Tag: podcasts

Meet Spotify’s RADAR Creators Global Class of 2025, the Next Wave of Podcast Talent

October 15, 2025

At Spotify, we’re all about supporting rising talent and helping them connect with fans worldwide. Our RADAR program is designed to do just that, and this year’s global class of RADAR Creators is bigger, more diverse, and more innovative than ever. 

This annual list spotlights the most promising emerging creators who are making waves and defining the future of the medium. RADAR combines marketing, editorial, and promotional support to help emerging creators reach new audiences and deepen listener connections.

First launched in 2020 to champion up-and-coming artists, RADAR has since grown to include support for songwriters and podcast creators. Since its pilot in 2022, RADAR Creators has supported more than 120 shows globally. Over the years, several RADAR creators have gone on to become breakout names—like Good Children, where childhood best friends Joe Hegyes and Andrew Muscarella unpack the side effects of being a little too well-behaved.

This year, we’ve expanded the program to feature creators in 11 countries, podcasting in multiple languages and across popular genres, including true crime, digital culture, sports, entertainment, knowledge, and wellness. From Scott Evans inviting guests into his home on House Guest for honest, unscripted conversations to the Tiger Sisters—Cherie Brooke Luo and Jean Luo—blending late-night sister talk with boardroom strategy, this dynamic group embodies the vibrant culture of podcasting. The Class of 2025 is also pushing the boundaries of what a podcast can be, with many innovating in video, a format that has skyrocketed in popularity since becoming available on Spotify.

“RADAR Creators are shaping the future of podcasting,” said Jordan Newman, Head of Content Partnerships at Spotify. “They’re redefining what storytelling sounds and looks like, connecting with audiences in new and meaningful ways.” 

Check out the full list of 2025 RADAR Creators below.

Meet the global RADAR Creators Class of 2025

US

Spain

Australia 

Indonesia

Colombia 

Philippines 

Italy

Germany 

France 

Sweden 

As RADAR continues to grow, each new region brings its own unique flavor to the mix. We’ll continue to expand RADAR’s reach, strengthening on-the-ground support and opening up even more in-person opportunities for creators around the globe.

Head to the RADAR Creators hub to explore the full class.

Spotify Studios and The Ringer Video Podcasts Are Coming to Netflix

October 14, 2025

Early next year, your favorite video podcasts are getting a bigger stage. Spotify and Netflix are teaming up to bring sports, culture, lifestyle, and true crime video podcasts from Spotify Studios and The Ringer to Netflix to complement the streamer’s existing programming and unlock new audiences and wider distribution for the shows. 

Audiences will be able to watch select Spotify Studios and The Ringer video podcasts on Netflix starting in early 2026 in the US, with more markets to follow. This collaboration offers fans more ways to connect with the stories and voices they love. It’s a celebration of creators and a powerful step forward in how their work reaches the world. Some of the video podcasts that will be available to start include:

Sports

Culture/lifestyle

True crime

“At Netflix, we’re always looking for new ways to entertain our members, wherever and however they want to watch,” said Lauren Smith, Netflix VP of Content Licensing and Programming Strategy. “As video podcasts continue to grow in popularity, our partnership with Spotify allows us to bring full video versions of these top shows to both Netflix and Spotify audiences. From pop culture and lifestyle to true crime and sports, this curated selection of video podcasts adds fresh voices and new perspectives to Netflix, making our entertainment lineup more exciting than ever.”

Creativity in motion

This creative collaboration reflects how Spotify continues to evolve podcasting. What began as an audio-first medium is now a vibrant multi-format landscape. As the category matures, Spotify remains focused on innovation, scale, and creator success.

“This partnership marks a new chapter for podcasting,” said Roman Wasenmüller, VP and Head of Podcasts at Spotify. “Together with Netflix, we’re expanding discovery, helping creators reach new audiences, and giving fans around the world the chance to experience the stories they love and uncover favorites they never expected. This offers more choice to creators and unlocks a completely new distribution opportunity.”

Elevating the ecosystem

The collaboration also reinforces Spotify’s belief that when platforms work together, creators benefit. By partnering with Netflix, Spotify is helping creators captivate even more fans worldwide.

Looking ahead, Spotify plans to bring similar opportunities to a wider range of creators. Throughout this expansion, the core principles of Spotify’s podcasting model remain unchanged: Creators retain control, benefit from multiple revenue streams, and are supported in building sustainable businesses.

Together with Netflix, we believe the future of podcasting is becoming more dynamic, more visual, and more connected than ever.

Get Closer to the Game With These Essential Football Podcasts

October 6, 2025

Football season is in full swing, and Spotify has you covered with a lineup of podcasts that capture the excitement, drama, and insider perspectives fans crave.

“Here we have a one-stop destination that goes beyond scores and highlights to dive deeper into the stories, strategies, and personalities shaping football,” said Sydney Williams, Audience Development Editor, Podcast Editorial at Spotify. “Our curation brings together familiar voices from The Ringer alongside commentary from athletes who know the game inside and out, both on and off the field. We hope fans walk away not just entertained, but feeling more connected to the sport they love.”

The Ryen Russillo Podcast
By The Ringer

Sports commentator Ryen Russillo breaks down the week’s biggest games, trends, and stories. He invites athletes, coaches, and insiders on for candid conversations about sports and beyond.

Green Light with Chris Long
By Chris Long

Former defensive end Chris Long brings a player’s perspective to the game and culture fans love, with interviews from major names in sports and entertainment, plus lighthearted dives into everything else.

Glory Daze with Johnny Manziel
By Almost Friday Media

Former football player Johnny Manziel sits down with sports legends to relive the game’s most nostalgic eras, from unforgettable highlights to the challenges behind the fame.

House Call
By The Deep 3

From the creators of The Deep 3 basketball podcast, House Call brings the same sharp, funny, and fan-driven style to football.

The Ringer NFL SHOW
By The Ringer

Host Sheil Kapadia and a rotating cast of Ringer colleagues and guests unpack the day’s biggest football story—fast, smart, and perfect for your commute.

Stream the full lineup on Spotify.

‘The Toast’ Launches Video Episodes on Spotify

October 3, 2025

The Toast, the wildly popular daily podcast from sisters Claudia and Jackie Oshry, is now on video on Spotify. Fans can tune in each week to watch the duo’s unfiltered takes on pop culture, trending news, and everything in between, all delivered with their signature wit and chemistry.

With its sharp humor and loyal following, The Toast consistently ranks among Spotify’s most-listened-to lifestyle and entertainment podcasts. Now, the show’s expansion into video offers listeners a new, more immersive way to engage.

“We love giving Toasters new ways to enjoy the show, and now you can watch us right on Spotify,” said Claudia and Jackie. “It’s the same daily chat you know and love, just with even more ways to join in on the fun. And now, no matter where you are in the world, you can feel like you’re right there with us every morning.”

“We’re thrilled The Toast is bringing their video episodes to Spotify and giving fans a new way to engage with Claudia and Jackie’s smart, hilarious take on culture,” adds Jordan Newman, Spotify’s Head of Content Partnerships. “The Toast has become one of the most beloved daily shows, and expanding their video presence to Spotify will give fans a seamless way to enjoy the show wherever they are.”

Whether you’re a longtime listener or just joining the fan base, The Toast’s new video episodes offer a deeper, more dynamic way to experience the show’s humor, hot takes, and cultural recaps.

Watch new video episodes of The Toast on Spotify for free.

Spotify Gives You Even More Control With the Ability to Exclude Tracks From Your Taste Profile

October 1, 2025

Personalization is at the heart of Spotify. When you ask listeners what they love most about Spotify, more than 81% cite our personalization, and we’re always evolving to help you create a listening journey that’s uniquely yours. Starting today, you can exclude individual tracks from your Taste Profile, in addition to playlists.

Your Taste Profile is Spotify’s interpretation of your taste, based on what you listen to and how you listen to it. It helps inform your recommendations, from Discover Weekly to your Home page, and personalizes experiences like Wrapped and Blend.

Excluding a track will lessen the impact of both past and future streams of that song on your recommendations, so your “just for the moment” listening doesn’t end up skewing your Spotify experience.

You’ve already been able to exclude select playlists from your Taste Profile, and now you can do the same for any track, whether it’s a calming sleep sound, your kids’ go-to song, or a one-off listen that doesn’t fit your usual vibe.

How to exclude a track from your Taste Profile

This feature is available now for Free and Premium users globally on web, desktop, iOS, and Android. Here’s how it works for individual tracks and playlists:

    1. Select the track or playlist you want to exclude.
    2. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner of your screen.
    3. Choose “Exclude from your Taste Profile” (or “Include in your Taste Profile” to add it back later).

With more control over your Taste Profile, your recommendations and personalized features can stay true to your unique musical taste, even if your listening habits sometimes take a detour. Spotify’s recommendations will keep evolving with you so your listening experience stays fresh and personal.

Ready to dive in? Explore the Made For You hub on Spotify, your one-stop shop for playlists, podcasts, and recommendations tailored just for you.

Audiobooks and Podcasts to Celebrate Latin Heritage Month on Spotify

September 23, 2025

From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate Latin Heritage Month, a time to honor the culture, creativity, and voices of Latin communities around the world. It’s the perfect chance to discover fresh perspectives, reconnect with favorite storytellers, or simply soak up the richness of Latin heritage. And of course, Spotify has you covered. From captivating audiobooks to thought-provoking podcasts, there’s plenty to explore all month long.

Audiobooks

Spotify’s audiobooks editors have curated a wide range of stories for our Latin Heritage Month audiobooks shelf, featuring titles in both English and Spanish.

“The Audiobooks team is excited to spotlight incredible stories from across the Latin diaspora with these standout audiobooks,” said Zack Knoll, Senior Editor, Audiobooks at Spotify. “These stories celebrate Latin life and experience, whether through sensational fiction like Trust by Hernan Diaz, recent gems like The Possession of Alba Díaz by Isabel Cañas, or moving true stories such as A Flower Traveled in My Blood by Haley Cohen Gilliland and Solito by Javier Zamora. These audiobooks showcase immense pride and admiration for Latin culture, and listeners will feel this in every line.”

Below, we’re highlighting five of our editors’ top picks to get you started.

Loca

By Alejandro Heredia
Narrated by André Santana

In Alejandro Heredia’s debut novel, best friends Sal and Charo are striving to hold on to their dreams in 1999 New York. Haunted by the past and navigating early motherhood, their worlds shift when they discover a vibrant queer community.

Hola Papi: How to Come Out in a Walmart Parking Lot and Other Life Lessons

By John Paul Brammer
Narrated by John Paul Brammer

In this memoir-in-essays, LGBTQ advice columnist John Paul Brammer traces his journey from a closeted, mixed-race kid in small-town Oklahoma to the voice behind the viral ¡Hola Papi! column. Equal parts humor and heart, it’s a warm guide to love and belonging.

Our Share of Night: A Novel

By Mariana Enriquez
Narrated by Frankie Corzo

After his wife dies, a father takes their son on a road trip that leads them to confront her family’s occult order seeking immortality. From 1960s London to Argentina’s military dictatorship, Mariana Enriquez’s first novel translated into English blends history, horror, and the supernatural.

You Had Me at Hola: A Novel

By Alexis Daria
Narrated by Seraphine Valentine

After a messy breakup, soap star Jasmine Lin Rodriguez returns to New York to film a bilingual rom-com and finds herself paired with telenovela hunk Ashton Suárez. As rehearsals turn into something more, their behind-the-scenes romance complicates careers and reputations.

Our Migrant Souls: A Meditation on Race and the Meanings and Myths of “Latino”

By Hector Tobar
Narrated by André Santana

Pulitzer Prize winner Héctor Tobar reflects on his family history and the stories of his students to explore what “Latino” means in the modern United States. Both personal and wide-ranging, his meditation examines identity, culture, and the stereotypes that shape Latino life in the 21st century.

Dive into Spotify’s full curation of Latin Heritage Month audiobooks.

Podcasts

Podcasts offer another window into the diversity of Latin heritage. Spotify’s podcast editors have curated a selection of shows hosted by Latin voices and can’t-miss episodes that spotlight Latin stories.

“Latin culture has always been full of powerful stories, and these shows capture that spirit with raw authenticity and pride. The best part? They don’t stop at storytelling,” said Destinee Harrison, Podcast Editorial & Audience Development Manager. “These creators bring everything from sharp journalism to everyday conversations about identity, music, and culture. These podcasts fuel bigger conversations, connect listeners across borders, and celebrate heritage in ways that feel fresh and personal, capturing the richness and heart of the community.”

DOPE AS USUAL Podcast: “Fried to the Bone w/ That Mexican OT!”

Rapper That Mexican OT returns to the DOPE AS USUAL Podcast, which features unfiltered stories from top figures in sports, music, comedy, and online culture.

Hella Latin@: “Uncovering Black Latin History with Eileen Ivette”

Afro-Latina travel influencer Eileen Ivette joins Hella Latin@ to share how a solo trip to Puerto Rico inspired her to launch Black Latin History, a platform spotlighting the African diaspora across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Hand Me Down Podcast: “Ep 28 | Our Yo Sabo Redemption”

In this episode of the Hand Me Down Podcast, the hosts trade wild stories, unpack cringe culture’s impact on self-expression, and close with a round of “Yo Sabo the Game.”

Alt.Latino: “A Tribute to Alt.Latino host Felix Contreras”

This episode of Alt.Latino honors host Felix Contreras, recipient of the Hispanic Heritage Award for Journalism, with tributes from surprise guests.

Today, Explained: “Good Bunny”

This episode of Today, Explained explores how Bad Bunny’s 31-date concert residency in Puerto Rico this summer put the island in the global spotlight.

Chiquis and Chill: “Boss Bee Nation: Changing the World One Heart at a Time”

Chiquis dedicates this episode of Chiquis and Chill to Boss Bee Nation, her loyal fan community, celebrating the impact they make in the world.

LOUD

Hosted by reggaeton pioneer Ivy Queen, this Spotify and Futuro Studios series tells the story of how young artists from Jamaica, Panama, and Puerto Rico sparked a genre that became a global movement.

Good Hang with Amy Poehler: “Selena Gomez”

Amy Poehler chats with Selena Gomez about quirky home decor, working with comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short on Only Murders in the Building, and more.

Check out the full selection on Spotify.

How Gen Z Powers Up for Back-to-School Season on Spotify

August 25, 2025

As summer winds down and backpacks come out, Gen Z isn’t just heading back to class, they’re shaping the soundtrack for a whole new season.

For Back to School 2025, Spotify has compiled a snapshot of the daily rituals and shared listening moments that define this reset. Powered by new listening data and anchored in past trends, it reveals how Gen Z students and their families use Spotify as a daily companion to reconnect and refocus—and how brands can be part of the moment in meaningful ways.

Mornings are the new prime time

As routines shift, mornings become high-attention listening windows. Between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., Gen Z students on Spotify power up with music and podcasts that turn commutes and pre-class moments into part of their soundtrack. For brands, these ritual-driven spikes offer valuable opportunities to tap in with multiformat campaigns that blend sight and sound.

Study sessions and shared playlists

Back-to-school season isn’t just a retail moment, it’s also a cultural and community reset. Gen Z leans on study playlists and collaborative features like Jam to concentrate and connect with friends.

8 Must-Listen Podcast Episodes to Fuel This Summer’s Blockbuster Hype

August 20, 2025

There’s still plenty of summer left to soak up—and time to catch its hottest flicks. This year, blockbuster season is alive with remakes, superhero sagas, and everything in between. But what about the conversations happening beyond the big screen?

That’s where Spotify’s “Summer at the Movies” shelf comes in—a curated selection of podcast episodes offering unparalleled insights, spirited debates, and exclusive peeks into the films everyone’s talking about. Handpicked by Spotify’s podcast editors, these episodes are your essential companion for diving deeper into the biggest releases from summer 2025.

“These episodes perfectly capture the spirit, scale, and spectacle of a summer blockbuster,” said Podcast Editorial & Audience Development Manager Destinee Harrison, “whether it’s diving into nostalgic favorites like Lilo & Stitch and Superman, unpacking the buzz around K-Pop Demon Hunters, or hearing directly from the minds behind some of the season’s most anticipated releases, like Weapons.”

8 essential podcast episodes for your summer at the movies

Podcast: Pop Culture Happy Hour
Episode: “Lilo & Stitch”

The hosts of Pop Culture Happy Hour break down the (mostly) live-action Lilo & Stitch, exploring how this adaptation honors the original while bringing new depth to its themes of family and belonging.

Podcast: House of R
Episode: “The ‘Superman’ Deep Dive”

Mallory Rubin, Van Lathan, and Sean Fennessey share their unfiltered thoughts on Superman, dissecting James Gunn’s ambitious vision for the iconic hero. From David Corenswet’s acting to the film’s rich thematic layers, no stone is left unturned.

Podcast: Otaku’s Anonymous
Episode: “K-Pop Demon Hunters Is The Best Movie Of The Year?? – Otakus Anonymous Episode #120”

According to the hosts of Otaku’s Anonymous, K-Pop Demon Hunters has proven to be far more captivating than anticipated. Get an earful as they break down the film’s unique blend of K-Pop aesthetics and demon-hunting action.

Podcast: Raiders Of The Lost Podcast
Episode: “F1 THE MOVIE”

The roar of engines echoed through cinemas as F1 The Movie sped onto screens, dominating the global box office. Raiders Of The Lost Podcast takes listeners behind the scenes, from custom-built cars to groundbreaking camera rigs.

Podcast: The Ringer-Verse | The Midnight Boys
Episode: “‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys”

The Midnight Boys dedicate an entire episode to The Fantastic Four: First Steps, sharing instant reactions, fresh takes, and comic book context for Marvel’s iconic first family.

Podcast: The Weekly Planet
Episode: “582 Jurassic World Rebirth”

The dinosaurs are back! The Weekly Planet reviews Jurassic World Rebirth and rounds up more big movie news, from speculation about Paul Walker’s character returning for Fast & Furious: The Next One to rumors of an Indiana Jones reboot.

Podcast: The Next Best Picture Podcast
Episode: “Interview with ‘Weapons’ Filmmaker Zach Cregger”

Barbarian writer-director Zach Cregger returns to terrify audiences with his new horror film, Weapons. In an exclusive interview with Next Big Picture, he unpacks the creative process behind the film, which brings together an all-star cast for a shocking premise.

Podcast: RealTok Podcast
Episode: “How to Train Your Dragon & Materialists Review | Ep. 145”

The RealTok hosts soar into the new live-action How to Train Your Dragon and review Celine Song’s Materialists.

Stream the full selection on Spotify.

Spotify Launches the Amplifika Creators Initiative to Empower Black Podcasters in Brazil

July 28, 2025

In 2021, Spotify launched Amplifika in Brazil as a dedicated program to foster the growth of Black artists and support new voices in music. Through a hub on Spotify, Spotify Singles, educational events, and special collaborations, the program has supported the careers of key figures in the Brazilian music scene including Duquesa, Mc Kadu, Milthinho, Cryzin, Maru2D, and Sued Nunes.

Now we’re building on this legacy. At Spotify, we believe that every creator should have the chance to share their story, and we’re focused on making that possible with the right tools and support. That’s why we’re expanding the program with Amplifika Creators, a new initiative designed to empower the next generation of Black podcasters in Brazil.

A studio—and then some

At the heart of Amplifika Creators is a new podcast studio at Embaixada Preta in São Paulo. Developed in partnership with Feira Preta, an organization that supports Black culture and entrepreneurship in Latin America, this space offers free access to professional-grade audio and video equipment for emerging Black creators, with microphones and headphones donated by Shure.

But the technology is only the beginning. This initiative also includes a mentorship program with established creators like Sofi Oliveira (Colo de amiga por @sofidisse) and Guto Barbosa (Don Podcast); a tailored newsletter with best practices for production and growth; and ongoing support to help build a more inclusive podcasting ecosystem from the ground up.

“Today, video is one of the main entry points for discovering podcasts in Brazil—and Spotify is committed to increasing the presence of Black creators in this space, ensuring they have both the technical resources and visibility they deserve,” said Camila Justo, Spotify’s Head of Podcast in Brazil. “Amplifika Creators is a response to this, offering professional structure and continuous support to transform good ideas into real impact.”

Adriana Barbosa, founder and CEO of the Feira Preta Institute, echoed this sentiment. “It’s not just about recording, it’s about belonging,” she said. “This studio at Embaixada Preta is a territory of creativity, expression, memory, and future-building. Here, technology meets collective affection, and the result is important stories being told by those who live and transform the present.”

Continued commitment

Amplifika Creators joins our portfolio of equity-driven programs including EQUAL and GLOW in music, and Sound Up and our Seu Espaço initiative in podcasting. Seu Espaço is a fully equipped podcast studio in São Paulo that offers free access and professional-grade resources to underrepresented creators. Together, these global initiatives are central to our mission of amplifying diverse creators with more-inclusive narratives. Since 2018, Sound Up has supported creators in more than 12 countries, including Brazil, helping to launch impactful shows like Pavulagem – Contos da Floresta, ZUMBIR, and Calunguinha.

By providing tools, visibility, and a network of support, we’re working to ensure that new voices not only get heard but have the opportunity to thrive.

Spotify’s Editors Pick Their Best Podcasts of the Year (So Far)

July 16, 2025

Spotify’s podcast editorial team is always on the hunt for shows and episodes that spark conversation, push boundaries, and keep us coming back for more. As 2025 hits its halfway mark, our editors have curated their picks for the year’s standout podcasts so far—spanning celebrity-driven interviews, deep-dive investigations, true crime, comedy, and the best in film and TV commentary.

“It would be impossible to overlook all the famous faces on our ‘Best New Podcasts of 2025 (So Far)’ list. From Michelle Obama’s heartfelt real talk on IMO to Amy Poehler’s star-studded hangouts (did we mention Kylie Kelce and the Living Single ladies also made the cut?), shows hosted by megawatt talent have definitely stepped up their game this year,” said Rachel Selvin, Editorial and Audience Development Manager, Spotify. “But even with all the buzz around viral celebrity moments, the old rules of podcasting still hold true: A great investigation usually equals a great show. That’s why half of our picks focus on a single issue, unspooling it in all its complexity through a compassionate lens.”

From breakout new series to unforgettable episodes, here’s what topped our editors’ lists for 2025 (so far):

Best New Podcasts of 2025 (So Far)

Best Episodes of 2025 (So Far)

Best True Crime of 2025 (So Far)

Funniest Episodes of 2025 (So Far)

Best Movies of 2025 (So Far)

Best TV of 2025 (So Far)

Explore the Best of the Year (So Far) hub on Spotify to find your next favorite show or episode.

Fans Vote Mexico’s Top Podcasting Stars at Spotify Mexico’s Inaugural Podcast Awards

June 5, 2025

On Wednesday, Spotify brought together Mexico’s vibrant podcast community for a night to remember: the first-ever Spotify Podcast Awards. The ceremony gathered more than 300 industry guests and nearly 200 top fans of nominated shows, making it a milestone moment for creators, listeners, and the country’s booming audio scene.

Lupita Villalobos and Kass Quezada, the fan-favorite duo behind Las Alucines, served as hosts, keeping the crowd entertained with their signature wit and spontaneous style.

Lupita Villalobos and Kass Quezada

Throughout the evening, several Mexican creators—including Miss Diamond, Eduardo Videgaray, José Ramón Sancristóbal “El Estaca,” Kikis, Ana Julia, Toño Cervantes, Mario Huerta, Mau Nieto, Román Torres, Janis and Maldo from Las Morras Malditas, Romina Sacre, Grecia Castillo, Conder, and Bastian—took the stage to present awards across 10 categories.

But it wasn’t just about the creators—this was a celebration of the listeners, too. Nearly 8 million votes were cast by fans in the lead-up to the show, and hundreds were there in person to cheer on their favorites, proving once again that podcasts are all about community.

The fans have spoken: Meet your winners

Fans showed strong engagement across categories, with nominees representing the breadth and diversity of Mexico’s podcasting landscape. Without further ado, here are the winners of the inaugural Spotify Podcast Awards:

Top of the Top Podcast

Breakthrough Podcast 

Favorite Comedy Podcast 

Favorite Horror Podcast 

Favorite Interview Podcast 

Favorite Gossip Podcast

Favorite Wellness Podcast

Favorite “Love Stuff” Podcast

Favorite True Crime Podcast 

Favorite Documentary Podcast  

Spotify Introduces Plays, a New Way To See What Content Is Resonating With Podcast Fans

May 6, 2025

Updated October 6, 2025: After testing with a select group of users, we’re now expanding podcast play count milestones more broadly across the Spotify app.

Updated May 16, 2025: We always aim to provide the best Spotify experience, and sometimes that means learning and adjusting as we go. Based on early signals, we’re evolving how play counts show up across Spotify. To help celebrate growth, plays will be presented as incremental milestones instead of precise figures, beginning once an episode hits 50K plays. Creators will still see their precise numbers in their private dashboards. While plays are already available to all creators and publishers in Spotify for Creator and Megaphone, this experience continues to be a gradual rollout across the Spotify app. For more on the latest, read here.

At Spotify, we always seek ways to connect users with their next favorite podcast episode. We also work to give creators a deeper understanding of how content resonates with audiences. That’s why we’re introducing plays, a new podcast metric designed to help users see, directly within the app, which podcast episodes are most popular with fans.

For creators, plays are a helpful addition to their existing metrics and offer a more comprehensive view of the scale of all episodes on our platform. This will be another invaluable source of insight as they look to optimize their content for success, so they can continue to build a loyal fan base that comes back week after week.

Plays will capture engagement across audio and video content on Spotify, reflecting the number of times people have actively listened to or watched any episode. 

Starting this week, plays will be reflected across the Spotify app and in the Spotify for Creators and Megaphone dashboards.

A closer look at plays for creators

For creators, plays will be a key metric on the home dashboard, show overview, and individual episode analytics pages, offering a near-immediate snapshot of how content is performing based on active engagement. And because we want to give creators more comprehensive insight into the scale and depth of their audience, we’re also making consumption hour metrics available to all creators in Spotify for Creators, no matter where they’re hosted.

Existing monetization eligibility criteria and payout calculations for creators and publishers will remain unchanged. They will continue to be determined by streams and the podcast advertising industry standard of at least 60 seconds of engagement. For more details about how plays will work for creators and publishers, check out the latest on the Spotify for Creators blog.

Ultimately, plays will offer creators and their fans a clear way to measure which podcast episodes capture the most attention on Spotify. We’re always working to bring better insights to creators, foster greater discovery for people, and help content reach even wider audiences. Stay tuned for more.