Spotify rolls out paid Memberships for podcasters in 34 markets

Spotify began rolling out Memberships on October 20, a feature that lets eligible podcast creators offer paid, exclusive content to their fans directly on the platform. The launch covers 34 markets, among them the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Singapore.

Creators decide what a Membership includes. The options named by Spotify are exclusive audio or video, bonus episodes, fewer ads, early access and access to a show's archive, or any mix of these. Benefits can be split across several tiers with different prices. Memberships were first previewed at Spotify's Investor Day earlier this year.

How fans join

In supported markets, both Free and Premium users see a show's Membership offers on its Spotify show page. They join through a streamlined checkout and open the member content without leaving Spotify. Members can show badges when they comment on episodes, and creators can greet new members with welcome clips.

Creators get targeted promotions, free trials and analytics that show what drives sign-ups. They can also export member data, including contact details from fans who choose to share them.

Who qualifies and what it pays

Creators keep 90% of the revenue they generate through Memberships. The feature sits alongside advertising, sponsorships and the Spotify Partner Program as another way to earn on the platform.

A show must be hosted on Spotify for Creators or Megaphone. In the previous 30 days it needs at least three published episodes, 100 listeners or viewers and 100 consumption hours on Spotify. Eligible creators can start through either service.

Shows launching Memberships on day one include The Adam Friedland Show, Making Sense with Sam Harris, The Shawn Ryan Show, Two Hot Takes and The Sculpt Society. YMH Studios is bringing Memberships to 12 shows across its network.

The launch markets also include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland.

Source: Spotify