Huge news for podcasters! Spotify has announced a video podcast monetization program and several video-related updates at its “Now Playing” event, highlighting its commitment to visual media. With video podcast consumption on the rise, Spotify aims to enhance creator revenue through its new Spotify Partner Program.
This program, available for creators hosting on Spotify for Creators, enables eligible shows to earn through ad revenue and Premium subscription payouts. Creators must meet thresholds like 10,000 streamed hours in 30 days and operate in select regions.
The company revealed that video podcast viewership has surged, with over 250 million users engaging with such content. Spotify co-president and CTO Gustav Söderström noted that preferences for video podcasts have grown significantly, reaching 64% in 2024 compared to 43% in 2021.
The monetization system includes an ad-free viewing option supported by Premium subscription revenue, where payouts are determined by fan engagement. Spotify has also introduced single-podcast subscriptions, allowing creators to connect platforms like Patreon or Substack. These features aim to deepen fan connections and expand monetization opportunities.
New platform tools were also unveiled, including customizable video thumbnails, advanced audience analytics, and user-friendly updates like video chapters, pinch-to-zoom functionality, and thumbnail scrubbing. Additionally, Spotify confirmed support for up to 90-second short-form video clips, designed to improve podcast discoverability while differentiating itself from other platforms focused on short-form content.
With these updates, Spotify continues to invest in video as a major driver of growth, reinforcing its position in the podcasting and video content space.
