Tag: podcasts

One Year In: How Creators Are Growing Their Shows and Connecting With Audiences Through the Spotify Partner Program

January 8, 2026

In 2025 we launched the Spotify Partner Program to give creators more ways to turn their passion for podcasting into a sustainable business. Built to unlock new revenue streams, the program includes audience-driven payouts from Spotify Premium video engagement in select markets and ad monetization on Spotify Free and other listening platforms. 

Video podcasts have been a hit with Spotify users since the format launched on our platform in 2021. And as video consumption grows, the program gives creators opportunities to earn more from their content while offering listeners a seamless, uninterrupted viewing experience in select markets.

With a strong first year behind it, we’re expanding the Spotify Partner Program with updates that make it easier for more creators to join, reduce friction across platforms, and offer greater flexibility in how creators earn.

For the Record caught up with podcast hosts Chris Williamson (Modern Wisdom), Tim Gabel (Tim Gabel Podcast), Bella Fiori (Mystery Mondays), and Joe Santagato (The Basement Yard) to hear how the Spotify Partner Program has shaped their work, inspired their creative process, and deepened their connection with fans.

How has the Spotify Partner Program helped your show and your day-to-day workflow?

Chris: The program has created a new revenue stream with very limited additional work. And it’s grown the show on the platform where most of my audience already is.

Tim: The Spotify Partner Program has created real investment security for our show. It allows us to plan long term, reinvest in better production and team structures, and focus fully on creating the best possible content. Knowing that high-quality work is reliably rewarded changes the way you operate day to day. It shifts the mindset from short-term optimization to sustainable growth. Most importantly, Spotify treats creators as long-term collaborators. It truly feels like a partnership.

How has video changed your relationship with your audience?

Bella: Video is so important when it comes to connecting with people, particularly when it comes to true crime. It’s a powerful storytelling medium that allows you to immerse audiences in a case. To see someone’s grief, their shock, their guilt, to be able to watch a police interview rather than just having it described to you, really helps the audience connect with the content. 

What’s something new you’ve been able to bring to your show using video?

Joe: Adding video to The Basement Yard has had an enormous impact on the show’s growth and level of fan engagement. As a comedy podcast, video allows us to not only be more physical with our comedy but also expand the creative choices we can make. For example, we’ve created viral visual moments like having a special-effects artist transform during a Halloween episode or hiring a mariachi band to barge in on an episode.

Tim: Video has fundamentally expanded how we tell stories and explain complex ideas, which significantly deepens engagement and understanding. Two recent episodes come to mind where we animated and integrated the scenes guests were talking about. Seeing the moments being described transforms the experience entirely—it turns abstract conversation into something tangible and immersive for the audience. 

How does the Spotify Partner Program contribute to your success as a creator?

Chris: It removes pressure. When you’re not constantly worrying about the mechanics, you can focus on doing good work and not overthink it. Through the program, I’ve been able to unlock a reliable, recurring revenue stream averaging six figures per month. 

Tim: The Spotify Partner Program gives us something every creator is ultimately chasing: a little peace of mind. Knowing that the work we put out can sustainably support the show allows us to think bigger, plan further ahead, and invest with confidence. It also means being able to fairly compensate the people who pour their heart, energy, and craftsmanship into the podcast every single day, and that changes everything.

Bella: Because the program is so effective, I’ve been able to cut back on in-show ads. That’s helped a lot with viewer retention and making the content more enjoyable to watch. My viewers have actually noticed, and I’ve gotten positive feedback about the experience. It’s also boosted my other platforms and brought in a completely new audience that I didn’t have before I began posting on Spotify.

Joe: The program has opened a new lane for revenue and discovery, which allows me to further invest back into the business. As the show grows, it’s important that quality increases, which includes set and camera upgrades as well as being able to staff a team to help manage the daily operations of a growing podcast. Without these investments, it would be very difficult to scale.

Head to Spotify for Creators to learn more about the Spotify Partner Program.

Making It Easier for Video Podcasters to Earn on Spotify

January 7, 2026

Podcasts are stepping onto a new stage this week as the Golden Globes recognize the medium for the first time. To mark this milestone moment, we’re hosting our first-ever Golden Week Nominees Night with The Hollywood Reporter, and just announced Spotify Sycamore Studios, our brand-new podcast space in West Hollywood.

But that’s not all. We’re also celebrating the Spotify Partner Program’s first anniversary, with major updates designed to help creators grow on their own terms. Starting today, even more creators will be able to take advantage of the Spotify Partner Program. And coming soon, creators will have new ways to easily manage their sponsorships, and publish and monetize video on Spotify—even if they’re hosted on another platform.

Over the last year, the Spotify Partner Program has helped eligible video creators transform their shows into sustainable businesses, offering them greater flexibility and control to navigate industry shifts and maintain consistent revenue streams. 

These latest updates are designed to make Spotify an even better platform for creators, whether they’re on the rise, an established name, or a publisher managing a network of shows.

Here’s what’s new.

More creators can now join the Spotify Partner Program

When we introduced the Spotify Partner Program, our goal was to help creators around the world turn their passion for podcasting into a sustainable living. One year in, that vision is becoming a reality. Creators are seeing meaningful growth in their earnings through a mix of Premium video and ad revenue while giving Premium subscribers a seamless, high-quality video experience.

That success is built on the deep engagement of Spotify listeners. In the U.S., compared to casual listeners, loyal fans on Spotify stream nearly 20 times more of a show and are 2.5 times more likely to stick around after six months.

Now, to help even more creators connect with this valuable audience, we’re expanding the Spotify Partner Program by broadening our eligibility thresholds: 

    • From 2,000 listeners to 1,000 engaged audience members on Spotify, based on plays over the last 30 days.
    • From 10,000 hours consumed to 2,000 hours consumed over the last 30 days.
    • From 12 published episodes to 3 published episodes (all time). 

Creators can check if they’re eligible to apply by visiting the Monetize tab on Spotify for Creators.

Smarter, more flexible sponsorship management for video

Sponsorships are one of the most valuable revenue streams in podcasting, but managing them hasn’t always been easy. Re-editing episodes to swap out outdated messaging can be time-consuming, and keeping sponsorships fresh over time often requires extra effort from creators.

Starting this April, we’re simplifying the process and making it more seamless with a new suite of creator sponsorship tools rolling out across Spotify for Creators and Megaphone.

Creators enrolled in the Spotify Partner Program will be able to:

    • Easily remove, replace, and add host-read sponsorships in video episodes for more timely messages. 
    • Schedule updates ahead of time, whether editing host-read sponsorships, inserting new slots, or refreshing older material.
    • Track how each sponsorship performed over time with new delivery metrics.

These updates build on our existing toolkit for managing earnings across multiple revenue streams, giving creators and publishers even more customization, control, and confidence in how they monetize content.

Publish and monetize video on Spotify from other platforms

We believe creators should be able to easily tap into the power of video without having to change the platforms, tools, and workflows they’re already using. That’s why we’re introducing our new Spotify Distribution API.

Soon, creators and publishers will be able to publish and monetize videos on Spotify directly from participating hosting platforms without needing to change how they work or re-upload any content. 

We plan to launch with leading platforms Acast, Audioboom, Libsyn, Omny, and Podigee, with others joining soon. This means more choice, more flexibility, and more ways for creators to unlock the value of video on Spotify.

“Acast has always believed in giving podcasters choice, empowering them to be heard and make money wherever their audience is,” said Acast CEO Greg Glenday. “As the industry evolves, we’re bringing the same flexibility to video. Our partnership with Spotify is built on that principle of creator autonomy: providing the tools to scale and earn on every platform without compromising control. This is a major milestone in our mission to support stories, wherever they’re told.”

For eligible creators hosted on platforms that integrate with the API, they will have:

    • The ability to publish video to Spotify and participate in the Spotify Partner Program without having to switch hosting platforms. 
    • The opportunity to earn Premium video revenue, while Spotify Premium subscribers in select markets enjoy their video content uninterrupted by dynamic ads.
    • The opportunity to earn ad revenue when fans in select markets watch or listen on the free version of Spotify, or in markets without Premium video revenue.
    • The ability to tap into our new and flexible sponsorship management tools without having to switch hosting platforms.

If you host with one of our participating partners, look out for more information on availability soon. 

“Spotify has long been a valued partner of Audioboom,” said CEO of Audioboom Stuart Last. “As the world’s largest video podcast network, this new offering allows us to support creators in both growing their audiences and unlocking additional revenue opportunities.” 

Brendan Monaghan, CEO of Libsyn, added, “Partnering with Spotify gives Libsyn creators more flexibility, more reach, and more ways to grow—without changing how they work. That’s a win for creators and a meaningful step forward for the podcasting ecosystem.” 

This is a step toward the future of podcasting on Spotify, where creators have more paths than ever to make a living by doing what they love.

Find out more about the Spotify Partner Program by visiting the Spotify for Creators website.

In markets where the Spotify Partner Program is available and eligible creators are participating, Spotify Premium audiences may still experience breaks in video episodes due to creator sponsorships.

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.

10 Book Podcasts You Can’t Miss

November 26, 2025

Book podcasts are booming. On Spotify, you’ll find everything from celebrity book clubs to deep dives with bestselling authors. And in markets where audiobooks are available, you can listen to both the podcasts and many of the featured books all in one place. We’ve rounded up 10 of the most exciting podcasts for readers, with bonus behind-the-scenes insights from two hosts.

Beyond the page

What makes the book podcast format unique? We asked Olivia Ponton and Morgann Book to share their perspectives.

For Olivia, host of Booked & Busy, it’s about forming a close-knit, cozy community. “Starting a book-focused podcast definitely feels more niche,” she said, “but that’s honestly what I love about it! It gives me the chance to connect with my audience on such a personal level through a shared love of reading… It’s become this cozy space where listeners can hang out, unwind, make new friends, and get to know a side of me that I haven’t shared before.”

Morgann, who leads Off the Shelf, said the magic lies in having richer, more nuanced discussions that go deeper than the average review. “For me, book podcasts are unique because they let me go beyond quick reviews or aesthetic content,” Morgann explained. “I get to dig into how an author wrote their bestselling book, what was going through their brain on release day, and so much more. That long-form space lets me and my guest bring our personalities to the forefront of the conversation.”

That kind of conversation is why book podcasts have inspired passionate followers and turned reading into a vibrant shared experience. 

10 book podcasts to queue up

From literary legends to social media sensations, here are 10 podcasts to help fuel your reading obsession:

Off the Shelf with Morgann Book

Morgann hosts thoughtful conversations with authors, exploring their creative processes and the stories behind their books. Dream guest? “If I could have anyone, dead or alive, on my podcast, it would be Sarah J. Maas. I would love to sit down with her and learn about her writing process.”

Booked & Busy w/ Olivia Ponton

Olivia escapes into beloved books, creating a vibrant community around the joy of reading. Dream guest? “Colleen Hoover. She’s one of the authors who pulled me into the world of reading. Having her on Booked & Busy would feel like a full-circle moment!”

Fantasy Fangirls

Sisters Nicole and Lexi are your guides to magical realms, epic quests, and all things fantasy literature.

Hungry Dogs with James Patterson

Get insights from one of the world’s bestselling authors as James Patterson discusses writing, stories, and the literary world.

Zero to Well-Read

Hosts Jeff O’Neal and Rebecca Schinsky broaden your literary horizons by diving into classics and new genres on this insightful show.

Good Noticings (Formerly Celebrity Memoir Book Club)

Hosted by comedians Claire Parker and Ashley Hamilton, this popular show offers hilarious dissections of celebrity memoirs.

One Nightstand

Charlotte and Samantha delve into books that leave a lasting impression, plus the lives of their guests.

I’ll Read What She’s Reading

Explore diverse voices and narratives as hosts Reggie, Mikayla, and Kennedy share their reading journeys and recommendations.

Service95 Book Club with Dua Lipa
Global superstar Dua Lipa curates and discusses essential reads, sharing her perspective on the books she loves.

Open Book with Jenna

Jenna Bush Hager invites listeners into intimate conversations about books that move, challenge, and inspire.

Whether you’re seeking author insights, genre gems, or lively book club discussions, Spotify has your next favorite pod. Dive in and see what stories you’ll find.

Meet Spotify’s RADAR Creators Global Class of 2025, the Next Wave of Podcast Talent

October 15, 2025

At Spotify, we’re all about supporting rising talent and helping them connect with fans worldwide. Our RADAR program is designed to do just that, and this year’s global class of RADAR Creators is bigger, more diverse, and more innovative than ever. 

This annual list spotlights the most promising emerging creators who are making waves and defining the future of the medium. RADAR combines marketing, editorial, and promotional support to help emerging creators reach new audiences and deepen listener connections.

First launched in 2020 to champion up-and-coming artists, RADAR has since grown to include support for songwriters and podcast creators. Since its pilot in 2022, RADAR Creators has supported more than 120 shows globally. Over the years, several RADAR creators have gone on to become breakout names—like Good Children, where childhood best friends Joe Hegyes and Andrew Muscarella unpack the side effects of being a little too well-behaved.

This year, we’ve expanded the program to feature creators in 11 countries, podcasting in multiple languages and across popular genres, including true crime, digital culture, sports, entertainment, knowledge, and wellness. From Scott Evans inviting guests into his home on House Guest for honest, unscripted conversations to the Tiger Sisters—Cherie Brooke Luo and Jean Luo—blending late-night sister talk with boardroom strategy, this dynamic group embodies the vibrant culture of podcasting. The Class of 2025 is also pushing the boundaries of what a podcast can be, with many innovating in video, a format that has skyrocketed in popularity since becoming available on Spotify.

“RADAR Creators are shaping the future of podcasting,” said Jordan Newman, Head of Content Partnerships at Spotify. “They’re redefining what storytelling sounds and looks like, connecting with audiences in new and meaningful ways.” 

Check out the full list of 2025 RADAR Creators below.

Meet the global RADAR Creators Class of 2025

US

Spain

Australia 

Indonesia

Colombia 

Philippines 

Italy

Germany 

France 

Sweden 

As RADAR continues to grow, each new region brings its own unique flavor to the mix. We’ll continue to expand RADAR’s reach, strengthening on-the-ground support and opening up even more in-person opportunities for creators around the globe.

Head to the RADAR Creators hub to explore the full class.

Spotify Studios and The Ringer Video Podcasts Are Coming to Netflix

October 14, 2025

Early next year, your favorite video podcasts are getting a bigger stage. Spotify and Netflix are teaming up to bring sports, culture, lifestyle, and true crime video podcasts from Spotify Studios and The Ringer to Netflix to complement the streamer’s existing programming and unlock new audiences and wider distribution for the shows. 

Audiences will be able to watch select Spotify Studios and The Ringer video podcasts on Netflix starting in early 2026 in the US, with more markets to follow. This collaboration offers fans more ways to connect with the stories and voices they love. It’s a celebration of creators and a powerful step forward in how their work reaches the world. Some of the video podcasts that will be available to start include:

Sports

Culture/lifestyle

True crime

“At Netflix, we’re always looking for new ways to entertain our members, wherever and however they want to watch,” said Lauren Smith, Netflix VP of Content Licensing and Programming Strategy. “As video podcasts continue to grow in popularity, our partnership with Spotify allows us to bring full video versions of these top shows to both Netflix and Spotify audiences. From pop culture and lifestyle to true crime and sports, this curated selection of video podcasts adds fresh voices and new perspectives to Netflix, making our entertainment lineup more exciting than ever.”

Creativity in motion

This creative collaboration reflects how Spotify continues to evolve podcasting. What began as an audio-first medium is now a vibrant multi-format landscape. As the category matures, Spotify remains focused on innovation, scale, and creator success.

“This partnership marks a new chapter for podcasting,” said Roman Wasenmüller, VP and Head of Podcasts at Spotify. “Together with Netflix, we’re expanding discovery, helping creators reach new audiences, and giving fans around the world the chance to experience the stories they love and uncover favorites they never expected. This offers more choice to creators and unlocks a completely new distribution opportunity.”

Elevating the ecosystem

The collaboration also reinforces Spotify’s belief that when platforms work together, creators benefit. By partnering with Netflix, Spotify is helping creators captivate even more fans worldwide.

Looking ahead, Spotify plans to bring similar opportunities to a wider range of creators. Throughout this expansion, the core principles of Spotify’s podcasting model remain unchanged: Creators retain control, benefit from multiple revenue streams, and are supported in building sustainable businesses.

Together with Netflix, we believe the future of podcasting is becoming more dynamic, more visual, and more connected than ever.

Get Closer to the Game With These Essential Football Podcasts

October 6, 2025

Football season is in full swing, and Spotify has you covered with a lineup of podcasts that capture the excitement, drama, and insider perspectives fans crave.

“Here we have a one-stop destination that goes beyond scores and highlights to dive deeper into the stories, strategies, and personalities shaping football,” said Sydney Williams, Audience Development Editor, Podcast Editorial at Spotify. “Our curation brings together familiar voices from The Ringer alongside commentary from athletes who know the game inside and out, both on and off the field. We hope fans walk away not just entertained, but feeling more connected to the sport they love.”

The Ryen Russillo Podcast
By The Ringer

Sports commentator Ryen Russillo breaks down the week’s biggest games, trends, and stories. He invites athletes, coaches, and insiders on for candid conversations about sports and beyond.

Green Light with Chris Long
By Chris Long

Former defensive end Chris Long brings a player’s perspective to the game and culture fans love, with interviews from major names in sports and entertainment, plus lighthearted dives into everything else.

Glory Daze with Johnny Manziel
By Almost Friday Media

Former football player Johnny Manziel sits down with sports legends to relive the game’s most nostalgic eras, from unforgettable highlights to the challenges behind the fame.

House Call
By The Deep 3

From the creators of The Deep 3 basketball podcast, House Call brings the same sharp, funny, and fan-driven style to football.

The Ringer NFL SHOW
By The Ringer

Host Sheil Kapadia and a rotating cast of Ringer colleagues and guests unpack the day’s biggest football story—fast, smart, and perfect for your commute.

Stream the full lineup on Spotify.

‘The Toast’ Launches Video Episodes on Spotify

October 3, 2025

The Toast, the wildly popular daily podcast from sisters Claudia and Jackie Oshry, is now on video on Spotify. Fans can tune in each week to watch the duo’s unfiltered takes on pop culture, trending news, and everything in between, all delivered with their signature wit and chemistry.

With its sharp humor and loyal following, The Toast consistently ranks among Spotify’s most-listened-to lifestyle and entertainment podcasts. Now, the show’s expansion into video offers listeners a new, more immersive way to engage.

“We love giving Toasters new ways to enjoy the show, and now you can watch us right on Spotify,” said Claudia and Jackie. “It’s the same daily chat you know and love, just with even more ways to join in on the fun. And now, no matter where you are in the world, you can feel like you’re right there with us every morning.”

“We’re thrilled The Toast is bringing their video episodes to Spotify and giving fans a new way to engage with Claudia and Jackie’s smart, hilarious take on culture,” adds Jordan Newman, Spotify’s Head of Content Partnerships. “The Toast has become one of the most beloved daily shows, and expanding their video presence to Spotify will give fans a seamless way to enjoy the show wherever they are.”

Whether you’re a longtime listener or just joining the fan base, The Toast’s new video episodes offer a deeper, more dynamic way to experience the show’s humor, hot takes, and cultural recaps.

Watch new video episodes of The Toast on Spotify for free.

Spotify Gives You Even More Control With the Ability to Exclude Tracks From Your Taste Profile

October 1, 2025

Personalization is at the heart of Spotify. When you ask listeners what they love most about Spotify, more than 81% cite our personalization, and we’re always evolving to help you create a listening journey that’s uniquely yours. Starting today, you can exclude individual tracks from your Taste Profile, in addition to playlists.

Your Taste Profile is Spotify’s interpretation of your taste, based on what you listen to and how you listen to it. It helps inform your recommendations, from Discover Weekly to your Home page, and personalizes experiences like Wrapped and Blend.

Excluding a track will lessen the impact of both past and future streams of that song on your recommendations, so your “just for the moment” listening doesn’t end up skewing your Spotify experience.

You’ve already been able to exclude select playlists from your Taste Profile, and now you can do the same for any track, whether it’s a calming sleep sound, your kids’ go-to song, or a one-off listen that doesn’t fit your usual vibe.

How to exclude a track from your Taste Profile

This feature is available now for Free and Premium users globally on web, desktop, iOS, and Android. Here’s how it works for individual tracks and playlists:

    1. Select the track or playlist you want to exclude.
    2. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner of your screen.
    3. Choose “Exclude from your Taste Profile” (or “Include in your Taste Profile” to add it back later).

With more control over your Taste Profile, your recommendations and personalized features can stay true to your unique musical taste, even if your listening habits sometimes take a detour. Spotify’s recommendations will keep evolving with you so your listening experience stays fresh and personal.

Ready to dive in? Explore the Made For You hub on Spotify, your one-stop shop for playlists, podcasts, and recommendations tailored just for you.

Audiobooks and Podcasts to Celebrate Latin Heritage Month on Spotify

September 23, 2025

From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate Latin Heritage Month, a time to honor the culture, creativity, and voices of Latin communities around the world. It’s the perfect chance to discover fresh perspectives, reconnect with favorite storytellers, or simply soak up the richness of Latin heritage. And of course, Spotify has you covered. From captivating audiobooks to thought-provoking podcasts, there’s plenty to explore all month long.

Audiobooks

Spotify’s audiobooks editors have curated a wide range of stories for our Latin Heritage Month audiobooks shelf, featuring titles in both English and Spanish.

“The Audiobooks team is excited to spotlight incredible stories from across the Latin diaspora with these standout audiobooks,” said Zack Knoll, Senior Editor, Audiobooks at Spotify. “These stories celebrate Latin life and experience, whether through sensational fiction like Trust by Hernan Diaz, recent gems like The Possession of Alba Díaz by Isabel Cañas, or moving true stories such as A Flower Traveled in My Blood by Haley Cohen Gilliland and Solito by Javier Zamora. These audiobooks showcase immense pride and admiration for Latin culture, and listeners will feel this in every line.”

Below, we’re highlighting five of our editors’ top picks to get you started.

Loca

By Alejandro Heredia
Narrated by André Santana

In Alejandro Heredia’s debut novel, best friends Sal and Charo are striving to hold on to their dreams in 1999 New York. Haunted by the past and navigating early motherhood, their worlds shift when they discover a vibrant queer community.

Hola Papi: How to Come Out in a Walmart Parking Lot and Other Life Lessons

By John Paul Brammer
Narrated by John Paul Brammer

In this memoir-in-essays, LGBTQ advice columnist John Paul Brammer traces his journey from a closeted, mixed-race kid in small-town Oklahoma to the voice behind the viral ¡Hola Papi! column. Equal parts humor and heart, it’s a warm guide to love and belonging.

Our Share of Night: A Novel

By Mariana Enriquez
Narrated by Frankie Corzo

After his wife dies, a father takes their son on a road trip that leads them to confront her family’s occult order seeking immortality. From 1960s London to Argentina’s military dictatorship, Mariana Enriquez’s first novel translated into English blends history, horror, and the supernatural.

You Had Me at Hola: A Novel

By Alexis Daria
Narrated by Seraphine Valentine

After a messy breakup, soap star Jasmine Lin Rodriguez returns to New York to film a bilingual rom-com and finds herself paired with telenovela hunk Ashton Suárez. As rehearsals turn into something more, their behind-the-scenes romance complicates careers and reputations.

Our Migrant Souls: A Meditation on Race and the Meanings and Myths of “Latino”

By Hector Tobar
Narrated by André Santana

Pulitzer Prize winner Héctor Tobar reflects on his family history and the stories of his students to explore what “Latino” means in the modern United States. Both personal and wide-ranging, his meditation examines identity, culture, and the stereotypes that shape Latino life in the 21st century.

Dive into Spotify’s full curation of Latin Heritage Month audiobooks.

Podcasts

Podcasts offer another window into the diversity of Latin heritage. Spotify’s podcast editors have curated a selection of shows hosted by Latin voices and can’t-miss episodes that spotlight Latin stories.

“Latin culture has always been full of powerful stories, and these shows capture that spirit with raw authenticity and pride. The best part? They don’t stop at storytelling,” said Destinee Harrison, Podcast Editorial & Audience Development Manager. “These creators bring everything from sharp journalism to everyday conversations about identity, music, and culture. These podcasts fuel bigger conversations, connect listeners across borders, and celebrate heritage in ways that feel fresh and personal, capturing the richness and heart of the community.”

DOPE AS USUAL Podcast: “Fried to the Bone w/ That Mexican OT!”

Rapper That Mexican OT returns to the DOPE AS USUAL Podcast, which features unfiltered stories from top figures in sports, music, comedy, and online culture.

Hella Latin@: “Uncovering Black Latin History with Eileen Ivette”

Afro-Latina travel influencer Eileen Ivette joins Hella Latin@ to share how a solo trip to Puerto Rico inspired her to launch Black Latin History, a platform spotlighting the African diaspora across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Hand Me Down Podcast: “Ep 28 | Our Yo Sabo Redemption”

In this episode of the Hand Me Down Podcast, the hosts trade wild stories, unpack cringe culture’s impact on self-expression, and close with a round of “Yo Sabo the Game.”

Alt.Latino: “A Tribute to Alt.Latino host Felix Contreras”

This episode of Alt.Latino honors host Felix Contreras, recipient of the Hispanic Heritage Award for Journalism, with tributes from surprise guests.

Today, Explained: “Good Bunny”

This episode of Today, Explained explores how Bad Bunny’s 31-date concert residency in Puerto Rico this summer put the island in the global spotlight.

Chiquis and Chill: “Boss Bee Nation: Changing the World One Heart at a Time”

Chiquis dedicates this episode of Chiquis and Chill to Boss Bee Nation, her loyal fan community, celebrating the impact they make in the world.

LOUD

Hosted by reggaeton pioneer Ivy Queen, this Spotify and Futuro Studios series tells the story of how young artists from Jamaica, Panama, and Puerto Rico sparked a genre that became a global movement.

Good Hang with Amy Poehler: “Selena Gomez”

Amy Poehler chats with Selena Gomez about quirky home decor, working with comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short on Only Murders in the Building, and more.

Check out the full selection on Spotify.

How Gen Z Powers Up for Back-to-School Season on Spotify

August 25, 2025

As summer winds down and backpacks come out, Gen Z isn’t just heading back to class, they’re shaping the soundtrack for a whole new season.

For Back to School 2025, Spotify has compiled a snapshot of the daily rituals and shared listening moments that define this reset. Powered by new listening data and anchored in past trends, it reveals how Gen Z students and their families use Spotify as a daily companion to reconnect and refocus—and how brands can be part of the moment in meaningful ways.

Mornings are the new prime time

As routines shift, mornings become high-attention listening windows. Between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., Gen Z students on Spotify power up with music and podcasts that turn commutes and pre-class moments into part of their soundtrack. For brands, these ritual-driven spikes offer valuable opportunities to tap in with multiformat campaigns that blend sight and sound.

Study sessions and shared playlists

Back-to-school season isn’t just a retail moment, it’s also a cultural and community reset. Gen Z leans on study playlists and collaborative features like Jam to concentrate and connect with friends.