Spotify, the audio streaming giant, has launched a new platform called “Spotify for Podcasters,” a one-stop-shop for creators to upload, manage, and grow their podcasts. The move consolidates previously scattered tools across multiple platforms like Anchor – which it acquired for $154 million in 2019 – and Spotify for Podcasters.
At the Stream On event, Spotify announced the launch of the new platform, which it says aims to empower creators with advanced insights and analytics, interactive features and free hosting. Previously exclusive features, such as Q&A and Poll functionality, are now available to all users of Spotify for Podcasters, including those who do not host their content with the platform.
Additionally, creators whose podcasts are hosted on Spotify for Podcasters have access to recording and editing tools, video uploading, and monetisation features. The platform’s dashboard provides a user-friendly interface with everything a podcaster needs to create, manage and level up their show.
“Stream On is about all the ways we are bringing Spotify to life and letting creators at all stages of their careers know that we are open for business. We are focused on building the best home for them – a place where they can establish a career, thrive and grow and where the world can be inspired by their creativity,” Spotify Founder & CEO Daniel Ek shared during the morning keynote presentation. He continued, “And that’s what we’ve been doing for almost 17 years: building, improving and reimagining this home to better meet creator needs and help them chart new pathways to success. As we look to the future, we are excited to expand that ambition to even more creators across new formats. We’re enabling more creativity, discovery and personalisation than ever before by providing the best resources, support, and interactivity.”
The new platform also offers podcast previews that enable listeners to sample a show in their home feed, Podcast Chapters that allow creators to add timestamps to their episode descriptions for easy browsing by topic or section, and a new space for educational podcasting content.
Spotify for Podcasters has also launched a global series of workshops, Spotify Labs, where creators can access production studios, learn from Spotify experts, and connect with fellow podcasters and artists.
The brand also announced its latest slate of Originals and Exclusives. Among the new offerings is a partnership with DC Comics to launch a brand-new podcast series centered on one of Batman’s most notorious villains: The Riddler.
Titled “The Riddler: Secrets in the Dark,” the podcast will be led by acclaimed filmmaker, novelist, and comic book writer David S. Goyer, who also spearheaded the successful “Batman Unburied” series. Fans can expect to see all of their favorite characters from the Batman universe, brought to life in the audio format that has made Spotify such a popular platform for storytelling.
In addition to this exciting new series, Spotify is also expanding its video podcast lineup with two new shows: “Forbidden Fruits” and “The Comment Section.” The former is a comedy series that explores the weird and wacky world of forbidden foods, while the latter is a talk show that delves into the internet’s most controversial comment sections.
But perhaps the biggest news from Spotify is its exclusive video partnership with YouTube star Markiplier, who will be producing exclusive video episodes of his popular shows “Distractible” and “Go! My Favorite Sports Team” for Spotify. Starting March 8, 2023, fans can look forward to new episodes of these hit shows that are tailor-made for the audio-first experience that Spotify offers.
Finally, Spotify’s Stream On event recently welcomed a host of podcast creators, including Alex Cooper, Emma Chamberlain, Mark Fishbach, Hasan Minhaj, and Bill Simmons, who all shared details on their upcoming series.
“Today, there are more than ten million creators on Spotify with over half a billion listeners across 184 countries and markets,” Spotify Founder & CEO Daniel Ek noted. “Think about the massive potential that represents for creators. No matter where you are on your own creative journey within music, podcasts or audiobooks. The potential to reach half a billion people. And that reach is about to become more powerful with what we’ve introduced today.”
