- Spotify Memberships lets eligible podcast creators offer paid subscriptions to fans in 34 markets worldwide.
- Creators can offer bonus episodes, exclusive audio and video, early access, and behind-the-scenes content.
- Creators keep 90% of the revenue generated through Memberships, according to Spotify.
Podcast fans looking for more than regular episodes now have another option on Spotify. The company has introduced Spotify Memberships, a feature that allows eligible podcast creators to offer paid access to additional content, including bonus episodes, exclusive videos, and early access to new releases.
Spotify is rolling out Memberships in 34 markets. The company first outlined plans for the feature at its Investor Day earlier this year. Creators who publish through Spotify for Creators or Megaphone can offer memberships if their shows meet the platform’s requirements.
Memberships give podcast creators another way to earn money directly from their audiences. By offering exclusive content to paying fans, creators can supplement their advertising and sponsorship income alongside existing options such as the Spotify Partner Program.
How Spotify Memberships works
Spotify Memberships lets podcast creators decide what they want to offer their paying fans. Each creator can choose the benefits and prices that work best for their show.
Depending on the options offered by each creator, membership benefits may include:
- Exclusive audio episodes and videos
- Bonus episodes that are not available to everyone
- Early access to new episodes
- Access to older episodes and archived content
- Content with fewer ads
- Different membership plans with different benefits
Podcast creators can set their own prices for Spotify Memberships. Some may choose to offer a single plan, while others might give fans a few options to choose from. Listeners can visit a participating podcast’s page on Spotify to check available membership options in their market. Both Spotify Free and Premium users can sign up, subject to availability.
Spotify is also introducing additional features for members. Subscribers can display a badge when commenting on episodes, while creators can welcome new members with a short video message. Along with access to extra content, these features give fans another way to feel involved with the podcasts they follow.
Tools to help creators get more members
Spotify is providing creators with tools to attract new members and track their performance. These include free trials, promotional offers, and analytics that help creators understand what drives new sign-ups.
Creators can also export certain member information, including contact details that fans have shared. This could help them maintain direct relationships with their audiences outside Spotify.
Popular podcasts join Spotify Memberships at launch
Several well-known podcast creators and networks are joining the launch of Spotify Memberships.
The participating shows include:
- The Adam Friedland Show
- Making Sense with Sam Harris
- The Shawn Ryan Show
- Two Hot Takes
- The Sculpt Society
YMH Studios is among the creators taking part in Spotify Memberships. The network plans to bring the feature to 12 of its shows. Each show will decide what to make available to members, which could include bonus episodes or content released before it becomes available to other listeners.
Spotify lets creators keep 90% of Memberships revenue
One of the main benefits of Spotify Memberships is its revenue-sharing model. According to Spotify’s announcement, creators can keep 90% of the revenue they generate through Memberships. This gives them an opportunity to earn regular income directly from their fans.
Creators can use this income alongside money earned from advertisements, sponsorships, and other available Spotify programs. For podcast creators, paid memberships can be a useful option for building a business around their content. However, earnings will depend on factors such as membership prices and how many fans choose to pay.
Who can join Spotify Memberships?
Spotify has set basic requirements for podcast creators who want to use Memberships.
To qualify, a show must:
- Be hosted on Spotify for Creators or Megaphone.
- Have at least three published episodes.
- Have at least 100 listeners or viewers.
- Have at least 100 hours of listening or viewing time on Spotify during the previous 30 days.
Creators who meet these requirements can check their eligibility and set up Memberships through Spotify for Creators or Megaphone. Availability also depends on whether the feature is supported in the creator’s market.
Spotify Memberships launches in 34 markets
Spotify Memberships are launching across 34 markets in Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region.
The launch markets are:
- Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
- North America: Canada and the United States.
- Asia-Pacific and other markets: Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Singapore.
Creators in eligible markets can check Spotify for Creators or Megaphone for details about eligibility and setup. According to Spotify’s official announcement, Memberships are designed to help creators monetize their existing audiences while allowing fans to access exclusive content directly on Spotify.
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