Tag: Podcasting

Introducing the Newest Winners of Spotify’s Creator Milestone Awards

May 28, 2026

Since early last year, our quarterly Creator Milestone Awards have celebrated podcasts from around the world that hit major streaming milestones on Spotify. Today, we’re announcing the first round of 2026 recipients.

Winners receive a commemorative plaque, as well as editorial features, social media spotlights, and other opportunities to share their accomplishment with fans.

Here are the Creator Milestone Award honorees from the first quarter of the year.

Silver

Our Silver award honors shows that have surpassed 250 million streams on Spotify. This quarter’s winners include a pair of podcasts: one from a beloved comedy duo; the other from an entrepreneur focused on helping audiences live better lives.

Bronze

The Bronze award is given to creators who have reached 100 million streams, or 50 million in emerging markets. This group of winners represents a diverse range of shows from around the world:

Spotify is proud to celebrate the voices shaping the podcast world, the audiences who keep the conversation going, and the creative spirit that brings them together. Congratulations to all of this quarter’s winners.

Explore our Creator Milestone Awards hub on Spotify.

Spotify and Netflix Partner With Jay Shetty to Bring ‘On Purpose’ to Video Across Both Platforms

May 27, 2026

On Purpose is one of the most popular podcasts in the world, known for conversations with influential voices across culture, wellness, and personal growth. Now, Spotify, Netflix, and host Jay Shetty are teaming up to bring the show to video across both platforms beginning July 13.

“On Purpose has built one of the most engaged podcast audiences in the world, and we’re excited to expand our partnership with Netflix and Jay by bringing video episodes to Spotify,” said Roman Wasenmüller, VP, Global Head of Podcasts, Spotify. “Spotify is already where millions of fans come to listen to the show, and this next chapter builds on that momentum by giving audiences an even more immersive way to experience it. This partnership also reflects our continued investment in video and our commitment to helping creators grow global franchises on Spotify.”

The partnership reflects growing demand for video podcast experiences and Spotify’s continued focus on helping creators deepen connections with their fans.

“Jay Shetty has an extraordinary ability to spark deep, meaningful connections that resonate with millions,” said Lauren Smith, Netflix VP of Content Licensing and Programming Strategy. “By joining forces with Spotify, we’re giving On Purpose an expansive new canvas, bringing these visually captivating interviews to our members’ screens.”

Spotify will now also serve as the global sales representative for the show and offer fans the flexibility to seamlessly watch or listen within a single app.

Ahead of the launch, For the Record caught up with Jay to talk about the evolution of On Purpose and what audiences can expect from this next chapter.

You called this a “historic moment” for podcasting. How do you think Spotify has helped push the medium forward and open up new possibilities for creators?

Spotify has played a pivotal role in transforming podcasting from an audio format into a global medium for storytelling and conversation. They’ve invested in creators, discovery, video, and global reach in a way that’s expanded what’s possible for podcasts. It’s created more opportunities for creators to build meaningful communities and connect with audiences in deeper, more personal ways.

**What excites you most about bringing On Purpose video episodes to Spotify fans around the world?**

What excites me most is creating a more immersive experience for our audience on the platform. So much of human connection happens through expression, energy, and emotion, and video allows us to bring people even closer into those conversations. We’ve always wanted On Purpose to feel like you’re sitting in the room with us, and this is another step toward that.

You’ve interviewed so many incredible people over the years—anyone you’re hoping to speak to next?

I’m always interested in speaking to people who are shaping culture in meaningful ways, whether through entertainment, science, sports, wellness, or business. I’d say Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Rihanna are at the top of my list. What draws me most to conversations is creating a space where people feel comfortable sharing stories they have never opened up about before, in a way that feels authentic to who they are. Through those conversations, both the guests and the audience can feel seen, heard, and understood.

What podcasts are you listening to right now?

I’m listening to The Rest Is History hosted by Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook. I’ve always been fascinated by historical figures and the moments that shape how we think and live. Recently, I really enjoyed their episode on the mystery of the Mona Lisa and the unexpected story behind how it became the most famous painting in the world.

If you had to predict your Spotify Wrapped for 2026, who would be your top artist, top podcast, and top audiobook?

My top artist would be Justin Bieber—I am such a Belieber. My top podcast would be The Rest Is History. And my top audiobook would be The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety by Alan Watts, or really anything by him.

Listen to audio episodes of On Purpose with Jay Shetty on Spotify now. Video episodes begin dropping July 13 and will also be available to Netflix subscribers worldwide.

Spotify Brings Fashion and Podcasting Together With Mina Le and Mia Calabrese

May 4, 2026

Last week, guests gathered in New York City for On Air, In Style: An Evening with Spotify—a night of conversation, culture, and connection celebrating the intersection of fashion and podcasting. On Spotify, that intersection is thriving. Fashion podcast audiences grew 23% year‑over‑year in 2025, while streams jumped 68%, and searches for “fashion week” were up 93%.

Hosted by fashion and culture creator Mina Le, the event centered on a fireside chat between Mina and breakout pop-culture star Mia Calabrese. Together, they explored fashion inspirations and traced Mia’s style evolution, while offering a candid look at how personal perspective shapes creative expression.

Mina also revealed that this summer, she’ll be bringing video episodes to her podcast, High Brow.

Go Inside Spotify Sycamore Studios, Our New State-of-the-Art Podcast Studio in Hollywood

January 7, 2026

This week, all eyes are on the podcast industry as the Golden Globes recognizes the medium for the first time. At Spotify, we’re marking the moment with a slate of festivities that include expanded access to the Spotify Partner Program, new tools that give creators greater control and flexibility to manage sponsorships and distribute video content, our first-ever Golden Week Nominees Night with The Hollywood Reporter, and the opening of Spotify Sycamore Studios, our brand-new podcast studio in Hollywood.

Designed with creators in mind, Spotify Sycamore Studios features flexible recording rooms, multi-camera video setups, and on-site production support—offering a modern, high-quality space where ideas can come to life. The studio will serve as home to Ringer podcasts including The Rewatchables, The Ringer-Verse, and The Hottest Take, among others. Access to Spotify Sycamore Studios will be available by invitation only to video creators in the Spotify Partner Program based on availability and production needs.

Located in one of Los Angeles’s most vibrant creative corridors, the new studios deepen Spotify’s long-standing commitment to the city’s creative community. As a global center for storytelling, LA has long been a place where culture is shaped, and this launch reflects Spotify’s continued investment in the talent driving those conversations every day.

Spotify Sycamore Studios also expands Spotify’s global network of creator studios, joining Spotify podcast studios in Los Angeles’s Arts District, New York, Stockholm, and London.

“Ambitious shows need spaces that support big ideas,” said Bill Simmons, Founder of The Ringer and Head of Talk Strategy, Spotify. “These studios give teams room to experiment and keep pushing what’s possible. It’s our latest investment in creators, and having this additional home base in LA is vital for the next chapter of our storytelling.”

Explore the gallery below to step inside Spotify Sycamore Studios.

A Defining Moment for Podcasts: Spotify Kicks Off Week of Festivities After Contributing More Than $10 Billion to the Industry

January 6, 2026

Spotify is launching a week-long celebration spotlighting creators at the center of a defining cultural moment for the podcast industry. The festivities culminate this Sunday at the Golden Globes, which will introduce a Best Podcast category for the first time—a major milestone that underscores the format’s expanding impact across news, entertainment, and public discourse.

To mark the occasion, we’ll unveil tools and spaces that help empower connection, celebrate milestones, and showcase the creators who spark culture. We’re also partnering with The Hollywood Reporter to cohost Golden Week Nominees Night. The evening will feature musical performances from Chaka Khan, John Legend, and Sinners breakout star Miles Caton, and will honor the creators in the Best Podcast category, which includes Good Hang with Amy Poehler, from Spotify’s The Ringer.

Powering the next era of podcasting

Over the past decade, podcasts have evolved from a niche medium to a cultural force, a source of news, commentary, entertainment, and connection. They’re the new late-night talk show and an essential stop on all major press tours and presidential campaigns. Spotify helped establish the model for modern podcast success by investing early in creators, supporting multi-format storytelling, and building global audiences for today’s top shows. Since early 2019, podcast content on Spotify has increased from 200K titles to over 7M shows available in over 180 markets.

Over the past five years, we estimate that our investments across Spotify’s podcast ecosystem have contributed more than $10B to the podcast industry. This figure is fueled by direct creator monetization, the scale of audience engagement we deliver, and the infrastructure that helps creators and publishers of all sizes run their businesses, both on and off Spotify. It reflects our deep commitment to the creator economy and underscores Spotify’s position as a leading platform for audio and video creators alike.

“Being recognized at the Golden Globes for the first time is a stop-sign moment for podcasting,” said Roman Wasenmüller, VP, Global Head of Podcasts, Spotify. “It reflects how far the medium has come, the opportunity that still lies ahead, and the creativity, diversity, and ambition of the creators shaping podcasting today. This week, we’re spotlighting their work and rolling out new ways to help them create, grow, and earn.”

Looking ahead, we remain focused on empowering creators with better discovery, flexible monetization models, and tools that support storytelling. We expect that podcasting will continue to grow and change, but for us, we aim to preserve what we all love about this incredible medium: authenticity, connection, and creative expression, while helping every publisher, show, and creator unlock their full potential.

There’s more to come, so check back soon for the latest news and creator stories from across the week.

Spotify Launches the Amplifika Creators Initiative to Empower Black Podcasters in Brazil

July 28, 2025

In 2021, Spotify launched Amplifika in Brazil as a dedicated program to foster the growth of Black artists and support new voices in music. Through a hub on Spotify, Spotify Singles, educational events, and special collaborations, the program has supported the careers of key figures in the Brazilian music scene including Duquesa, Mc Kadu, Milthinho, Cryzin, Maru2D, and Sued Nunes.

Now we’re building on this legacy. At Spotify, we believe that every creator should have the chance to share their story, and we’re focused on making that possible with the right tools and support. That’s why we’re expanding the program with Amplifika Creators, a new initiative designed to empower the next generation of Black podcasters in Brazil.

A studio—and then some

At the heart of Amplifika Creators is a new podcast studio at Embaixada Preta in São Paulo. Developed in partnership with Feira Preta, an organization that supports Black culture and entrepreneurship in Latin America, this space offers free access to professional-grade audio and video equipment for emerging Black creators, with microphones and headphones donated by Shure.

But the technology is only the beginning. This initiative also includes a mentorship program with established creators like Sofi Oliveira (Colo de amiga por @sofidisse) and Guto Barbosa (Don Podcast); a tailored newsletter with best practices for production and growth; and ongoing support to help build a more inclusive podcasting ecosystem from the ground up.

“Today, video is one of the main entry points for discovering podcasts in Brazil—and Spotify is committed to increasing the presence of Black creators in this space, ensuring they have both the technical resources and visibility they deserve,” said Camila Justo, Spotify’s Head of Podcast in Brazil. “Amplifika Creators is a response to this, offering professional structure and continuous support to transform good ideas into real impact.”

Adriana Barbosa, founder and CEO of the Feira Preta Institute, echoed this sentiment. “It’s not just about recording, it’s about belonging,” she said. “This studio at Embaixada Preta is a territory of creativity, expression, memory, and future-building. Here, technology meets collective affection, and the result is important stories being told by those who live and transform the present.”

Continued commitment

Amplifika Creators joins our portfolio of equity-driven programs including EQUAL and GLOW in music, and Sound Up and our Seu Espaço initiative in podcasting. Seu Espaço is a fully equipped podcast studio in São Paulo that offers free access and professional-grade resources to underrepresented creators. Together, these global initiatives are central to our mission of amplifying diverse creators with more-inclusive narratives. Since 2018, Sound Up has supported creators in more than 12 countries, including Brazil, helping to launch impactful shows like Pavulagem – Contos da Floresta, ZUMBIR, and Calunguinha.

By providing tools, visibility, and a network of support, we’re working to ensure that new voices not only get heard but have the opportunity to thrive.

Comments on Podcasts Gives Creators and Listeners More Ways To Engage

July 9, 2024

*Update as of April 23, 2025: We are expanding our auto-publishing capabilities to more languages, including comments made in Spanish, German, and Portuguese, in addition to English.

*Update as of October 23, 2024: We’ve been investing in new settings and features to improve the comments experience on Spotify, and give creators even more flexibility and control over their show. We will now automatically publish all new comments made in English, as long as they meet our platform rules. Get the latest at Spotify for Podcasters.

For podcast creators who want to grow their audiences, building a stronger relationship with their listeners and fans goes a long way. And in order to amplify their presence, creators need tools that give them the functionality, insights, and flexibility to manage their shows and engage fans anytime, anywhere.

That’s why, starting today, we’re beginning to roll out a brand-new way for podcast creators to interact with their fans—with Comments—and introducing an easier way for all podcasters to manage their shows: with the all-new Spotify for Podcasters mobile app.

Our new Comments feature expands on the Q&A and polls functionality we introduced in 2021 as a way to bring interactivity into the podcasting industry for the first time. And interactivity is a feature that already has listeners and creators buzzing: More than 9 million unique Spotify listeners have interacted with a Q&A or poll just this year, and there’s been 80% year-over-year growth in the number of total Q&A responses and votes from listeners.

“As a podcast focused on the lessons we can learn from history’s greatest leaders, I’m always curious about which takeaways resonate most with my audience,” said Ben Wilson, creator of How to Take Over the World. “Comments on Spotify provide me that invaluable feedback, which makes creating my podcast that much more rewarding and allows me to build a stronger connection with my listeners.”

With the introduction of Comments, we’re also excited to give all creators—regardless of where their episodes are hosted—better ways to manage their entire show, including listener feedback. Podcast creators can now use Spotify for Podcasters on desktop or with our all-new mobile app to interact with listeners, manage their presence on Spotify, check their latest stats, and track growth in real time. And fans can directly comment on the podcast episodes they’re already listening to on Spotify.

Celebrating the Creators and Fans of 2023 With Wrapped for Podcasters

November 29, 2023

Today we kicked off 2023 Spotify Wrapped, our annual campaign that brings creators and fans together to share their love of all things audio. And as Wrapped for Podcasters celebrates its fifth year, we’re thrilled to bring the love, excitement, and data stories to more creators than ever.

2023 Wrapped for Podcasters is our way to recognize the achievements across our podcast creator ecosystem and offer a unique deep dive into user behavior, Spotify stats, listening trends, and more from the past year.

“Wrapped is Spotify’s biggest campaign of the year and has become its own moment around the world,” Anna Sian, Head of Marketing at Spotify for Podcasters, tells For the Record. “And from a creator’s audience growth to other milestones they’ve unlocked throughout the year, it’s a trove of really valuable information on their trends from the past year. It’s as personalized as a campaign can possibly get.”

A Really Good Year.

There’s a lot to celebrate this year with podcasts. In 2023, more than 300 million listeners discovered their new favorite podcasts, and they were engaged, responding to more than 14 million creator polls. Of the shows receiving a podcaster Wrapped this year, over one-third were created in 2023, with more than 760 million minutes recorded overall.

At Spotify, we’ve also been busy: doubling down on giving creators more data and better tools. We’ve increased our focus on creator education throughout the year so more podcasters understand ways to grow their show and be successful. “With Spotify for Podcasters programs like Masterclass and the release of our recent Fan Study report,” explains Anna, “our goal is to help creators learn from their peers and develop strong bonds within the podcasting community.”

All About Growth

“It may come as no surprise that podcast creators are obsessed with their shows’ growth,” Anna says. “They work hard to perfect every episode, so they want to know their show is resonating with fans and finding new listeners. Their unwavering dedication to understanding listener data is the driving inspiration behind Wrapped for Podcasters.”

Like previous years, the core experience is rooted in a microsite that delivers a personalized experience to each podcaster, with listener data and creator trends framed in the context of the past year. Top episodes, most-shared episodes, average podcast rating, global listener stats, and year-over-year growth are all there for creators to dig into.

This year we’re adding even more tools and insights to Wrapped for Podcasters, including the top music genre streamed by a show’s podcast listeners and a new data story featuring fan engagement insights that includes a quiz around your most-talked-about episode.

It’s the Journey

“Listening to a podcast is like having a creator as your best friend,” explains Anna. “They’re with you on your commute, while you’re washing dishes, making you laugh or sharing some tears with you. Wrapped for Podcasters provides the perfect opportunity for creators to acknowledge their fans who have come along on their journeys, stuck around, and become a part of the conversation.”

Dig into a world of data and read all about it in the Spotify for Podcasters blog.

Podcasters Can Better Connect to Their Audiences With the Insights From Our Latest Fan Study

November 9, 2023

We know that podcasters of all sizes want to share their stories with the world, and we’re committed to providing them with the best tools and platform to do so. But creating and sustaining a podcast requires a lot of decisions, and it’s often helpful to leverage the experiences and wisdom of others when embarking on a new creative journey.

That’s why we are releasing our second Fan Study for podcasters, a collection of data-driven insights about creation trends and fan listening behaviors. Fan Study offers creators a snapshot of listener behaviors through a macro lens so they can get big-picture, industry-level insights that weren’t previously accessible. Alongside each insight, we provide actionable recommendations so podcasters can leverage this information into action—from which month is most popular for listeners to how fans crave interactivity.

“Our Fan Study gives creators insights that they can immediately put into action, says Spotify associate director of brand marketing for podcasting Clara Prieto. “Regardless of what stage a podcaster is in, we know they all want to grow their shows and foster a dedicated and engaged community. With access to more data and global listening and creation trends, podcasters can reach wider audiences, build meaningful connections with fans, and maximize their presence on Spotify.”

Jon Youshaei, host of Created with Jon Youshaei, got early access to our Fan Study and found the insights “super helpful. Especially the insights and takeaways section,” he said. “It’s great to know ideal posting times and trending genres to best engage with our audience. To achieve global growth, it’s crucial to understand listening behaviors around the world. The data helps us make changes to our podcast with these listening patterns in mind.”

To create Fan Study, Spotify for Podcasters partnered with Spotify data scientists to identify the top insights. Here are some of our findings, as well as Jon’s own tips for burgeoning creators based on his favorite results.

Being Seen

Video podcasts are growing in popularity across the spectrum, but some categories have more viewership than others. When it comes to consumption of video podcasts, comedy emerges as the top category.
From 1 a.m. to 5 p.m., audiences are more likely to listen to the audio-only experience of video podcasts. When evening rolls around (6 p.m. to midnight), fans tend to watch video podcasts since they’re winding down and primed for “leaned-in” viewing.

Jon’s rec: “The evenings are your golden hours! Schedule out your social posts and CTAs in the evening to get your audiences watching.”

Being Heard

Audiences listen to podcasts more often during the weekdays, with 78% of consumption taking place Monday through Friday and 22% on Saturdays and Sundays. Commutes are prime time for podcasts during the week, with listenership spiking at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, podcast consumption spikes between 11 a.m. and noon, with smaller upticks in the evening.
When breaking down audience insights into podcast categories, we see that audiences’ daily listening behaviors vary. Podcasts falling under the religion & spirituality, arts, history, health & fitness, science, and fiction genres have higher listenership during mornings and late nights, while leisure (games & hobbies) and kids & family see a spike during the evenings.
In 2022, people were more likely to start listening to new shows during January, March, July, and October.

Jon’s rec: “Plan your content accordingly! Make sure to sync your best content, and your content pushes, with the four top months.”

Being Connected

Fans crave interaction. 73% of listeners said they are interested in finding more opportunities to interact with their favorite podcast hosts.
On average, listeners who answer a host’s question using our Q&A feature consume 2.35x more hours of the show per month than those who do not. Converting new listeners to loyal fans may require new engagement strategies.
The number-one way people find new podcasts is by hearing about them on a show they already listen to (54%). This is closely followed by recommendations from friends and family (53%) and browsing Spotify (50%). Discovery patterns vary depending on demographics. Gen Z is more likely to use social media in their search—1.5x more likely compared to Gen X or Baby Boomers, who are more likely to turn to articles, blogs, and newsletters.

Jon’s rec: “Add and customize questions for your episodes! I know it sounds simple, but users who engage with those questions on average stick around for twice as long.”

Find the complete Fan Study insights on Spotify for Podcasters.

São Paulo Restaurant and Culinary School Gastronomia Periférica Is Our Newest Space for Underrepresented Podcasters

October 5, 2023

While it’s easier than ever to create a podcast, it’s still a process. Gaining access to gear, recording studios, and editing resources is difficult for anyone, especially if you’re part of a marginalized community. But removing barriers can increase accessibility, and that’s why we started our Spotify for Podcasters initiative Making Space. Aiming to elevate underrepresented creators, we partner with local businesses in marginalized communities to make studio-quality podcasting gear available for free.

Over the past year, we’ve joined forces with local inclusive businesses—Greenville, South Carolina–based plant store Savereign, Gainesville, Florida–based café Curia on the Drag, and Atlanta-based plant shop/cafe Nourish Botanica—to provide safe places for storytellers to create and help build a more diverse ecosystem of podcast creators.

But this month, we’re heading to Brazil and bringing our Making Space initiative to creators outside the U.S. for the first time. We’re inaugurating Seu Espaço, located in São Paulo, as the country’s first fully equipped podcast studio for creators. Even better, recording time can be reserved for free by established and aspiring podcasters alike. To make this a reality, we partnered with and housed the studio in restaurant and culinary school Da Quebrada – Gastronomia Periférica, a community-oriented business that seeks to transform the lives of people on the outskirts of the city through plant-based gastronomy.

“Spotify is constantly seeking ways to support new and emerging voices, and this free studio is an example of how we are making podcasting accessible to anyone, anywhere,” said Barbara Zamberlan, Spotify’s Creator Partnerships Lead in Brazil. “We want to encourage more creators to try podcasting and provide them with a safe place for their voices to be heard, contributing to the diversification of the podcasting ecosystem.”

To learn more about the restaurant’s mission and what excited its team most about offering a creator studio within its walls, For the Record spoke with Gastronomia Periférica chef and cofounder Edson Leite.

Can you tell us a little bit about the philosophy behind Da Quebrada – Gastronomia Periférica?

Gastronomia Periférica is a socially-oriented business. We make money by directly impacting people’s lives in positive ways. In addition to being a restaurant, Da Quebrada – Gastronomia Periférica is a culinary school, and our students are paid interns while they’re enrolled here.

Gastronomia Periférica also runs several other spaces throughout Brazil, providing gastronomy training for people from the outskirts—mostly Black men and women, as well as mothers.

What are some of the ways you serve the community?

What I’m most proud of with Gastronomia Periférica is how it’s affected the real transformation of life in the outskirts. I think that when we feel good, we do good. Nowadays, we can point to the east and south zones of São Paulo and say, “We’ve changed the reality of these neighborhoods by promoting and providing professional training.”

Why is it important for there to be an accessible podcasting hub in São Paulo?

Da Quebrada is a quilombo, a denomination for communities of Black enslaved peoples who resisted the slavery regime that prevailed in Brazil for over 300 years. We live in opposing territory, but we bring an aquilombamento—a spirit of bringing Black people together—with Spotify and this studio so people have access. We want people from the outskirts to understand that they can be anywhere, even in a podcast that was created with first-class equipment. And with Seu Espaço, we want them to feel like they’re in a space that embraces them. We want to give the opportunity for those voices to be amplified. Hopefully we’ll get a real sense of that impact when we see a lot of Black creators from the favelas using the place and saying, “Check out my podcast on Spotify, I’ve recorded it in a place where I felt truly at home.”

This Making Space location was made possible by the Creator Equity Fund, a multi-year investment that showcases and elevates underrepresented artists and creators through new and existing initiatives. To check available recording times for Seu Espaço, click here.

Restaurante e Escola de Culinária de São Paulo Gastronomia Periférica é nosso mais novo espaço para podcasters sub-representados

October 5, 2023

Embora seja mais fácil do que nunca criar um podcast, ainda é um processo. Ter acesso a equipamentos, estúdios de gravação e recursos de edição é difícil para qualquer pessoa, especialmente se você faz parte de uma comunidade marginalizada. Mas a quebra de barreiras pode aumentar a acessibilidade, e é por isso que iniciamos nossa iniciativa Spotify for Podcasters, Making Space. Com o objetivo de promover criadores sub-representados, fazemos parcerias com empresas locais em comunidades marginalizadas para disponibilizar gratuitamente equipamentos de podcasting com qualidade de estúdio.

No ano passado, unimos forças com empresas locais inclusivas – a loja de plantas Savereign, com sede em Greenville, Carolina do Sul, e o café Curia on the Drag, com sede em Gainesville, Flórida, e a loja de plantas/café com sede em Atlanta, Nourish Botanica — para oferecer locais seguros para os contadores de histórias criarem e ajudarem a construir um ecossistema mais diversificado de criadores de podcast.

Mas este mês estamos indo para o Brasil e tornando o Making Space global. Localizado em São Paulo, inauguramos o Seu Espaço como o primeiro estúdio de podcast totalmente equipado para criadores do país. Melhor ainda, o período de gravação pode ser reservado gratuitamente por podcasters estabelecidos e aspirantes. Para tornar isso realidade, firmamos parceria e abrigamos o estúdio no restaurante escola Da Quebrada – Gastronomia Periférica, um negócio social que busca transformar a vida das pessoas da periferia da cidade por meio da gastronomia vegetal.

“O Spotify está sempre procurando maneiras de ajudar a nutrir vozes novas e emergentes, e este estúdio gratuito é um exemplo de como estamos tornando o podcasting possível para qualquer pessoa, em qualquer lugar”, diz Barbara Zamberlan, líder de parcerias com criadores no Brasil. “Queremos encorajar mais criadores a experimentar o podcasting e oferecer a eles um lugar seguro para que suas vozes sejam ouvidas, tornando o ecossistema de podcaster mais diversificado.”

Para saber mais sobre a missão do restaurante e o que mais empolgou sua equipe em oferecer um estúdio de criação dentro de seu espaço, For the Record conversou com o chef e cofundador do Gastronomia Periférica, Edson Leite.

Você pode nos contar um pouco sobre a filosofia do Da Quebrada – Gastronomia Periférica?

A Gastronomia Periférica é um negócio social. A gente ganha dinheiro impactando diretamente a vida das pessoas. Esse lugar é um restaurante escola Gastronomia Periférica, onde temos as nossas alunas estagiando – e recebendo para estar aqui. A Gastronomia Periférica tem vários outros espaços em São Paulo e pelo Brasil inteiro, de formação em gastronomia para pessoas periféricas – em sua maioria, mulheres pretas, mães, e homens pretos periféricos.

Quais são algumas das maneiras pelas quais você serve a comunidade?

O que mais me orgulha dentro Gastronomia Periférica é a transformação real e local da vida na quebrada. Eu acho que quando a gente consegue estar bem, a gente consegue fazer bem. A gente consegue hoje, por exemplo, olhar para a Zona Leste e Sul de São Paulo e falar: “nós mudamos essa realidade”, porque a gente conseguiu promover formação profissional.

Por que é importante que haja um hub de podcasting acessível em São Paulo?

O Da Quebrada é um quilombo, uma denominação para comunidades de povos negros escravizados que resistiram ao regime escravista que prevaleceu no Brasil por mais de 300 anos. A gente vive em território inimigo, mas a gente traz um aquilombamento – um espírito de unir os negros – junto com o Spotify, com o estúdio, dentro desse espaço, para que se tenha acesso. Para que as pessoas da periferia entendam que a gente pode estar em qualquer lugar, inclusive dentro de um podcast, usando equipamentos de primeira linha, em um lugar que nos acolhe. É um bagulho diferentão, real. É foda. Queremos dar a oportunidade para que a voz da pessoa periférica seja ecoada. A gente vai ter a real noção disso quando a gente ver vários pretos favelados e pretas faveladas ocupando o lugar e falando: o meu podcast tá no Spotify, e eu gravei dentro de um lugar onde eu me senti em casa.

Making Space faz parte do Creator Equity Fund, um investimento plurianual que mostra e eleva artistas e criadores sub-representados por meio de iniciativas novas e existentes. Para conferir os horários de gravação disponíveis do Seu Espaço, clique aqui.

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.