Spotify is determined to be your go-to podcast platform for listening and hosting your podcast. As of January 2025, Spotify is rolling out several new features and programs to improve podcast creation, distribution, and monetization. Here’s what podcasters should know:

Spotify Partner Program

Launched in January 2025, the Spotify Partner Program offers creators multiple revenue streams, including:

• Audience-Driven Payouts: Earnings based on video engagement from Spotify Premium users.
• Ad Monetization: Revenue from ads played to Spotify Free users and listeners on other platforms.

To qualify, creators must host their content on Spotify for Creators and meet specific criteria, such as having 10,000 streamed hours from 2,000 unique users within the past 30 days, 

Find out more about the Spotify Partner Program here.

Using Spotify for Creators:

You might not qualify for the Spotify Partner Program, but you can still:

• Upload Short Form Clips
• Upload Full Podcast Video
• Use the Creator Dashboard
• Access Detailed Analytics

Uploading Short-Form Video Clips

Just like the short-form clips you upload on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube shorts Spotify is getting in the short form action. These clips can be 15 to 90 seconds and can be vertical or horizontal. Spotify claims these clips will make your podcast 33% more likely than previews to convert browsers into engaged listeners.

Upload Full Podcast Video

The rise of video podcasts continues as Spotify has rolled out a full integration for video features. This feature is available for everyone to access native in the Spotify for Creators dashboard. Note: this is separate from clips. 

Use the Spotify Creator Dashboard

If you haven’t already logged into Spotify for Creators you should. Even if you aren’t doing video make sure you’re checking out all the analytics available to you including listener conversion rates and demographics. Sign up for Spotify for Creators.

Monetization Strategies if You Aren’t in the Spotify Partner Program: 

Beyond Spotify’s Partner Program, podcasters can consider:

• Host-Read Sponsorships: Direct sponsorships – dynamic or static.
• Subscription Models: Offering exclusive content to subscribers using
• Affiliate Partnerships: Newer podcasters can take advantage of affiliate partnerships if you aren’t able to secure a host-read sponsorship. 

Ready to find your first podcast sponsor? Listen to this episode.

Uninterrupted Ad Breaks for Video Content

Spotify now allows Premium subscribers to watch video podcasts without interruptions from dynamic ads, enhancing the viewing experience. Of course, creators can still include their own “baked-in” or static sponsorships within episodes.

Want to Stay Competitive? 

• Use Native Analytics Tools: Even if you aren’t monetized or hosting with Spotify, you can still use the analytics and conversion information from the dashboard. Make sure you’re on Apple Podcasts Connect and any other native dashboard you’re hosting with. 
• Incorporate Video Content: Roughly 50% of active podcasts use podcast video content as part of the promotion and distribution.
• Leverage AI Tools: Utilize AI for SEO, research and streamlined production.
• Focus on Niche Topics: The future of podcasting is specific. Make sure you know exactly who is listening to your podcast, why they’re listening and what’s bringing them back every week. 
• Listen to Podcasts for Profit: Listen to the top ranking podcast for podcasters Podcasts for Profit with Morgan Franklin. New episodes airing every Monday. Listen here.
• Book a 1:1 coaching discovery call with Morgan here.