Spotify Introduces Podcast Memberships

Spotify is rolling out Podcast Memberships in 34 markets, giving creators new ways to interact with their fans.

“At Spotify, we’re always thinking about new ways to deepen the connections fans build with creators and help creators grow sustainable businesses,” the Spotify announcement explains. “Starting today, we’re rolling out Memberships in 34 markets, giving eligible creators a new way to offer exclusive content and experiences to their fans on Spotify.”

With this change, podcast makers can offer exclusive audio and video content, bonus episodes, fewer ads, early access, and/or access to a show’s archives to members and they can record welcome clips. They can reach potential new members directly through Spotify with targeted promotions and free trials and use analytics to see which are the most effective.

To qualify for Memberships, a podcast must be hosted on Spotify and have at least three published episodes, 100 listeners or viewers, and 100 consumption hours on Spotify in the previous 30 days. Eligible podcast makers can get started with Memberships on the Spotify for Creators website.

Podcast Memberships are available to Spotify free and premium subscribers, and those who become members of a podcast get exclusive badges seen when they comment on episodes. This offering is available now in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the U.K., and the U.S.