Spotify pays out $100 mn to podcasters in Q1

Spotify has announced that it paid more than $100 million to podcast publishers and podcasters worldwide during the first quarter of 2025. This marks the first time the company has disclosed quarterly payouts of this size and highlights its growing focus on both audio and video podcasting.

The payouts cover revenue from advertising and the Spotify Partner Program, which launched earlier this year in select markets. The program allows creators to earn money through Premium video engagement and ads on Spotify Free and external podcast platforms.

Spotify reported that earnings for creators in the Partner Program grew by 23% from January to February and by 29% from February to March. Active monthly video podcasts also rose by 28% since the program’s launch. Major advertisers including McDonald's, Google, and Chelsea FC have begun booking campaigns through the Spotify Audience Network as part of the initiative.

Several podcasters have noted an increase in engagement since joining the program. Your Mom’s House and The Rest Is Politics: US saw weekly consumption rise by more than 45%, while Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast recorded a 12% increase in weekly consumption and a 30% rise in total consumption time from January to March. Two Hot Takes also reported a 12% growth in weekly consumption after adding video on Spotify.

Company partners also shared their perspectives on the platform’s impact. Tony Pastor, co-founder of Goalhanger, said, "Since we added video to our shows on Spotify, we’ve been delighted by the growth we’ve seen across the Goalhanger network. It’s clear that our audiences love watching their favourite hosts and we’re really encouraged by the engagement levels we’ve seen so far."

Christiana Brenton, Chief Revenue Officer at FlightStory and Co-Founder of FlightStory Studio, added, "Since joining the Spotify Partner Program, we’ve seen weekly consumption grow by over 45%. That kind of trajectory is exceptional, and it speaks to the power of a global platform that is committed to creator success. Spotify has opened up a new competitive revenue stream and allows us to tap into a deeply engaged audience."

Spotify stated that the $100 million payout is part of its broader effort to build a sustainable ecosystem for creators and plans to continue investing in tools and programs to support content development across formats.