Tag: vodcast

Introducing the RADAR Creators U.S. Class of 2024

Discovery is at the heart of what we do at Spotify, and since 2020, our RADAR program has helped introduce rising artists, burgeoning songwriters, and promising creators in more than 30 markets to new audiences around the world. 

Previously, we’ve supported creators through our global RADAR Podcasters playlist. But as more creators experiment and engage audiences through both video and audio, we want to be inclusive of all the ways they’re expressing their creativity. That is why we are expanding RADAR Podcasters to be RADAR Creators, reflecting our commitment to supporting creators across all formats on Spotify. In addition, we’re expanding the reach of RADAR Creators to several new markets: the U.S., Australia, Sweden, France, Italy, Spain, Brazil, and Mexico.

To kick off RADAR Creators, we’re announcing our U.S. Class of 2024. Featuring diverse and engaging voices, these five shows cover topics that span pop culture, sports, wellness, true crime, and comedy. 

Here’s the scoop on the new RADAR Creators class.

Joy of Missing Out

After spending their twenties working for other people, Chloe Shih and Eric Wei are betting on themselves as they navigate their thirties. With their video podcast Joy of Missing Out, the two hosts provide listeners with a fresh and engaging perspective on taking “the road less traveled” and not conforming to societal expectations.

I’m Right You’re Wrong

We all have those friends we love to get into debates with over brunch. And every week on I’m Right You’re Wrong, hosts Isa Medina—who previously cohosted the hit podcast Sounds Like a Cult—and Lydia Keating explore the ethical questions that people in their twenties and thirties face every day by picking a side and engaging in a humorous debate. So if you’re unsure of where you land on nepo babies, or whether dating a friend’s ex is right or wrong, this is the video podcast for you. 

 

Small Ball with Kenny Beecham 

A self-described NBA super fan, Kenny Beecham has built up a dedicated following as a video creator who talks all things basketball. With a new season of hoops around the corner, Small Ball with Kenny Beecham is back to keep you up-to-date on all the action.

Black People Love Paramore

Every Thursday, Black People Love Paramore explores the niche interests of Black people that might seem random at first glance but are definitely a thing. From anime to Tony Hawk to title inspiration Paramore, host Sequoia Holmes aims to make Black listeners feel seen and connected through this lighthearted, Webby Award–nominated dive into pop culture. 

PRETEND

PRETEND offers a fresh approach on the true crime genre by uncovering the stories of the most notorious scams and con jobs. Host Javier Leiva pulls back the curtain on cult leaders and undercover FBI agents, exposing the transgressive masterminds who pretended to be someone they weren’t. 

Discover even more rising creators by visiting our RADAR Creators hub on Spotify.

Spotify’s New ‘Countdown To’ Vodcast Series Kicks Off With Artists Jelly Roll and mgk in Debut Episode

As fans patiently await their favorite artists’ new album releases, the anticipation often leaves them eager for something in the meantime. With Spotify’s first-of-its-kind vodcast series Countdown To, which launched today, artists are giving viewers an intimate behind-the-scenes introduction to their latest projects as the clock ticks closer to an album launch.

In July, Spotify expanded access to one of its latest tools, Countdown Pages, to help artists garner excitement for album releases. The feature, located on an artist’s page, lets listeners preview tracklists, watch Clips, purchase merch, and see a timer count down the actual seconds until launch.

Now we’re bringing listeners even more exclusive content with the artists themselves. In Countdown To, artists sit down with fellow artists, collaborators, family members, or friends to discuss the new music’s themes, inspiration, and more. So much goes into the creation of an album, and this series shines a light on that process.

Countdown To is the latest effort in our ongoing commitment to spotlight artists and their new music on Spotify,” explains Sarah Patellos, Head of Spotify Music Studios. “Working with director Karam Gill and mgx creative, these intimate conversations are shot documentary-style to really get to the root of each artist’s creative journey.”

Clips from the interview-driven series can be found on the artist’s Countdown Page, and the full video will be available as a vodcast episode on Spotify and Spotify’s YouTube profile.

The debut episode features Jelly Roll in conversation with mgk about the release of Jelly Roll’s forthcoming album, Beautifully Broken. Fans may have to wait until October 11 to listen to all the new tracks, but this episode provides a deeper look behind the music, as well as the pair’s now-quelled artistic rivalry. “I got to sit down with mgk and give viewers a real window into a candid conversation between two artists as a part of Countdown To,” teases Jelly Roll.

Count down to the release of Jelly Roll’s album by watching the vodcast episode below. You can also presave Beautifully Broken on Jelly Roll’s official Countdown Page here.

 

 

A Peek at Our New Video Podcast, ‘Hits the Spot’

illustration of a podcast studio with a couch booth and bookshelves

Every day, we share Spotify’s story across a variety of channels. Whether you prefer to hear about the company’s latest business developments audibly on our platform, via social media at Spotify News (follow us on X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn), or right here on For the Record, we’ve got you covered.

But just as storytelling technology is constantly evolving, so too is our approach to how we serve it up. We always aim to meet our audiences where they are using methods and mediums they most prefer. Spotify has made a big push into video podcasts, and you’ve told us your preference is to see more of our news in a video format. 

Our new weekly video podcast, Hits the Spot, is the result. 

Each week we discuss Spotify news and developments and host guests from our studio at our New York headquarters. We dig into their Spotify experiences and data and explore how music, trends, and streaming shape their lives.

The team built a vibrant visual identity for the show and new studio that serves as a welcoming creative environment in which to chat. Our season is just getting started, but already we’ve surprised guests with fun insights that can be found only on Spotify, and sparked some fresh stories told to host Lea Palmieri.

From corporate conference room to creative space, scroll through this exclusive look at how our team brought the Hits the Spot studio to life.

Listen—and Watch—Your Favorite Creators as Video Podcasting Comes to Spotify

When you head to Spotify to stream your favorite podcast, sometimes you’re looking for an active listening experience—one with the option to more deeply engage with the content you’re listening to. That’s why we’ve created features like Polls and Q&A for a chance to interact with creators. It’s also why we’ve incorporated video podcasts alongside our audio offering so fans can get to know their favorite podcast hosts even better, and creators can connect with their audiences in a much deeper way.

When we began rolling out video podcasts on Spotify, we tested the format with a variety of Spotify Originals. Since then, we’ve found that our users want the option to easily switch between audio only and video depending on where they are, what they’re doing, and what they’re enjoying. So today, we’re beginning a major expansion of our video podcast catalog—by putting it in the capable hands of creators. 

Soon, Spotify users will see a lot more video podcasts on the platform as we open up access for creators to begin publishing video podcasts to Spotify. This tool will be accessible through Anchor, Spotify’s podcasting platform, and will offer a seamless way for creators to upload video content and publish to Spotify. 

We’ll be launching on a rolling basis with a number of key creators, including existing podcasters who are expanding to video as well as video creators looking to extend their offering to Spotify listeners. Some of these include Philip DeFranco, The GaryVee Audio Experience, Jasmine Chiswell, The WAN Show, Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald, Mark Manson, Tap In w/ Harry Jowsey, and many more to come. These shows join Spotify Originals and Exclusives including The Ringer’s Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay and The Joe Rogan Experience. Expect to see more original video podcasts from Spotify in the future.

Ready to take a watch and a listen? Here’s how to find video content:

  1. Open the Spotify mobile app. 
  2. Navigate to the show you’re excited about and go to the episode page.
  3. Hit “Play” on a podcast episode.
  4. Tap the play bar at the bottom of the screen to view the video full-screen.
  5. Sit back, listen, and watch! (Or if you want to go back to just listening, you can easily do that too). 

More video podcasts will soon be coming to Spotify, so keep an ear—and an eye—on your favorite creators and shows.

Are you a podcast creator? Head over to Anchor’s blog to learn more about the video podcasting feature.

Mark Your Calendars for Seven Swedish Spotify Originals and Five Studio Releases Premiering This Fall

Over the last three years, the more than 70 songs recorded in Stockholm’s Spotify Studio have generated over 400 million streams, and it doesn’t stop there. Sweden’s top creators have been hard at work developing even more for you to love. This fall, listeners can expect seven new Spotify Originals and five studio releases from some of the most popular artists and talents in the country.

Included in the upcoming launch are exclusive studio recordings from artist Veronica Maggio and the hip-hop sensations A36 and B.Baby, as well as shows exploring the three biggest trends in Swedish podcasting: comedy, true crime and documentaries, and fiction. The Spotify Originals also innovate within the traditional podcast format. Comedian Filip Dikmen, for example, is launching Spotify’s first Swedish video podcast, or “vodcast,” while influencer Edvin Törnblom and his friends star in an audio sitcom that blends reality and fiction.

“Music and podcasts have been and continue to be an important source for entertainment, information, and joy,” Nordic Head of Content Johan Seidefors shared with For the Record. “And Spotify continues to invest to be the platform that offers the best user experience and content. This fall, we’re proud to offer a series of unique recordings from our Stockholm music studio and seven podcasts with some of Sweden’s most interesting voices right now.”

That’s just the start. Take a look at the upcoming premieres and start rearranging your schedule.

The Fall Forecast: Podcasts

‘The Joe Rogan Experience’ Launches Exclusive Partnership with Spotify

The Joe Rogan Experience, one of the most popular podcasts in the world, is coming to Spotify via a multi-year exclusive licensing deal. The talk series has long been the most-searched-for podcast on Spotify and is the leading show on practically every other podcasting platform. And, like all podcasts and vodcasts on Spotify, it will remain free and accessible to all Spotify users. 

Since its launch in 2009, the pioneering Joe Rogan Experience (JRE) has broken ground and built one of the most loyal and engaged fan bases in the world. Rogan brings his sensibilities as a stand-up comic to the show, and alongside dynamic and diverse guests, he fearlessly broaches far-ranging topics including neuroscience, sports, comedy, health, infectious disease, and our ever-changing culture—all with a mix of curiosity and humor.

In addition to the wildly popular podcast format, JRE also produces corresponding video episodes, which will also be available on Spotify as in-app vodcasts. 

Bringing the JRE to Spotify will mean that the platform’s more than 286 million active users will have access to one of culture’s leading voices. By partnering with Spotify, Rogan and his team will enjoy the support of the world’s leading audio platform.  

From his earliest days behind the mic, Joe has been a commentator, fixture, and driving force in culture helping to lay the foundation for the podcasting renaissance we are experiencing today. While Spotify will become the exclusive distributor of JRE, Rogan will maintain full creative control over the show.  

This partnership represents a major addition to the already unrivaled slate of exclusive audio content available to audiences on Spotify. 

The JRE will debut on Spotify on September 1, 2020, and become exclusively available on the platform later this year. Follow it here