Substack has partnered with Spotify for users to listen to podcasts on the platform. This collaboration allows Substack podcast creators to easily distribute their shows on Spotify with just a few clicks.
For Spotify, this move could enrich its podcast library, particularly following its decision last year to scale back its exclusive podcast endeavors in favor of wider distribution, including a renewed non-exclusive deal with the well-known podcast host Joe Rogan.
When listening to Substack podcasts on Spotify, you’ll notice a padlock icon or a “Paid” tag where applicable, indicating that some content may require a subscription. To access these podcasts, you’ll need to link your Substack account first.
While some Substack podcasts are free to listen to, paid programs will require a subscription through Substack before you can stream them on Spotify. However, this partnership is more about expanding Substack’s audience rather than offering free content. The good news is that you don’t need a Spotify Premium subscription; both free and paid Spotify users can access the same Substack content.
Spotify assures that podcast creators retain full control over their content, subscriber bases, and revenue. To set up this integration, podcast makers simply need to select the option to sync with Spotify in their Creator Account settings, instantly making all their current and future programming available on the streaming platform.
This partnership leverages the Spotify Open Access API, which other publishers such as Calm, The Economist, Freakonomics Radio, Patreon, Dateline NBC, and The Wall Street Journal also utilize to tap into Spotify’s vast listener base. With Spotify boasting 602 million monthly active users and 236 million premium subscribers as of the end of 2023, it’s easy to see why this collaboration holds appeal for creators.
