spotify in 2022, we’ve helped listeners discover thousands of new favorite titles and authors while driving growth in the publishing industry. Today, we’re turning the page with two new updates that will give book lovers an even more personalized and flexible way to enjoy stories on Spotify.

First, we’re announcing a partnership with Bookshop.org, allowing users to purchase physical books through the Spotify app. We’re also introducing Page Match, a first-of-its-kind feature that lets readers seamlessly switch between the printed (or e-book) and audiobook versions of a title.

“We believe the future of reading or listening needs to be flexible and fit more seamlessly into people’s lives,” said Owen Smith, Spotify’s Global Head of Audiobooks. “Since launching Audiobooks in Premium, we’ve seen that when books are easier to discover and enjoy, demand grows, making Spotify a real growth engine for the publishing industry and changing how people find their next great read. Now we’re extending Spotify’s discovery and engagement strengths across both audio and physical formats, so authors can build deeper connections with their audiences and books can follow readers wherever they go.”

Shop Bookshop on Spotify

Physical books remain the go-to format for most readers, accounting for nearly 73% of trade publishing revenue last year. To support how people read, we want to make it easier to engage with titles in whichever format works best.

Launching later this spring, Spotify users in the U.S. and U.K. will be able to purchase physical books via the Spotify app through Bookshop.org, an organization that connects readers to independent bookshops. This partnership is designed to connect discovery on Spotify with physical ownership, making it easier for readers to move from finding a book they’re interested in to enjoying it in the format that feels right. Purchases made on Spotify will directly support those bookshops and the authors who brought that story to life.

“We are excited to see the impact Spotify’s scale will have for local bookstores,” said Andy Hunter, Founder and CEO of Bookshop.org. “By meeting readers where they are and linking to Bookshop.org, Spotify is financially supporting indie booksellers with each purchase.”

Introducing Page Match

We believe that when you find a book that has you completely hooked, you shouldn’t have to put it down. Instead of stopping or losing momentum when you need to hop in the car or go for a run, now you can keep the story going. Page Match is an industry-first feature that lets you move between physical books or e-books and their audiobook counterparts with just a quick scan.

“This is the most exciting development in reading technology I’ve heard about in years because it will get more people reading and listening to books,” said author Harlan Coben.

Available to audiobook listeners on iOS and Android on most English-language titles by the end of February, Page Match ensures your book picks up right where you left off, whether you’re turning pages or pressing play.

Here’s how it works:

    1. Open the Spotify mobile app and find the title you’re reading.
    2. Tap the Page Match button. 
    3. Use your camera to scan a page in your physical book.
    4. Spotify finds your spot in the audiobook.
    5. Ready to return to print? Scan again to find the right place in the text.

Page Match builds on the successful beta launch of Recaps last year. It’s the latest way Spotify is reimagining the reading experience to bring readers back into stories and help them stay with books longer.

We see the future of reading as one that’s personalized, flexible, and built to move fluidly across formats and moments. Together, these updates will make it easier for hundreds of millions of Spotify users to discover books and enjoy them in any way they choose. For authors and publishers, it’s a new opportunity to reach new audiences while deepening connections across audio and print.

Find your next great read in the Audiobooks hub on Spotify.

Upcoming Changes to Spotify Premium Subscriptions

January 15, 2026

black spotify logo on a white background

We’re updating the price of Spotify. Over the next month, Premium subscribers across the U.S., Estonia, and Latvia will receive an email explaining what this update means for their subscriptions (see example image below and link to the full list of Premium features and benefits here). New subscribers can find the latest pricing by visiting spotify.com/premium.

Occasional updates to pricing across our markets reflect the value that Spotify delivers, enabling us to continue offering the best possible experience and benefit artists.

 

We offer a range of subscription plans to choose from. Visit spotify.com/premium to see your locally available plans.

New Year, New Jobs, Renewed Commitment

January 12, 2026

Spotify Co-CEOs Alex and Gustav

Spotify’s new co-CEOs, Alex Norström and Gustav Söderström, start off the new year with a message of renewed leadership, creative responsibility, and what’s ahead for the brand.  

2025 was a massive year for this company. Now that it’s January, we go again. And we, of course, have new job titles. For us, this is less a fresh start and more a continuation of the Spotify journey we’ve been on for the last 15+ years. As January is a natural time for reflection, we thought it would be helpful to share some thoughts with you all.

Spotify turns 20 this year, and we’ve been fortunate to grow alongside the company. We joined in 2009 and 2011, respectively, when the world—and our hairstyles—looked a little different:

One thing has remained constant: music. It is central to the Spotify experience and foundational to our work. Music—and the artists, songwriters, and partners who create it—connects people across cultures in ways that are rare, and that responsibility guides our decisions.

What has changed, and will continue to change, is the music industry itself. Twenty years ago, it stood at an inflection point, overshadowed by piracy and in decline. Spotify emerged with a bold new approach, and today, artists around the world are finding fans and building careers at an unprecedented scale.

Spotify was founded on the belief that technology should solve real problems for the arts and its communities. Today, we support a global ecosystem of artists, creators, and authors across 184 countries. The challenges evolve, but our commitment to meeting them never wavers.

So. As we begin 2026, here’s what’s top of mind:

1. No Regrets 

Our aim is to build a product that leaves people feeling better at the end of every session. Whether it’s discovering a new favorite song, catching up on a podcast everyone will be talking about, or spending hours immersed in an audiobook, time on Spotify is worthwhile. Curating a playlist for someone you care about takes intention. Listening deeply takes dedication. When you choose to invest that energy, it should feel rewarding. That’s what we design for, and it all starts with the music, stories, and books you discover on Spotify. We know there’s more we can do to deliver on this promise, which brings us to… 

2. More Control 

We’re in the early days of a new technological era, but at Spotify, AI isn’t about automation or taking your hands off the wheel; it’s about agency. Driven by personalization, there isn’t just one Spotify—there are nearly three-quarters of a billion, each shaped by the listener behind it. Our focus is giving people more control over their experience. Through features like Prompted Playlist, DJ requests, and Mixing, technology works with your taste, opening up the world’s creativity while staying true to who you are.

3. A Creative Catalyst for Art 

We believe Spotify is most impactful when serving as a catalyst for innovation, acting as the R&D arm across the creative ecosystem. Over the past year alone, we shipped more than 50 major platform improvements, reached new highs in both users and subscribers, and paid out record amounts to the music industry. Our momentum only matters if it helps artists, authors, and creators succeed, and grows the pie for everyone. We stay focused on the work and the impact we have: continually refining the tools that help artists, authors and creators reach and grow their audience, earn from their work, and help fans discover and enjoy what they create.

4. One Team 

People often ask us what makes Spotify different. The answer is simple: our people. A global team of music, podcast, book, and technology fans who show up every day to deliver for users, creators, and partners alike. Together, we imagine new possibilities, take on hard challenges, and keep pushing to do better and move faster.

Twenty years in, our business has momentum, our growth is strong, and our purpose is clear. We’re here to unlock the world’s creativity. A new year is underway. Let’s get to work.

BMG and Spotify Sign New US Direct Licensing Agreement

October 8, 2025

Spotify and BMG have entered into a direct, multiyear US publishing licensing agreement designed to deliver greater value to songwriters and their teams. 

This agreement reflects BMG and Spotify’s shared interest in building a direct relationship that ensures songwriters share more directly in the value created by their work. It’s a practical step toward a more flexible licensing model that better serves both publishers and their artists, ensuring BMG songwriters benefit more directly in the growth of streaming. 

“At Spotify, we believe the future of music depends on stronger collaboration across the industry,” said Alex Norström, Co-President and Chief Business Officer, Spotify. “Our partnership with BMG advances that vision with renewed support for songwriters through a licensing model that will enhance how music is enjoyed on our platform.” 

The deal serves as the latest step following BMG’s announcement in late 2023 that it was taking direct control of its digital business, enabling the company to manage its own relationships with streaming platforms to leverage data, improve artist services, and streamline operations for its substantial music catalog.

“Working directly with Spotify helps us reinforce our mission to ensure songwriters are fairly represented and rewarded for their work,” said Thomas Coesfeld, CEO of BMG. “We’re pleased to agree on a progressive licensing model that reflects the real-world use of music across digital platforms and are excited to take our partnership to the next level as we continue to redefine what a modern music company can be.

“We applaud Spotify’s momentum and support their position on developing new AI protections,” he continued. “While we support the use of AI to enhance human creativity, these policies align with BMG’s philosophy and will help ensure that fair remuneration and protection of artists’ works remain nonnegotiable.”

Evolving How We Lead

September 30, 2025

Earlier today, Founder & CEO Daniel Ek shared the following note with all Spotify employees. More detail can also be found in the press release here.

Team, 

In the Spotify of today, all eyes (and ears) are on us. There’s not much we do that goes unnoticed. But that wasn’t always the case. In a small makeshift office in Riddargatan, Stockholm, a few of us set out to solve what felt like an impossible idea: to make every song available instantly, legally, in a product people love. Fast forward almost 20 years later and that “impossible idea” has become a platform that is used by almost three-quarters of a billion people around the globe. We’ve helped reshape an industry that is not only growing again, but reaching new heights.

I don’t often pause to reflect because looking ahead has always been my instinct. But I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created together—a beloved user experience, a business that thrives, and a team that continues to raise the bar. A huge amount of credit goes to Alex and Gustav, who have led with skill, vision and conviction. They have proven themselves again and again, and I believe they are ready for what’s next.

So, with full confidence in Gustav and Alex, on January 1, 2026, I will move to Executive Chairman, and Gustav and Alex will become our co-CEOs and they will also join our Board of Directors (with approval from shareholders).

I have always thought about roles as missions. At Spotify, I have had about nine missions while keeping the same title. In the early days, I assembled furniture and negotiated our first deals. I ran finance, I led product and then I led sales and then marketing. I have held roles and done jobs across most teams here. This is simply my next mission. My title changes—but my commitment and belief in what we’re building does not.

For most of you, very little will change. Spotify has a strong leadership team in place and a solid plan we are executing against. That’s not changing. What changes is my time and focus. As Executive Chairman, I will spend more of my time on the long arc: strategy, capital allocation, regulatory efforts and the calls that will shape the next decade for Spotify. Gustav and Alex will continue to report to me and we will work closely together with our Board of Directors. This approach reflects a European Chairman setup, which is quite different from a traditional U.S. one that many of you might be familiar with. This also means I will be more hands on than some of my U.S. peers who have a Chairman title. 

Why now? Because Alex and Gustav have clearly demonstrated that, with the support of this remarkable team, they are ready to lead Spotify as co-CEOs. And because you all have stepped up, I can confidently step back from the day-to-day. Together, we’ve shown the world that Spotify is not only a great product but also a great business—delivering our first full year of profitability in company history. We couldn’t be better positioned. And to be clear, I’m not leaving. I’ll remain deeply involved in the big, defining decisions about our future, partnering with Gustav and Alex as they lead the way forward.

A personal note on what’s next for me. I am often asked, “How do we build more Spotifys out of Europe?” That’s why several years ago, I announced my intention to help create more of these supercompanies—companies that are developing new technologies to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. I’ll share more about how I’ll put some of my builder energy there. But today is about Spotify.

Thank you for two extraordinary decades. Thank you for your belief in making impossible ideas possible, and for allowing me the greatest privilege of a lifetime. Let’s keep going—harder, better, faster, stronger. 

—Daniel

Spotify Welcomes Graham Norton and Select VICE Studios Content

September 16, 2025

Spotify is expanding our video lineup with a new partnership with Zoo 55, part of ITV Studios. For the first time, acclaimed content from ITV Studios is landing on Spotify, bringing star-studded series and gripping documentaries to fans everywhere.

The lineup includes beloved episodes and compilations of The Graham Norton Show, as well as VICE Studios’ I Was a Teenage Felon and Dead Set on Life. These additions will enrich Spotify’s video library, making it an even more inviting destination.

“We are thrilled to welcome ITV Studios’ content to Spotify,” said Chris Whiteley, Managing Director of Northern Europe at Spotify. “Bringing such high-quality, popular video programming to our platform allows us to further enhance the user experience and provides our audience with even more reasons to engage with Spotify. It’s a testament to the growing appeal of video on our platform and our ability to connect leading content creators with millions of listeners and viewers.”

The must-watch list starts here

Prepare for laughs, candid conversations, and unforgettable moments with The Graham Norton Show. This BAFTA Award-winning late-night series is known for its charismatic host and a revolving door of celebrity guests. Revisit iconic appearances from stars like Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga, all available to stream on Spotify. 

The excitement continues with standout storytelling from VICE Studios:

    • I Was a Teenage Felon: Brace yourself for wild, true stories that pull back the curtain on young lives caught in high-stakes crime. No sugarcoating, just jaw-dropping twists.
    • Dead Set on Life: Chef Matty Matheson travels across Canada, exploring food, identity, and local culture—from hunting moose in Newfoundland to Winnipeg’s Filipino food scene and Indigenous powwows.

“We’re excited to join forces with Spotify to deliver some of ITV Studios’ most-loved shows to their global audience,” said Graham Haigh, COO of Zoo 55. “As vodcasts boom, these titles shine in both video and audio, and this is just the start of what we’ll bring to our fans on Spotify.”

Earlier this year, we welcomed Channel 4 as the first UK broadcaster to bring video programming to Spotify, launching youth-focused content from its Channel 4.0 platform. It’s another sign that traditional media brands are turning to Spotify to reach new audiences with video.

Jam Reaches 100 Million Monthly Listening Hours

August 25, 2025

When we launched Jam, the idea was simple: Music is better when it’s shared. Since then, listeners around the world have been queuing up tracks, enjoying them in sync, and soundtracking moments together, whether across the couch or across continents.

Now, Jam sessions are hitting a high note with 100 million monthly listening hours. That represents all the shared moments where friends and families are creating their soundtrack together.

And the numbers tell an even bigger story: the U.S., Germany, Mexico, Brazil, and Canada lead the charge as the top countries where Jam is most popular. Cars are now the top device fans use to Jam, followed by speakers, phones, and TVs, proof that shared listening is happening everywhere, from road trips to hanging out at home.

So here’s to the friends who DJ, the ones who just add one song, and everyone who makes the queue a little more unpredictable and a lot more fun. Every Jam proves it: Listening together never goes out of tune.

Premium users can start a Jam by tapping the Create button. Invite friends and family to join, or if you’re playing on a speaker with Spotify Connect or Bluetooth, those nearby can jump right in. Everyone in the Jam can add songs, see who queued what, and shape the vibe.

How to Use, Create, and Share Spotify Codes

August 11, 2025

Whether you’re curating a playlist for your dorm, promoting an artist at a live show, or simply sharing your favorite album with friends, Spotify Codes make it easy to bring your listening experience into the real world. These scannable, QR-like tags allow you to quickly share and access any piece of content on Spotify, no typing or searching required.

What are Spotify Codes?

Spotify Codes are unique visual tags that can be scanned using the camera on your phone or within the Spotify app. Once scanned, they instantly take listeners to the linked content, whether it’s a song, album, playlist, artist profile, or even a branded page.

Using a Spotify Code is a breeze. Here’s how to scan a Spotify Code:

    1. Open the Spotify app on your phone.
    2. Hit the Search tab, then tap the camera icon in the top-right corner.
    3. Point your camera at the Spotify Code and let the app do the rest.

You can also create a Spotify Code:

    1. Open Spotify and find the content you want to share.
    2. Right-click on the content and hold “Option” (Mac) or “Alt” (PC) or tap the “…” icon on mobile or desktop.
    3. Select “Share,” then “Copy Spotify URI.”
    4. Paste the URI into SpotifyCodes.com, customize the design, and download your code.

You can adjust the color, size, and format to suit your needs, whether you’re designing flyers, posters, social posts, or stickers.

A few quick notes

Spotify Codes are designed to make sharing easier and more visual. However, if you’re planning to use them on physical products for sale, be sure to get the necessary permissions from the appropriate rights holders.

Spotify Codes offer a seamless way to share what you’re listening to online and off. From building community through a collaborative playlist to spotlighting an up-and-coming artist, these codes bring your musical world to others with just a scan.

From Three New Podcasts to Sound Up 2020, Here’s What’s New on the Podcast Front in Australia

February 27, 2020

With podcast listening on the rise, there’s all the more reason to be excited about what’s coming out of Australia. On February 27, we unveiled a slate of original and exclusive content, as well as the return of Spotify’s Sound Up Australia, our five-day residential podcasting workshop that helps to elevate and amplify First Nations’ voices. 

At Spotify Australia HQ, we announced three new podcasts: Spotify original sex and relationship podcast Search Engine Sex, hosted by Sound Up alumni Rowdie Walden; the second season of VICE Extremes, hosted by Julian Morgans; and the weekly youth news podcast Generation Betoota. This lineup marks the first of many anticipated announcements to come out of Australia.

“Our goal is to become the number one audio platform in the world, providing the best in audio content—customized and accessible, on demand everywhere,” said Cecilia Qvist, Spotify’s Global Head of Markets. “The role our global markets play in this expansion is pivotal and we look forward to making many more announcements in this space.” 

According to Edison Research and Triton Digital (2019), the number of weekly Australian podcast listeners increased by 50% over the last three years, an exciting indicator of steady growth in the world of podcasts. To celebrate the launch of these shows, here’s what Rachel Corbett, head of podcasts at “Mamamia”; Clancy Overell, editor and host of “The Betoota Advocate”; Julian Morgans; and Rowdie Walden have to say about the growth of podcasts and the need for more indigenous voices.

When did you start to notice an uptick in podcast listening in Australia?

Julian: Podcasting seemed to go mainstream around four to five years ago. Remember when Serial became a big deal? I think that was a turning point.

Clancy: The first time I noticed a boost in podcast listening was almost 10 years ago, when Ricky Gervais and Karl Pilkington were making waves all the way to rural Australia. From that point I feel like everyone has liked the idea of podcasts.

Why do you think more Aussies are tuning into podcasts now than ever?

Julian: I just think public awareness has hit critical mass. For a while I used to tell friends about podcasts, and they’d be like, “How do you listen to these things?” That doesn’t happen anymore. Also, you can listen to a podcast while doing something else. That’s a big plus.

Rachel: You don’t have to have your bum on the couch to follow a true crime story or hear the latest news. You can be walking your dog, doing the shopping or driving your car. I think this, coupled with the continued improvement in audio quality, has made taking time to listen to a podcast feel like self-care; and when people feel like consuming your content is a “treat,” that keeps them coming back.

How important are Indigenous voices to audio experiences?

Rowdie: Podcasting is such a fast-growing industry that it’s important we keep the push for diversity and inclusion in this space as well. It’s incredibly white, and as the oldest storytellers, it’s important we have representation in this space. While Search Engine Sex isn’t what you’d think of when you think “Indigenous podcast,” it’s important to show that we can exist in other spaces. Black voices can be mainstream.

Learn more about how Spotify is continuing to amplify First Nations’ voices through Sound Up Australia. 

CES 2020: Spotify Makes Noise with SAI Announcement, Ludacris Performance, and More

January 10, 2020

This week, industry experts once again converged at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Spotify was on the ground for the seventh year in a row, contributing to the mix of innovative discussions and product debuts.

From the launch of Spotify Podcast Ads, powered by Streaming Ad Insertion (SAI) to partying with Ludacris at our annual Spotify Supper, we listened, learned, and connected in person and through a love for all things audio. Take a look back at some of Spotify’s notable CES 2020 moments.

Wired x Spotify: The Trends That Will Define 2020 and Beyond

“There’s no other medium like podcasts. They’re a uniquely intimate format that resonates with listeners, and our research proves it—81% of users take action after they’ve heard a podcast ad.” —Lee Brown, Spotify VP, Global Head of Ad Sales at the Wired x Spotify fireside chat with Wired Editor-in-Chief Nicholas Thompson

Credit: Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Spotify

Cheers to Happy Hour

“I’m so excited to launch Spotify Podcast Ads powered by our proprietary Streaming Ad Insertion tech. We’re bringing real-time targeting, measurement and interactivity to the format for the very first time.” —Jay Richman, Spotify Head of Global Ads Business and Platform

Credit: Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Spotify

ELLE Women in Tech Panel with Dustee Jenkins

“I always had an inner voice that said ‘keep going.’ We have to be intentional about supporting and advocating for other women.” —Dustee Jenkins, Spotify Global Head of Communications

Credit: Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Spotify

“Yeah!” It’s Spotify Supper

With a performance by Ludacris and bites from three James Beard Award-winning chefs—Tim Hollingsworth, Charleen “The Veggie Whisperer” Badman, and Kwame Onwuachi—there was plenty to chew on and a lot to celebrate.  

Oh yeah, did we mention Lele Pons, Paul Feig, Sophia Bush, and Paris Hilton hit the dance floor during Luda’s performance?