Tag: we said what we said

The Trends of 2023 as Told by Podcasts

November 29, 2023

This past year, there was no single trend or topic that commanded the cultural conversation for too long—something new was always emerging. But throughout these massive moments, listeners consistently took the time to slow down, learn about these trends, and connect with other fans through the immersive world of podcasts. 

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. Because of this, podcasters have bigger audiences than ever. 

“Podcasts are the perfect format for audiences and fans to engage in cultural moments due to a few key factors,” says Lizzy Hale, Head of Podcast Editorial at Spotify. “Many of the best podcast hosts are journalists or experts themselves. They are the ones reporting on these stories, and in the podcast format, they can bring their stories to life.” 

According to Lizzy, podcasts are also uniquely positioned to bring people together.

“Podcasts are a place for community,” Lizzy adds. “When there is a viral moment in culture, fans come to podcasts to feel connected to that bigger moment. A podcast feels like you are talking to your best friend about the story you are obsessing about. They also become artifacts of what our culture’s reactions and opinions were in the moment.” 

So as you reflect on your year in listening, check out the podcasts that exemplify what was driving pop culture in 2023 as selected by our podcast editorial team.

Celebrate Pride on Spotify, Where Everyone is ‘Free To Be’

June 1, 2023

From punk to ballroom, EDM to drag, music and culture from LGBTQIA+ creators have helped shape and inspired our world. 

At Spotify, we’re creating a platform where everyone is Free To Be, no matter who they are, where they live, or what communities they belong to. 

In January when we launched GLOW, a global music program celebrating and amplifying LGBTQIA+ artists and creators, we did so to ensure that queer creators and their contributions are heard and honored year-round. That includes during Pride Month, the annual worldwide celebration that makes time to commemorate the LGBTQIA+ community’s culture and achievements, raise awareness of issues and injustices, and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. 

This Pride Month, LGBTQIA+ listeners and allies in 26 markets can come to Spotify to discover a world where communities and freedom of expression are celebrated. Through our GLOW platform spotlight, and themed podcast playlists, we’re highlighting a place where queer stories and voices from around the world shine. 

GLOW support and spotlights for Pride

To kick off Pride, we’re turning up the volume on the talented LGBTQIA+ artists in our GLOW hub. This month, in addition to our flagship GLOW playlist, we’re making local GLOW playlists available in Thailand, Israel, Spain, Italy, Poland, the Nordics, the U.K. and Ireland, and North America. 

We’ll also highlight Trixie Mattel from the U.S., Urias from Brazil, and Dana International from Israel as our GLOW spotlight artists. We’ll support them with features on the GLOW hub, a billboard in Times Square in New York City, interviews here on For the Record, and more.

Fans can also find recorded playlist stories in our GLOW flagship playlist from Victoria Monet, TAAHLIAH, Marina Summers, Zemmoa, Angie Oeh, Isak Danielson, and G Flip. Each creator spoke about the need to protect and celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities and subcultures. We asked queer U.S. band The Aces and British DJ and producer TAAHLIAH to reflect on what Pride and GLOW mean to them. 

There’ve been many advances in LGBTQIA+ rights and representation during the last decade. Why is it still important to celebrate Pride?

TAAHLIAH: We still have a long way to go collectively, as a consciousness. Whilst acceptance is rife amongst the few, the majority still see queerness as some kind of imposing negative force. It’s important to showcase a varied way of existing, beyond the binary, overlooking the constraints that a white-cis-hetero patriarchy has placed upon us.

GLOW is Spotify’s always-on campaign dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ music community. Why is it important to uplift queer artists year-round and not just during Pride Month?

The Aces: Because queer visibility saves lives, and it’s important to both celebrate it and make it accessible to those who may need to see it all year round.

LGBTQIA+-themed podcasts for Pride

The GLOW hub is also getting a glow-up with the addition of podcasts and podcast playlists so listeners can sink into the stories, experiences, and knowledge of LGBTQIA+ hosts and guests. Catch new episodes telling stories of underground LGBTQIA+ subcultures on the BBC Club, Camp Counselors, Two Dykes and a Mic, Aware and Aggravated, and the Ty French Podcast. 

Here are a few must-listen-to LGBTQIA+-led podcasts for Pride Month and beyond. 

We Said What We Said, featuring hosts Rickey Thompson and Denzel Dion

With bold advice, hot takes, and risqué storytelling, longtime besties Rickey and Denzel dish on everything that matters, from pop culture, sex, and struggle to love, music, and friendship. Tune in for new video podcast episodes on Tuesdays, only on Spotify.

Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness

Come on a journey with Queer Eye co-host Jonathan and guest experts as they explore anything and everything under the sun.

You’re Wrong About, “We Need to Talk About the New York Times with Tuck Woodstock” 

In the episode of the show that gets you to rethink topics that have been miscast in the public eye, Gender Reveal host Tuck Woodstock takes listeners on a journey through the New York Times’ coverage of trans issues, and in the end, he points the way toward a better future.

Stories with Sapphire with host Sapphire Sandalo 

Join host Sapphire Sandalo, a queer Filipino (Cebuano/Ilonggo) American occultist on a mission to add more empathy and diversity to the paranormal, supernatural, and horror communities through stories and interviews from the Philippines and around the world. 

The Laverne Cox Show

Each week, The Laverne Cox Show features intimate conversations with a wide range of guests. These perspectives aim to inspire new behaviors in each of us, which in turn get us closer to becoming the very best versions of ourselves.

Girlish with Gage Adkins and Olivia Noel

As trans women of color in their 20s, Gage and Olivia strive to create a podcast that speaks volumes by discussing issues like transphobia, coming out in college, body dysphoria, and what it’s like being trans in the 21st century.

Kick off Pride by streaming our flagship GLOW playlist.

All Creators in Select Markets Can Now Publish Video Podcasts on Spotify

April 21, 2022

Podcasters Ricky and Denzel in green box

*Update as of Tuesday, November 15, 2022: Video podcast publishing capabilities are now available to Anchor creators in over 180 global markets. Learn more here.

Last fall, Spotify began activating Video Podcasts for creators on a limited basis. Since then, we’ve found that podcasters love having the option to accompany their audio with visual components, and fans love having the opportunity to more deeply connect with the content. So as the audience for this format grows, we’re also opening up the Video Podcast capability to more creators, creating a growing catalog of video podcasts. Starting today, we’re expanding Video Podcasts on Spotify to all creators in the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the U.K. Creators will have the ability to upload their video content to Spotify through Anchor as easily as they already publish audio. 

Visual interactions allow fans to get to know their favorite podcast hosts even better, and allow creators to connect with their audiences in a much deeper way. But if you want to stick to the pure audio experience, that’s great too—video on Spotify is backgroundable for all listeners, so you can immerse yourself in the content when you want to, or simply lean back and just listen.

Two displays of "We Said What We Said" podcast, one is a Video Podcast

But wait—there are new features too. 

As exciting as Video Podcasts are, we know this is new territory for many podcasters. And since Video Podcasting is more than simply uploading a video, alongside our expansion to more podcasters, we’re also enabling new features to help set creators up for success. 

Here’s what’s new: 

  • Access for everyone: Starting now, creators in these five markets can find Video Podcast uploading capabilities on Anchor’s web platform. We plan to roll this out to additional markets in the future. 
  • Podcast Subscriptions: Spotify Podcast Subscriptions will be available for video podcasts, empowering creators to own their monetization models by creating exclusive content, gating video, and more. Stay tuned—we’re working on more monetization features to come soon.
  • Integration with Riverside: Today we’re also kicking off a partnership with Riverside, the go-to platform for remote recording. The integration enables creators to record and publish video content for free with Riverside with a quick distribution path to Spotify via Anchor.
  • Embeddable video: Now, when you embed a Video Podcast episode from Spotify, the video will play directly in the embed player wherever you placed it. It’s a great tool—whether you’re excited to share great content with friends or grow your audience.
  • Video Bulk-Replace: Bulk-replace allows Anchor creators to easily replace their existing audio episodes with video versions from an easy-to-use interface. Get ready for more time creating content and less time editing it.
  • Video Analytics: Video-specific analytics will give creators deep insights into their videos’ performance on Spotify, enabling them to better understand their audiences and publish content suited to them.
  • Interactive capabilities: Our interactive podcast features, like Polls and Q&A, will be available for Video Podcasts so creators can connect with and get feedback directly from their listeners.

With this latest expansion, we’re continuing to make Video Podcasting a great experience for creators—empowering them to reach new global audiences, own how they monetize their content, and interact with fans in new ways. There’s a massive opportunity for Video Podcasts on Spotify, and we can’t wait to see what creators bring to the table.

Want to make a Video Podcast of your own? Check out our guide on Anchor’s blog for the full details for creators.

The Spooky Spotify Podcasts, Greenroom Live Events, and Songs Sure To Give You Goosebumps This Scary Season

October 21, 2021

On October 1, listeners were ready: There was a nearly 100% jump in Halloween-themed streaming on the first day of the spookiest month, compared to the day before. And with over 2.9 million user-generated Halloween playlists to choose from, it’s fair to say the sounds of spooky season can be found on Spotify. So whether you’re streaming the cult classics, finding new spooky songs, or looking for a podcast to give you goosebumps, there’s something for everyone on Spotify. 

Spirited Halloween streaming 

This October, we’ve noticed that all-time Halloween classics are back in action, with streams significantly spiking when compared to the previous month. “Monster Mash,” for example, was up by 350%, and “This is Halloween” from The Nightmare Before Christmas was up by 280%. However, there are also some new “tricks” on the block: More recent popular songs added to Halloween playlists include “Stranger Things” by Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein; “bad guy” by Billie Eilish; “Black Magic” by Little Mix; “Season of the Witch” by Lana Del Rey; “Sweet but Psycho” by Ava Max; and “Get Ghost” by A$AP Ferg, Mark Ronson and Passion Pit. 

And finally, when it comes to true crime and horror podcast content, the western states of the U.S.—including Wyoming, Montana and Utah—were among the top in the country to stream scary-themed podcasts (relative to their overall podcast listening).

Our howlin’ Halloween hub

Not sure where to start? We’ve brought back our Halloween hub, with a spiderweb of curated content to get you into the spirit. In addition to the essential Halloween music on Headbanger Halloween, Trick or Treat, and Fright Fest, the hub will feature spooktacular podcast playlist curations from the likes of Benito Skinner, Stephanie Soo, Loey Lane and Snitchery, Ashley Flowers, and Last Podcast on the Left. Also head there if you’re looking for editorial podcast playlists like Spooky Stories, Unsolved Crimes & Mysteries, True Crime Scene, or Conspiracy Theories. 

The truest True Crime Scene hub

We’ve also refreshed our True Crime Scene hub to feature new podcast content, with new podcast playlists, frighteningly binge-worthy pop culture podcasts, true crime series, and more—including themed episodes from shows like Crime Movie Club. While you’re there, check out our Spooky Stories podcast playlist, where we’re counting down the 31 spookiest ghost stories, one per day, leading up to Halloween. 

Don’t ghost on Greenroom

Finally, Spotify Greenroom is also getting in the spooky season spirit with a week full of live, interactive programming celebrating Halloween, including conversations on everything from scary movies to conspiracy theories to real-life ghost encounters. In addition to Spotify Greenroom’s true crime shows Crime Movie Club and True Crime Rewind, check out the pop culture conspiracy-focused Popspiracy and the mystical Ask the Tarot, which are always perfectly poised to celebrate Halloween. Spotify Greenroom is available for download on iOS and Android devices. 

Can’t get enough spookiness? In honor of the season, here are some of the shows with special or themed Halloween episodes or Greenroom Live rooms. 

October 19: 

  • Crime Show, “A Ghost Story”
    • “Ghost Suspected of Causing Fire That Killed Two People” was the headline the day after. A parapsychologist goes to the scene of the crime to investigate.

October 25: 

  • Obsessed – Live Halloween podcast
    • Hosts Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone have a lot to talk about when it comes to all the things they’re “obsessed” with. This special Halloween episode with guest Kim Petras was taped in front of a live studio audience.
  • A Gay in the Life – Spotify Greenroom – 8pm ET/5pm PT
      • Hosts Garrett Clayton and Blake Knight discuss the portrayal of the “homosexual villian” in television and film and the significance of Halloween in the LGBTQIA community.
      • Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam talk about all of the unforgettable “horrific” moments from the “Real Housewives” and other Bravo fan-favorite franchises.
    • Comedian Jon Gabrus breaks down the highly anticipated releases of “Dune” and “The French Dispatch” as well as the best—and worst—horror movies of all time.

October 26: 

  • We Said What We Said, “Horror Stories”
    • Join Trickey and Deadzel for a spooky episode about all things Halloween. Favorite scary movies! The supernatural! Costumes! Listen if you dare.
  • The Rewatchables 
    • Host Bill Simmons returns to Haddonfield, Illinois to revisit Michael Myers in the 1978 classic Halloween.
  • Campfire Stories – Spotify Greenroom Series Premiere – 11pm ET/8pm PT
    • Sabrina and Corinne of the Two Girls, One Ghost podcast make their Spotify Greenroom debut, sharing their own scary ghost stories before inviting the audience to share their own. 
  • Creepyhunters Premiere (Spanish language)
    • This new Spotify Original podcast from Mexico is a fiction story created by Julio Rojas, creator of the chart-topping Chilean podcast, Caso 63. Horror fans will be on the edge of their seats as a group of friends encounter a mysterious creature in a cenote (pool or cave) in the Yucatán Peninsula—and discover an even more mysterious organization. 

October 27: 

  • Not Past It, “Who Killed Harry Houdini?”
    • Harry Houdini escaped from handcuffs, sea monsters and torture cells, but his last great illusion defied even the spirits. On October 31, 1936, the famous escape artist was set to come back from the dead. But, as spooky as that sounds, the backstory to uncover America’s most notorious frauds of the day, is even more devilish.
  • Let’s Get Medical – Spotify Greenroom Series Premiere – 10pm ET/7pm PT
    • Twin doctors Desmond and Darien Sutton share their craziest stories from the year’s spookiest night in the ER.

October 31: 

    • Teenager Therapy Live – Spotify Greenroom – 9pm ET/6pm PT
      • Our “Teenager Therapy” hosts dive into all things Halloween … on Halloween! Get ready for costumes, parties, embarrassing memories, and maybe feelings surrounding fears and phobias.
    • A weekly podcast hosted by Ismael Méndez that tells of the urban legends, stories, and terrors that have given Mexico its cultural identity.

 

Still figuring out your costume? Try Stephanie Soo’s Spooky Vampires playlist on for size.

Rickey & Denzel, Lele Pons, and Addison Rae Take the Mic with New Exclusive Podcasts

September 29, 2020

You know them, you love them, you can’t get enough of them—some personalities just have a way of bringing you in. Take, for example, Addison Rae, Lele Pons, Rickey Thompson, and Denzel Dion, four influencers and content creators who’ve entertained tens of millions of fans with each of their video series. Recently, they’ve also tried their hands at a new medium: Podcasts.  

Addison took to the mic with her mom to give advice in a new show, Mama Knows Best. Lele created an anonymous dial-in show, Best Kept Secrets, where fans can share their hidden thoughts. Today, we released Rickey & Denzel’s pop culture podcast, We Said What We Said, which discusses everything that matters from partying to pop culture and fame to friendships. Now, you can find all four iconic personalities exclusively on Spotify.

Each show is fun, captivating, and unique—but we’ll let them tell it.

What is your podcast about? Why did you decide to make it?     

Lele: My podcast, Best Kept Secrets, is based around anonymous people calling me and spilling their deepest secrets that they can’t tell anyone in their life. I haven’t seen anyone engage with strangers so I wanted to create a new type of podcast. 

Addison: Mama Knows Best is about current topics we all can relate to regarding growing up from the perspective of my me and my mom—two people from completely different generations.  

Rickey: Our podcast is basically just two best friends being upfront and telling you how it is. We decided to make this podcast because everyone needs that one friend who’s always honest with you.

Denzel: Our podcast is basically two friends having brutally honest conversations that we all have in private, but in our case, we make it public.

How is creating and recording a podcast different from the video series you’ve done?

Lele: It’s very different! When it comes to creating videos, I know exactly what is going to happen every step of the way, but with the podcast, it’s all a surprise. I know very little about the callers before I talk to them on the phone, so it’s all very raw and natural reactions. 

Addison: My podcast is a lot more personal and gives me a chance to speak my mind without feeling restricted by time.

Rickey: I feel like it’s way more raw and real. When I sit down to record, I become more open than when making a video. With a video I am putting on a show, but when I am recording, I am just having a real and normal conversation.

Denzel: Creating and recording a podcast is totally different from any videos we’ve done, because this is just audio. We just sit down and really get our thoughts together and say what we feel. Video has a lot more going on as far as comedic beats and theatrics.

What has surprised you most in bringing this show to life?

Lele: I’m surprised how the callers are so comfortable sharing their secrets with me. The energy and reactions that people have after spilling their secrets is so incredible and fulfilling for both myself and the caller. They feel a weight has been lifted off their shoulders and I’m glad that I created an environment for them to do so.

Addison: Highlighting the crazy similarities and differences I have with my mom through facts and stories I’ve never heard before.

Rickey: How easy it is to do! I was nervous at first because I didn’t know if I had anything to talk about, but the truth is I could talk on this podcast for hours and not even realize!

Denzel: The authenticity and rawness that we showcase and can say. The freedom of expression is immaculate. 

What will your fans and followers find most surprising about your new podcast?

Lele: This is me. This is the Lele I get to be with my friends and family. 

Addison: Fans get a window into my life from before social media and I get a chance to open up about things that people may not know about me. 

Rickey: How honest I’m being! I share a lot of stories I have never shared before! So I’m excited for my fans to see more of me.

Denzel: Our fans and followers would find what we do off-screen surprising. There’s some things we don’t showcase on our platforms that we definitely bring to light in this podcast.

What podcasting tools are you most excited to use in your show?

Lele: I love that we get to incorporate audience dial-ins. It’s different and not a lot of podcasts do it!

Rickey: I think definitely dialing in the audience for some questions. That will be so much fun!

Denzel: The tool that I’m most excited to use in our show is for sure the hotline. We love giving advice and we’ve always wanted to bring that aspect to life.

Why did you decide to bring your podcast to Spotify?

Lele: Spotify has always supported me and my music career. When we were looking for a home for the podcast, it was a no-brainer to go with Spotify. My whole team at Spotify Podcasts have been incredible during the whole process of creating the show. I couldn’t imagine partnering with anyone else. 

Addison: Listening to music on Spotify exposed me to the incredible community and global reach, which is why I thought it would be a perfect home for Mama Knows Best.

Rickey: Spotify was the only place that really saw and understood the vision of the podcast! I’m so happy we decided to join the family! They have been nothing but amazing!

Denzel: We decided to bring our podcast to Spotify because it’s what made sense to us. We love this platform and the different outlets on it from music, to podcast, the playlists they curate – it’s everything! 

If you could have any person from all time as a guest on your show, who would it be and why?

Lele: Enrique Igelsias! I love him and would love to know what his secret is. 

Denzel: If we could have any person from all time as a guest on our show it would be Rihanna—just because I want to get into why she chose to keep music on the back burner. Will she ever release music? If so, when will it be? How is it running all these businesses with millions of fans demanding music?

Rickey: I would want Beyoncé! I know yes, that is definitely a reach, but I love that woman and I would love for her to be on the show! Everyone would FREAK!

Stream Mama Knows Best, Best Kept Secrets, and We Said What We Said now, only on Spotify.