Spotify lowers entry requirements for its Partner Program and introduces new monetization features as the platform marks the initiative’s first anniversary.

Lower Thresholds Enable Earlier Monetization

Spotify has reduced eligibility requirements for its Partner Program to 1,000 engaged audience members, 2,000 hours consumed over the past 30 days, and three published episodes. The updated thresholds replace previous requirements of 2,000 listeners, 10,000 hours consumed, and 12 published episodes.

The changes enable creators to access multiple revenue streams earlier in their development, including audience-driven payouts from Spotify Premium video engagement in select markets and advertising on Spotify Free and other podcast listening platforms.

“The Spotify Partner Program gives us something every creator is ultimately chasing: a little peace of mind,” said “Tim Gabel Podcast” host Tim Gabel. “Knowing that the work we put out can sustainably support the show allows us to think bigger, plan further ahead, and invest with confidence.”

Video Sponsorship Management Tools

Spotify is introducing new sponsorship tools across Spotify for Creators and Megaphone, rolling them out in April. The features allow creators enrolled in the Partner Program to update, schedule, and measure host-read sponsorships in video episodes.

Creators can remove, replace, and add host-read sponsorships to video episodes, schedule updates in advance, and track sponsorship performance over time using new delivery metrics.

Distribution API for Cross-Platform Video Publishing

Spotify introduces a Distribution API (Application Programming Interface) that enables creators to publish and monetize video podcasts directly on Spotify from participating hosting platforms, without changing workflows or re-uploading content. Launch partners include Acast, Audioboom, Libsyn, Omny, and Podigee.

“Acast has always believed in giving podcasters choice, empowering them to be heard and make money wherever their audience is,” said Acast CEO Greg Glenday. “As the industry evolves, we’re bringing the same flexibility to video.”

Eligible creators hosted on platforms that integrate with the API can participate in the Spotify Partner Program without switching hosting platforms, earn Premium video revenue in select markets, and earn ad revenue when fans watch or listen on the free version of Spotify.

“Partnering with Spotify gives Libsyn creators more flexibility, more reach, and more ways to grow – without changing how they work,” said Libsyn CEO Brendan Monaghan.

Engagement Metrics Show Video Growth

Monthly video podcast consumption on Spotify has nearly doubled since the launch of the Partner Program, according to the company. The average Spotify podcast user reportedly streams twice as many video shows per month compared to before the program’s launch.

In the United States, loyal fans on Spotify stream a show nearly 20 times more than casual listeners and are 2.5 times more likely to continue listening after six months.

“The Spotify Partner Program is a new revenue stream that required minimal additional work to make happen,” said Chris Williamson, host of Modern Wisdom. “And it grows the show on the platform where most of my audience already is.”

LA Studio Opens for Select Creators

Spotify opened Spotify Sycamore Studios in West Hollywood, a podcast and video production facility that serves as the new home for “The Ringer” podcasts. The studio is available to select creators in the Spotify Partner Program by invitation only, based on availability and production needs.

“Ambitious shows need spaces that support big ideas,” said Bill Simmons, founder of “The Ringer” and head of Talk Strategy at Spotify. “These studios give teams room to experiment and keep pushing what’s possible.”

The facility expands Spotify’s global network of creator studios, joining existing podcast studios in Los Angeles’ Arts District, New York, Stockholm, and London.

Spotify estimates its investments across the podcast ecosystem have contributed more than $10 billion to the podcast industry over the past five years through direct creator monetization, audience engagement, and infrastructure that helps creators and publishers run their businesses.

Photo source: Spotify

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