Tag: spotify partner program

From Audio to Video, Spotify’s $100 Million Payout Fuels Creator Success Stories

April 28, 2025

Podcasts have become a cornerstone of the Spotify experience, evolving from a niche interest to a cultural phenomenon. As the format continues to grow, we’re seeing an exciting trend emerge: the rise of video podcasts. At Spotify, we’re committed to supporting creators across all formats, and we’re thrilled to announce a significant milestone in that journey.

For the first time, we’re revealing that Spotify paid out more than $100 million to podcast publishers and podcasters worldwide in the first quarter of 2025 alone. This figure reflects our deep commitment to the creator economy and underscores Spotify’s position as a leading platform for audio and video creators alike.

We’re expanding creators’ reach to a global audience, providing flexible earning options regardless of format, and offering tools to capture and engage a loyal fanbase. Whether a creator is just starting out or looking to scale an existing show, Spotify provides the resources and opportunities to thrive.

For fans, this translates to an even richer library of diverse content and the unique ability to seamlessly switch between listening and watching their favorite podcasts on Spotify.

A platform for growth and innovation

This payout encompasses both ad-based revenue and revenue generated through the Spotify Partner Program, which launched earlier this year in select markets. The program is designed to provide creators with more ways to monetize their content, offering audience-driven payouts from Spotify Premium video engagement and the ability to monetize via ads in Spotify Free and on all other podcast listening platforms.

We’re seeing positive signals that this approach is resonating with creators. The Spotify Partner Program is driving growth, with total earnings for participating creators up 23% month-over-month from January to February, and 29% month-over-month from February to March. We’ve also seen a significant increase in video podcast adoption, with active monthly video podcasts up 28% since the program launched.

Recognizing the power of podcasts to reach valuable consumers, some of the world’s largest advertisers are booking campaigns through the Spotify Audience Network as part of the Spotify Partner Program, including McDonald’s, Google, and Chelsea FC, providing creators with even more monetization opportunities.

The creator perspective

The real impact of these opportunities is best illustrated by the success of individual creators. Shows like Your Mom’s House with Christina P. and Tom Segura and The Rest Is Politics: US have experienced a remarkable surge in engagement since joining the Spotify Partner Program, with weekly consumption up more than 45%. Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast has also seen significant gains, with weekly consumption up 12% since joining the program and total consumption time up 30% from January to March. Similarly, Two Hot Takes has seen weekly consumption grow by 12% since introducing video on Spotify. But these numbers only scratch the surface. Here’s what participants are saying about the program:

Tony Pastor, co-founder of Goalhanger: “Since we added video to our shows on Spotify, we’ve been delighted by the growth we’ve seen across the Goalhanger network. It’s clear that our audiences love watching their favourite hosts and we’re really encouraged by the engagement levels we’ve seen so far.”
Christiana Brenton, Chief Revenue Officer at FlightStory and Co-Founder of FlightStory Studio: “Since joining the Spotify Partner Program, we’ve seen weekly consumption grow by over 45%. That kind of trajectory is exceptional, and it speaks to the power of a global platform that is committed to creator success. Spotify has opened up a new competitive revenue stream and allows us to tap into a deeply engaged audience.”

Ultimately, Spotify is committed to building a sustainable ecosystem where creators can thrive. This $100 million payout is just one step in that journey. We’ll continue to invest in new tools, resources, and programs to support creators in all formats, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for podcasting on Spotify.

The Spotify Partner Program Expands To Nine New Markets, Giving More Creators New Ways To Monetize Their Content

March 27, 2025

Since announcing the Spotify Partner Program last fall, we’ve heard from creators who are optimistic about the flexibility, control, and opportunity that our new monetization program provides. And following the successful January launch in the US, U.K., Canada and Australia, we’re expanding the Spotify Partner Program to nine new markets.

Starting April 29, eligible creators in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Ireland, New Zealand, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are able to enroll.

The Spotify Partner Program offers audience-driven payouts to creators from Spotify Premium video engagement and the ability to monetize via ads in Spotify Free and on all other podcast listening platforms. This can help creators navigate seasonality shifts and shifts in brand/advertiser interest and give them a more consistent, reliable way to earn.

As a brand-new revenue stream for enrolled shows, Spotify Partner Program delivered impressive results immediately. Hundreds of podcast creators surpassed $10,000 in monthly revenue, with the top earners crossing well into six figures in the first month alone.

Additionally, Spotify Partner Program creators in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia will have more opportunities to earn Premium video revenue for listeners in new markets starting on April 29.

Video podcasts are on the rise, and the number of creators actively publishing videos monthly on Spotify has grown by more than 50% year over year. Listeners are responding in kind, with over 250 million users having watched a podcast on Spotify, and nearly two-thirds of podcast listeners saying they prefer podcasts with video.

With more creators able to enroll in Spotify Partner Program, listeners will have access to a bigger and better catalog of video podcasts, as well as seamless background and foreground toggling. Premium users will also have the ability to watch videos with fewer ads. While a creator’s baked-in sponsorships will remain in the episode, traditional dynamic ads will not interrupt the video for Premium users, creating a seamless experience on any device.

“Spotify is committed to providing creators with more options to grow their audience and engage with fans on the format that best suits their style and show—either audio, video or both,” said Roman Wasenmüller, Head of Podcast Business at Spotify. “As we continue to evolve and expand the Spotify Partner Program, we are focusing on increased revenue and consumption for creators.”

Spotify has led audio streaming worldwide for nearly two decades. As video accelerates, we’re investing to make Spotify the video and audio destination for creators and listeners. With the Spotify Partner Program, we’re helping creators build and retain loyal audiences by delivering the best possible version of their content.

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

‘Two Hot Takes’ Host Morgan Absher Talks All-New Video Eps of Her Popular Podcast

March 6, 2025

Up-and-coming comedian Morgan Absher is the creator and host of Two Hot Takes, a wildly popular podcast that transforms viral Reddit stories into unfiltered laugh-out-loud discussions on relationships, friendships, and life’s wildest dilemmas.

How did she get started? After graduating from her doctoral program during a global pandemic, Morgan turned to podcasting as a means to channel her obsession with Reddit and pass the time while searching for a job as an occupational therapist. Her hobby quickly gained momentum. Since its debut in February 2021, Two Hot Takes has amassed more than 60 million listens annually, and Morgan has gathered more than 5.2 million social followers.

Now, she’s launching video episodes of her show on Spotify. We caught up with Morgan to understand what makes her tick, her creative process, and how she envisions video upping her podcasting game.

Hi, Morgan, and congrats on your launch! First, a little history: What inspired you to start your show?

Thanks! I talked about starting my show for about a year before I actually did it. In April 2020, I began begging friends to start it with me, as I had just graduated with a doctorate in occupational therapy but couldn’t do anything with it because of the Covid pandemic. I was in a really dark spot mentally, as so many were, but Reddit and the drama I found on there kept me entertained. Fast-forward to the holidays of that year and my boyfriend at the time—now fiancé—gifted me all the equipment and taught me how to edit. Shortly after that, the first episode was posted and it immediately found its people thanks to social media.

And now you’re bringing video episodes to Spotify! How do you think working with us will help strengthen your connection with your fans?

A majority of my audience is audio listeners, so being able to partner with Spotify and now enhance their experience with video in an app they’re already using and love is so, so amazing. Just being able to hear a crazy title of a story and glance quickly to catch a reaction will really add to the experience for them, so I think it’s going to bring our community even closer together, increase engagement, and hopefully land itself in more people’s cars, homes, and adventures.

Has video changed the way you approach each episode?

I don’t think video has changed much of how I operate. I’ve always wanted to create a cozy, comfortable environment, on camera or not. When you’re recording video for two hours, the last thing you want is to feel uncomfortable or be constantly worrying about how you’re coming across on camera. I think it makes guests feel right at home, listeners can relax as they tune in, and we can get down to business and focus on what matters most: these crazy stories.

Are there any Spotify features or tools you’ve found especially helpful?

I love the polls and questions features—it’s such a fun way to instantly get the listener’s thoughts on these stories—especially if we have one that we ourselves really have a hard time deciding on. It’s also a great way to hear what guests would like to see. It makes the community closer and really gives them a voice in our show, too.

What advice do you have for emerging creators?

Don’t be your own biggest barrier. It can feel so daunting to start, but the best thing you can do is try. I think my show is the perfect example of: You never know what could come out of trying something you’re passionate about. Watch videos on how to get started and just do it! Don’t focus on having the best equipment. Don’t worry about your set being perfect. Just focus on having fun and making content you’re excited about. Your people will find you if you start putting it out there, which feels a little Kevin Costner-in-Fields of Dreams-ish, but it’s so true.

Finally, who are some of your favorite creators?

I love Hannah Berner and Chris Klemens—some of the most fun, witty, kind people I’ve met on this normal-person-to-content-creator journey. Also Joe Santagato and all my friends over at Smosh. I don’t think I laugh more than when I’m watching their content.

Spotify’s Partner Program Helps Creators Increase Revenue and Consumption of Video Podcasts

February 13, 2025

Last month, we officially launched the Spotify Partner Program, a powerful new monetization system for creators in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Australia. Just one month in, we’re already seeing the positive impacts on consumption and revenue growth for enrolled creators.

First announced at our Now Playing event, the Spotify Partner Program offers creators multiple revenue streams, including audience-driven payouts from Spotify Premium video engagement (in select markets), as well as ad monetization on Spotify Free and other podcast platforms. The flexibility gives creators greater control over their businesses, helping them adapt to shifts in the growing podcast audience while driving incremental revenue.

The results also speak for themselves: Spotify’s video podcast consumption is up more than 20% since the program’s launch, with payouts to creators in January increasing by 300% compared to the same period a year ago. In addition, hundreds of creators surpassed $10,000 in monthly revenue on Spotify in that same time, with the top earners crossing well into six figures in the first month alone.

Video podcasts that have experienced success through the Spotify Partner Program include Modern Wisdom, hosted by Chris Williamson, which increased consumption on Spotify by 36%; We’re All Insane, the mental health podcast hosted by Devorah Roloff, which earned more than $17,000; and Kinda Funny Gamecast, a video game podcast that’s earned $10,000.

As video consumption continues to grow on Spotify, we aim to give creators more opportunities to earn while giving our users a more seamless and delightful viewing experience.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your content? Get started now with the Spotify Partner Program.

The Spotify Partner Program Is Here, Offering New Ways for Creators to Monetize in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia

January 2, 2025

With more than 640 million users and more than 250 million subscribers, Spotify is one of the largest platforms in the world for creators. We’re also continuously building new offerings to help creators grow their audiences and better monetize their content on Spotify. Today, we officially launched the Spotify Partner Program, a powerful new monetization system for creators in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Australia.

First announced at our Now Playing event, this program gives eligible creators who host with us access to multiple revenue streams to help them transform their shows into sustainable businesses: audience-driven payouts from Spotify Premium video engagement, and the ability to monetize via ads in Spotify Free and on all other podcast listening platforms.

This dual approach gives creators greater flexibility and control, helping them navigate industry shifts and maintain consistent revenue streams. Users, meanwhile, benefit from enhancements to the viewing experience and a bigger and better catalog of video podcasts, and Premium users are able to watch without interruptions from third-party ads. While a creator’s baked-in sponsorships will remain in episodes, traditional dynamic ads will not interrupt the video for Premium users, creating a seamless viewing experience on any device.

Early success and creator optimism

Creators are embracing the opportunity for greater control over their businesses and the ability to deliver the best possible content to their fans, fostering loyalty and audience retention. Since we announced the Spotify Partner Program on November 13, more than 65% of eligible shows and networks have already enrolled. Here’s what we’re hearing:

- Smart Money Happy Hour creators: “We’re thrilled to partner with Spotify as they build a phenomenal podcast experience for their users. Smart Money Happy Hour exists to make the lives of our fans better, and adding video on Spotify does just that. We love all of the product enhancements that are happening on Spotify, and we plan to use all of them to engage with our audience even more in 2025!”
- The Paranormal Podcast host Jim Harold: “I’m thrilled to be one of the early participants in the Spotify Partner Program. The power of longform video on Spotify gives us access to new viewers while super-serving our loyal audio audience with an added dimension. It makes 2025 an exciting new year for The Paranormal Podcast. As usual, Spotify is at the forefront of innovation for both creators and their audiences.”
- The Makeshift Podcast co-host Zach Misischia: “The new Spotify Partner Program has given us a way to monetize our podcast without interrupting the listener’s experience, which is extremely important to us since it can often deter listeners from continuing an episode.”

Because video is naturally growing in popularity across Spotify, we’re continuing to invest in ways to make the viewing experience more seamless and delightful for our users, and to allow creators to leverage the format for discovery and growth. Podcast clips, also unveiled at Now Playing, are short-form videos uploaded by creators that are recommended across Spotify surfaces, making it easier for users to discover new shows. Since launching the feature in select markets in November, we’ve seen that clips are 33% more effective than previews at converting browsers into potential listeners.