Tag: hosts

Everything In Store for Podcast Listeners and Creators This International Podcast Day

September 28, 2023

At Spotify, you could say we think about podcasts 24/7. Spotify is now the most-used audio podcast platform in many key markets around the world and the number one podcast publisher in the US. We count over 100 million regular podcast listeners, a ten-fold increase since 2019, and over half a billion people who have listened to at least one podcast on Spotify since 2019. There are now over 5 million shows, with podcasts available in more than 170 markets.

So in the lead-up to International Podcast Day on September 30, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the medium and its creators globally. From Original and exclusive content to programs that empower and amplify new creators, there’s always something fresh to listen to or share, as well as ways to discover new shows or engage with the ones you love more deeply.  

At the BLK Pod Festival happening in Atlanta on International Podcast Day, Spotify for Podcasters’ Creative Director Gavin Guidry will speak onstage to emphasize the power of podcasts in marginalized communities. The festival, sponsored by Spotify’s Creator Equity Fund, aims to showcase Black audio creatives while educating attendees and cultivating relationships and experiences. 

“I’m excited to represent Spotify at the BLK Pod Festival, to have the opportunity to experience a community of Black podcasters in Atlanta, my hometown, and to hear some of the stories that they’re telling through the medium,” says Gavin. “We have a unique way of seeing the world, and it’s always inspiring to see how other creators are putting their stamp on podcasting.”

Gavin, who cohosts the Tools for Time Traveling podcast, will share his thoughts on breaking into podcasting, podcast monetization, trends among creators in the industry, and how creators can develop a sustainable brand.

“Spotify’s tools are primed for all of these opportunities,” he explained to For the Record. “From features like podcast polls and Q&As to opportunities to upload video, we’re always working to give creators more of what they need to reach the biggest, most engaged audience.” 

New Podcast Tools To Love

There’s plenty in store on our platform, too. We’re always creating new ways to make it even easier to listen, discover, and engage with your favorite podcasts, with the following new features starting to roll out to Free and Premium users globally: 

  • Making transcripts richer and easier to follow: We’re launching auto-generated and time-synced transcripts to more creators and shows so you can read along with an episode, making the transcripts more visually and textually accessible. While listening to an episode, scroll down the Now Playing View to find the transcript, then tap the card to follow along on full screen as you listen to the episode. We’ll be rolling out transcripts to millions of episodes in the coming weeks, and we’ll innovate more on this feature in the future, including ways to add media to transcripts. This is all part of our goal to bring more depth to the podcasts you’re listening to.

  • Expanding Podcast Chapters: Earlier this year at Stream On, we announced Podcast Chapters, making it easier for you to jump into episodes at a specific topic or section. Mobile users globally can now find the full list of chapters by scrolling down the Now Playing View, giving them more control over their listening sessions and more info about every episode as they dive in. 

  • Updating the Podcast Show pages: Learn more about a podcast before you listen to the episode in full, with additional content available before you jump in, on an improved Show Place. As it rolls out in the coming weeks, you’ll be able to click the “About” tab to find descriptions, images, and episode recommendations from creators. Plus, you’ll get recommendations for other shows in the “More Like This” tab. 

A Global Roundup

Worldwide, podcasts continue to educate and inspire—whether that’s on the part of the podcasters or the listeners. From Latin America to Europe to Africa, the Pacific and back, we took a look at notable podcasting moments happening across Spotify.

Brazil

In Brazil, one of the fastest-growing podcast markets, we’ve recently demonstrated our ongoing commitment to supporting the creator community through a number of initiatives, including:

  • Spotify Podcast Festival: A first-of-its-kind initiative that connects fans and creators through live sessions in Brazil that are set to take place in November.
  • Making Space studio: The first free podcast studio for creators in Brazil that provides podcasters with an equipped environment for recording audio content.
  • Spotify Labs program: A new live and online initiative aimed at teaching budding podcasters about strategies for developing and successfully launching a podcast on Spotify.

Nigeria

Podcasts are rising in popularity in Nigeria, increasing by 222% in listenership between 2021 and 2022. Gen Z listeners aged 18-24 account for 50% of total streams over three months. The top local podcasts among Nigerian listeners include The HonestBunch Podcast, I Said What I Said, Menisms, So Nigerian, and Tea with Tay, with listeners tuning in the most between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., possibly while commuting to work, sitting in traffic, or getting ready for the day. 

India

In India, another fast-growing podcast market, we took Spotify Podcasters’ Day to Delhi on September 23, bringing together existing and aspiring creators and storytellers for an evening of conversations and networking. We also took this opportunity to talk about our continued creator focus going forward, announcing the return of two creator programs: 

  • The Spotify Managed Partner Program: This initiative supports existing podcasters on our platform by offering them education, partner management support, and editorial promotion to further grow their listeners.
  • Pod-Start: This two-phase approach focuses on creators who are beginning their podcasting journeys. The first phase focuses on onboarding existing creators to Spotify, and the second empowers individuals with expertise in their respective fields to create podcasts on Spotify.

Japan

The numbers of podcasters and podcast listeners on Spotify have been steadily increasing in Japan. Since our global podcast focus began in 2019, the number of Japanese Spotify users who enjoy podcasts at least once a month has increased by more than 42 times. By summer 2023, monthly podcast consumption had increased by more than 168x from January 2019. Plus, the number of domestic creators in Japan using Spotify for Podcasters to create and distribute podcasts increased more than 34% since we started the local Creator Support Program in January 2022. Hear more from three Japanese creators on why they love podcasting.

Australia

Australia remains in the top 10 countries in the world for podcast listening by hours, with comedy, health & fitness, and society & culture topping the list of most popular genres. The second-fastest-growing Australian podcast in the country is Aussie podcaster Jemma Sbeg from the psychology of your 20s. She started out recording on her bedroom floor and is now a well-known force in the medium. Her top tips for aspiring podcasters:

  • You don’t need a fancy studio or equipment: Jemma started out recording on her phone in her room, and “while the audio quality wasn’t great, my ideas were!”
  • You don’t need to be famous or have a marketing budget to build a following: Jemma’s podcast built an audience purely through word of mouth. “Put yourself out there and your audience will find you.” 
  • Be unique and stay consistent: “If you are authentic and true to yourself, the listeners will come and they will stay!”

Sweden

Our Swedish-owned and -exclusive podcasts have recently gained traction, receiving 11 nominations in the prestigious award show Guldörat, which celebrates the most impactful podcasts, radio shows, and hosts of the year. Among the nominees is Spotify Dok, our flagship podcast for documentaries. With new episodes each week, the original show is growing rapidly as a trailblazer in the booming genre.

Middle East and North Africa

Across the Middle East and North Africa, podcast streaming on Spotify increased more than 190% year-over-year from 2022 to 2023. Long-form interviews and conversations are increasing in popularity in particular, with listeners tuning into shows like Finjan, #ABTalks, and The Mo Show for extended periods of time. This interest in longer-form content coincides with the rise of niche podcasts, catering to specific audiences with topics like mental health, business, and self-improvement. Self-improvement is popular in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with podcasts like Think with Hessa, Abajorra, and Sawalef Business. Comedy podcasts are popular in Egypt, with shows like Kefaya ba2a and Eshtry Meny attracting a dedicated following.

U.S.

Spotify is the most-used audio podcast platform in many key markets around the world and is also the number one podcast publisher in the U.S, according to the most recent Edison Research data. Top categories include comedy, health & fitness, true crime, society & culture, and news. See more about how U.S. listeners are tuning in.

 

Latin American Creators Show Off Their Creativity With Video Podcasts

June 7, 2023

Many podcast hosts are getting up close and personal with fans in a new way—with video. Video podcasts introduce an extra dimension of interactivity and closeness, allowing listeners to watch facial reactions or take notice of a host’s environment. Some creators are even excited about getting dressed up and showing off their fashion-forward “lewks.”

The shift toward video podcasts is occurring around the world, and in the Latin American market, specifically, a few fan favorites are bringing this new layer to their shows.

Mexican creator Roberta Woodworth, whose podcast LIBRE&LOCA reflects on intimate and personal topics like self-love and heartbreak, is one of those creators currently experimenting with video in her newest season. The show Escuela de Nada, which is made by three Venezuelan friends based in Mexico, is also embracing video as a new way to connect with listeners. And then there’s multifaceted Mexican creator Juanpa Zurita, who introduced video for Season 2 of his Spotify Original podcast, No Hagas Lo Fácil.

Meanwhile, some new podcasts are incorporating video from the get-go. The Brazilian Spotify Original podcast Carona Podpah, featuring Igor Cavalari (known informally as Igão) and Thiago Marques (known as Mítico) from the popular podcast Podpah, premieres on Spotify June 7 and will include video for each of its weekly episodes. The show follows the hosts as they interview guests inside a car, making video an essential part of the podcast.

We caught up with Libre & Loca host Roberta, No Hagas Lo Fácil host Juanpa, Escuela de Nada founder and cohost Chris Andrade, and Carona Podpah hosts Igor and Thiago to learn how video is changing their podcast game.

What excites you most about introducing video to your podcast?

Igor Cavalari and Thiago Marques: Podpah started as a video podcast and the public has always enjoyed that aspect of it a lot—we were the most-listened-to podcast on Spotify in Brazil in 2022 and the 24th globally. Video is fundamental to our show format because we have entertainment as a background for everything we produce—whether we talk about cooking, soccer, or music. When a platform as relevant as Spotify is interested in a partnership with us for a video podcast, it shows us and the market that the product still has a lot to be explored.

Roberta Woodworth: My podcast is very intimate, and I think video invites the listener to get closer, reflect, and empathize even more with these “intimate, universal” topics we cover in Libre & Loca.

Juanpa Zurita: It was something my community asked me for in every episode of last season. So it makes me very happy that we made it for the second season! Listening is nice, but nothing compares to seeing. I think the connection and the dynamic of the podcast is more intimate than before. And people are happy, which makes me very happy!

Chris Andrade: Escuela de Nada, being an improvised comedy podcast, draws on the power of interaction in its videos with its fans. Being able to react to jokes and see the response of the followers has been a change that has excited us a lot.

How has video influenced the way you approach each episode?

Igor and Thiago: Video gives us freedom to create more and more. There are challenges—Carona Podpah involves filming in a tight space as we take our guests inside the car and learn more about the songs that have marked their lives—but that doesn’t hinder us from trying new things.

Roberta: I’m very expressive, and being on camera reminds me that the whole world is going to see my face. That in itself makes everything more human, organic, and real. I am no longer just a voice that accompanies you. I am a person.

Juanpa: There was a drastic change to our set to give it the NHLF look and feel we wanted. We also had to reinvent the intros of the episodes, and I’m really proud of the result.

Chris: Video has led us to have a new type of continuity and closeness with our fans. By being able to see and hear us as hosts, we’re noticing that the engagement from fans is much higher.

How is video helping you connect with your fans?

Igor and Thiago: The main characteristic of a video podcast is that the audience can experience reactions. What we like about having the video feature is that our audience will be able to follow the podcast as if they were with us in the car seeing everything that happened. Video makes the program more dynamic and allows us to establish a greater connection—not only with our guests, but with those on the other side of the screen.

Roberta: It brings us much closer because people not only hear what I think and feel, but also see it. And I talk so much about emotions, so it’s very interesting how that connection becomes deeper.

Juanpa: There’s something very special about body language, and you can’t feel that if you can’t see it. I also want to thank our fans for all the love during Season 1 and for everyone’s insistence on us using video. Without them we wouldn’t have made it. 

Chris: Video has helped us further expand and disseminate our content to a social media platform where video is dominant. Each person has their own way of consuming content, and without a doubt, the video adds a lot to us and brings a lot of value to the new generations.

The Philippines Keeps the Conversation Going as Podcast Popularity Rises

October 21, 2022

a graphic image showing the cover art for 8 filipino podcasts

The power of podcasts continues to grow as Filipinos both home and abroad regularly tune in to laugh, learn, and listen to a wide range of local voices. From the weekly stories of love in Barangay Love Stories and touching tales of life in Dear MOR: The Podcast to all things astrology at Charot Readings with Macoy Dubs & Show Suzuki and the intimate conversations found in skypodcast, the Philippines is a hotbed of local audio talent, and listeners can’t get enough.

Whether the topic is hugots in life or getting a quick comedy fix, Spotify podcasts in the Philippines have seen more than 60% growth in listenership over the last 12 months, with local shows leading the charge.

“We are thrilled that our growing range of Spotify podcasts entertains Filipinos and connects them to creators and content,” said Carl Zuzarte, Spotify’s Head of Studios for Southeast Asia. “This serves as a motivation for us to continuously innovate and uplift creativity in the Philippines.”  

As part of Spotify’s first Creator Mixdown in the Philippines earlier this month, a panel of creators from top Spotify-hosted shows MavLine on Me, Paano ba Ito, and Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast gathered in Manila to talk about the future of Filipino programming, the importance of championing creative local audio, and creating a community through shared experiences.

a photo of participants sitting on stage speaking at a spotify panel

“It’s important to us that our podcasts sound—and feel—like a conversation among best friends,” said Antoinette Jadaone, who cohosts Ang Walang Kwentang. “When we did the podcast, it started out as a creative outlet, and people started listening, even those we don’t know. And eventually it became a community. Even if you’re a listener, you find a friend in a podcaster.”

The panelists were also in agreement that partnering with Spotify is key to amplifying the voices of Filipino talent across the country and the world.

“I think it’s really an awesome opportunity,” shared Mavy Legaspi, cohost of MavLine on Me. “You get to see a different perspective on public figures or growing creators in the Philippines that gives us a platform to reveal more of ourselves.”

With this tremendous growth in listenership, we can expect more shows on the way as Filipino creators start sharing both their creative visions and their opinions knowing that there will be more than enough people eager to listen.

Find out what everyone’s talking about by joining Kryz and Slater as they talk about life, relationships, and family in skypodcast.

Six Artists and Podcasters Share Their Journeys Since Spotify’s Launch in India

March 29, 2022

It’s been three years since Spotify’s launch in India—a change that not only gave listeners a new way to discover music and find podcasts, but also opened the door wider for creators in the country. 

Two major elements of Spotify’s impact in India are education and amplification. We’ve held several master classes in India and have helped more than 6,000 local artists share their music and access streaming insights. We’ve also hosted workshops and mentoring programs to assist podcasters with the development and distribution of their shows. In fact, the number of podcasts created on Anchor grew 130 times from the start of 2020 till the end of last year. On the amplification side, we’ve used EQUAL, RADAR, Fresh Finds, and Spotify Singles to help Indian talent gain more visibility at home and abroad—and initiatives such as Sound Up have enabled us to elevate the voices of women podcasters in the country.

“We want creators to thrive on Spotify, and our platform and initiatives are designed with that purpose in mind,” shared Amarjit Batra, Managing Director for Spotify India. “By collaborating closely with the creator community in India, we’ve been able to grow awareness and preference for audio streaming.”

So what have the past three years been like for Indian creators? For the Record sat down with three Indian artists and three Indian podcasters to hear how they’ve found new fans and audiences.

Asees Kaur – Singer

What is your most memorable Spotify moment?

Hands down the Times Square billboard in New York. I was featured twice—first, as an EQUAL artist for “52 Gaj Ka Daman,” and then for Spotify Wrapped since I was the third-most-streamed female artist in India last year.

What’s your favorite thing about Spotify for Artists?

Having access to my own audio streaming analytics and numbers because I know they are real numbers. This helps me connect better with my fans and focus on music they love!

What are some of the ways that you engage with your fans on Spotify?

I definitely share the new songs and playlists that I featured on on my social media and link back to Spotify so my followers are up-to-date on my new releases. I also curate my own playlists with my favorite songs to share with my fans. 

What artist(s) would be your dream collaboration?

There are so many. Locally, I would like to collaborate with any regional artist or genres, and internationally, I’d love to work with Taylor Swift and Adele.

 

Armaan Malik – Singer and Songwriter

What is your most memorable Spotify moment?

I was the first Indian artist to be featured on the Spotify Times Square billboard for my debut English single, “Control.” It was a huge milestone for me and truly a spectacular moment for Indian musicians worldwide. 

What’s your favorite thing about Spotify for Artists?

I truly appreciate how in-depth the analytics are. It assists me and my team to navigate our releases strategically. Tools like the Artist Pick and Canvas really help artists push our music in the most effective way. I also love how easy it is to use the app. The user interface is extremely smooth, which is always a plus! 

What are some of the ways that you engage with your fans on Spotify? 

Personally, I love creating fun, new playlists. It enables me to reach out and engage with my fans in a much closer way. Some of these are discography playlists that allow my listeners to know more about my music across languages and genres, while the other playlists feature songs that I am hooked to currently (not just my own). 

What artist(s) would be your dream collaboration?

It’s my dream to collaborate with Charlie Puth, and I would love to do a song with Arijit Singh.

 

Nikhita Gandhi – Singer, Composer, and Songwriter

How has your career evolved since Spotify’s launch in India?

I think the business of music has become more streamlined. I am better aware of how my music is performing, able to consistently monitor the growth and progress of my art, and even personalize my artist profile almost like Instagram, but for streaming. 

What is your most memorable Spotify moment?

I was walking to a recording and stumbled upon a GIANT poster of Badshah and me on Spotify’s spotlight post for “Bad Boy X Bad Girl.” I had no idea that was happening, so it was a crazy-good surprise.

What’s your favorite thing about Spotify for Artists?

There are a few, but the prerelease pitching feature tops that list. 

What artist(s) would be your dream collaboration?

I really can’t pick one. I feel blessed to say that many of my dreams have already come true, including launching my career with Rahman Sir (AR Rahman) and the collaboration with Pink Sweat$. Can’t wait to hit more epic milestones!

 

Yogi & Kabeer – Hosts of Shuddh Desi Gay

How has your career evolved since Spotify’s launch in India?

From consuming music and podcasts on Spotify to actually hosting a Spotify Original podcast, it has been one of the most fulfilling experiences for us personally and professionally. Spotify adds credibility to our voices and gives our messages unmatched amplification. 

What is your most memorable Spotify moment?

Both of us have been using the app since its launch in India, so we can never forget the moment when we saw our podcast trending on the charts for the first time. Our listeners took screenshots and shared it on Instagram, and that was truly special. 

What are some of the ways that you engage with your fans on Spotify?

Our podcast is called Shuddh Desi Gay (SDG), so the relationship we have with our listeners is one of community. They’re our extended family, so when we created the collaborative playlist, SDG FAM, with five songs, it quickly went up to 55 hours of music, added to by over 50 listeners. Additionally, at the end of the year, Spotify Wrapped showed us how much listeners loved us, and we could share that back with them. 

Who are your dream guests for your podcast?

Comedian Ellen DeGenres and Indian filmmaker Karan Johar.

 

Balaji Patturaj – Host of Naallanaa Murukku – The RJ Balaji Podcast

How has your career evolved since Spotify’s launch in India? 

Being a radio jockey for the past 15 years made me realize that I’ve become a better person, and it reflects in whatever I do. Over the years, I’ve been able to easily connect with the radio audiences and today’s internet generation. Through Spotify, I continue to evolve and feel relevant as the younger generation listens to my podcast. It’s a great feeling to be connected with different audiences through different mediums.

What is your most memorable Spotify moment?

This might sound weird, but after every episode I get so many heartwarming messages. Messages from people who lost their dear ones to COVID or texts from somebody who is going through a tough time physically, mentally, or financially—mentioning how a particular episode made them feel better. I feel fortunate that people are able to take so much from our podcast. What I thought to be mere entertainment for 15 minutes turned out to be something more and bigger. Those stories, those life-changing moments and the impact we made, are the most memorable parts of my journey with Spotify. 

What’s your favorite thing about working with Spotify?

My favorite thing is to be able to work with the best in business. Best in the business does not just mean how big the brand is, or how well Spotify values creators, but how much they care about the medium. Spotify knows how to handle a podcast, how to promote it, how to take it to the target audience, and how to work with talent. All these things make Spotify’s working environment a really cool one. I always have a good time while discussing show ideas with the Spotify team. They know the medium and they strive to give their best to their listeners. 

Who are your dream guests for your podcast?

One person I want to be on my podcast is Tamil superstar Rajinikanth. Apart from his films, his stardom, and his philosophical thoughts, the man has a great life we can all learn so much from. I would like to talk to him about the stories that he hasn’t yet shared with the world. A global guest I would like to have on my show would be Barack Obama. At a time like this where most people have negative opinions on world leaders, Obama is still loved by the majority, and that’s a story worth telling.

 

Ananthi Iyappan – Host of The Book Show & Rough Note by RJ Ananthi

How has your career evolved since Spotify’s launch in India?

We have more listeners now than ever before, and we regularly receive messages from so many people that they loved our podcast on Spotify. We have been able to reach so many people outside India through Spotify, and I feel so much gratitude for that.

What is your most memorable Spotify moment?

Being signed on as a Spotify Exclusive was very special to me because it took me back to those days when I used to do my podcast inside a cupboard for better acoustics. Spotify is the only audio streaming platform that recognized the effort behind the content I was creating, and they have supported me right from the beginning.

What are some of the ways that you engage with your fans on Spotify? 

We redirect our social media followers to Spotify at the end of every episode’s promotion. We also encourage our fans to listen to our episodes even if they don’t have enough time to watch our episodes. We also encourage anyone who comes up with an idea for their own podcast.

 

Want to learn more about how listeners are streaming podcasts in India? Check some of the top trends we’re seeing in the country.

‘Sounds Like A Cult’ Podcast Gets Its Own Fervent Following as It Rises in the Charts

February 24, 2022

With more than 3.2 million podcasts on Spotify, it’s impossible for listeners to know every show that drops. Fortunately for fans, our Podcast Editorial team is here to help. They follow the trends, listen to new episodes, and determine what shows should be recommended to Spotify users across a variety of genres. By highlighting different shows and topics—such as true crime—the team gives podcast creators a way to build new audiences while helping listeners discover a new binge.

So when Sounds Like A Cult was placed in the coveted spot on Spotify’s main podcast page, it was thus propelled into the earbuds of new listeners.

Cohosted by Isa Medina and Amanda Montell, Sounds Like A Cult offers a humorous take on the true crime genre as each episode examines modern-day “cults.” From cheerleading to astrology, they analyze what it is about the topics, people, and companies that results in such a loyal fanbase. And it seems that the creators struck a chord with listeners because their show soon made its way onto Spotify’s Top 50 charts and even ranked in the top 10 in the Comedy category. 

Fans have been craving more from Isa and Amanda, so Spotify worked with the duo to create a new curated playlist called The “Cults” We All Follow. The collection features some of their favorite episodes across a variety of podcasts, giving listeners who love Sounds Like A Cult new shows to check out. For the Record recently spoke with the hosts to learn more.

What gave you the idea for this podcast?

The podcast initially stemmed from Amanda’s book Cultish. There were so many fascinating “cults” from pop culture and the zeitgeist that didn’t make it into the book, and we wanted to explore them in a fun and conversational, but still insightful, way. We were inspired by the juicy-meets-bantery format of “cult-followed” podcasts like My Favorite Murder and Be There In Five, so Isa’s hilarity combined with Amanda’s nerdiness felt like the perfect way to cover the “cults” we all follow!

When it comes to the people and things who are at the center of these “cult” groups, are there any shared characteristics or qualities that lend themselves to this level of fan worship?

You can’t earnestly compare the “cults” of Trader Joe’s (which happens to be our favorite cult that we’ve covered) and The Bachelor franchise to flat earthers and multilevel marketing schemers, but that’s why we have our three cult categories—Live Your Life, Watch Your Back, and Get the F*ck Out—which we use to classify the “cult” of the week at the end of every episode. 

As a broad generalization, though, what these different groups offer is the promise of belonging, ritual, and meaning, which are fundamental human drives that a lot of us find ourselves sorely lacking during this turbulent time in history. Some groups mostly deliver on their promises, but some become powerful by way of deception and exploitation. We genuinely hope these conversations make people feel better equipped to engage in life’s “cultiness” the healthy way. That’s why our sign-off at the end of every episode says, “Stay culty . . . but not too culty!”

How has working with Spotify helped you broaden your audience reach?

Spotify is the perfect platform for us. The core Spotify listener seems savvy and curious, and that’s exactly the type of listener who vibes with our show. We would not be where we are today without Spotify’s support. Almost 90% of our listenership comes from Spotify.

How was having your podcast featured on Spotify’s “True Crime Scene” section on the main podcast page impactful?

The Spotify true crime feature was vital for us. True crime fans are always thirsting for new pods, but it’s becoming harder to find ones that add something new to the mix—not to mention, in these tough cultural times, we don’t always want to listen to a pod that’s going to make us feel worse! We basically made this show for Spotify’s true crime listener demo, and Spotify’s audiences really trust their playlists, so getting that exposure was like lightning in a bottle for us.

After the Spotify feature, we saw a significant uptick in streams and shares on social media. Appearing in this section seems to have caused a word-of-mouth snowball effect, and we’re so grateful for it.

What are some ways you’ve seen success with the podcast? 

Sounds Like A Cult wound up on Spotify’s Top 50 charts (and Top 10 in the Comedy category), and after gaining some traction, we were able to sign with the podcast network All Things Comedy to receive production help and actually start earning revenue from the pod! Up until a couple weeks ago, we just made the whole thing on our own in our bedrooms for free. We’ve also seen a flood of new followers engaging with us on social media. Our listeners are so engaged, constantly messaging us and recommending episode topics.

You recently announced that the podcast is moving to a weekly format. What factored into the decision to release episodes more frequently?

The least we can do for our supportive listeners (or “culties,” as we call them) is to use these new resources to deliver the show weekly! Our team agrees it’s also just better for the growth of the podcast not to have long mid-season breaks. Consistency is everything.

Can you tell us about the curated playlist you made for Spotify? What podcasts made the list?

We wanted to curate a diverse mix of episodes from shows that you might not think of as “cult” podcasts but that comment on the cultiness and scaminess in various corners of everyday life in a smart, entertaining way.

 

All you “culties” out there, are you ready for more? Check out what shows made it onto Isa and Amanda’s The “Cults” We All Follow playlist.