Spotify launches paid podcast memberships in 34 markets

Spotify has launched paid memberships for podcasts, giving creators a way to offer subscribers perks beyond bonus episodes. The feature is rolling out in 34 markets, including the United States.

Creators choose what to include, such as bonus audio or video, ad-free listening, fewer ads or early access to shows. They can group benefits into multiple tiers and set different prices. Spotify says creators keep 90% of membership revenue.

To qualify, podcasters must host their shows on Spotify for Creators or Megaphone, have at least 100 consumption hours, 100 listeners or viewers, and at least three published episodes. Fans can subscribe from a show’s Spotify page and access its exclusive content immediately. Spotify told TechCrunch that memberships will be purchased on the web, not through in-app purchases.

The company first previewed the idea at its Investor Day in May. The launch adds another creator revenue option as Spotify expands further into video and competes with YouTube. A handful of shows are offering memberships at launch, including “The Adam Friedland Show,” “Making Sense with Sam Harris,” “Shawn Ryan Show,” “The Sculpt Society” and “Two Hot Takes.” YMH Studios is bringing memberships to 12 shows across its network.

Spotify says creators will soon be able to offer membership badges and welcome clips.