Video Podcasts Surge on Spotify: What’s Next for Creators and Fans?
Spotify has seen explosive growth in video podcast consumption, with over 250 million users streaming video podcasts across its platform. As the video podcasting space continues to evolve, Spotify is introducing a suite of new features aimed at enhancing the experience for both creators and fans. These innovations were unveiled during the Now Playing event and are set to revolutionise how podcasts are consumed, monetised, and enjoyed—especially in markets like Australia.
A Boom in Video Podcasting: What the Stats Show
Spotify’s global video podcast numbers are staggering. More than 300,000 video podcasts are now available on the platform, and the number of users consuming video podcasts has skyrocketed. Since 2021, the percentage of podcast listeners who prefer video podcasts has jumped from 43% to over 64% in 2024. In Australia alone, the number of monthly listeners to video podcasts has increased by over 40% year on year, with local creators seeing a 60% rise in the share of video content published.
The success of popular shows like The Joe Rogan Experience, Call Her Daddy, and Trevor Noah’s What Now? reflects a broader trend where podcasts are no longer just about audio. More than 70% of users globally engage with video podcasts in the foreground, and in Australia, consumption hours for video podcasts have grown by 11% year over year. This shift underscores the growing appetite for more immersive, visual podcast experiences.
New Tools to Empower Creators
Spotify's announcement marks a major step forward in how creators can connect with their audiences and earn revenue. Starting in January, Spotify Premium users in Australia, the US, UK, and Canada will be able to watch their favourite video podcasts ad-free, a move that will likely appeal to loyal listeners looking for uninterrupted content. Creators will also benefit from this shift, thanks to the launch of the Spotify Partner Program, which introduces a new revenue-sharing system.
The Spotify Partner Program will allow eligible creators to monetise their video content through both ad revenue and a new Premium Video Revenue stream. Creators will earn revenue based on the video consumption of Spotify Premium subscribers, making it easier than ever to generate income from their work. This initiative gives creators greater control over how they monetise their shows and opens up new income streams via dynamic ad insertion.
Enhancing the Creator Experience with Spotify for Creators
As part of its continued efforts to support creators, Spotify is rolling out an updated version of Spotify for Podcasters—now rebranded as Spotify for Creators. This enhanced platform offers a more comprehensive suite of tools for podcasters working across multiple formats.
New features include a mobile app that allows creators to manage their content on the go, as well as robust analytics that provide deeper insights into audience behaviour. There are also more options for customising show appearances on Spotify, and increased opportunities for creators to engage with their fans. Creators can upload short-form vertical clips of their podcasts to help promote episodes, offering a fresh way to engage audiences and grow their reach.
Seamless Viewing for Fans
The changes aren’t just for creators. Spotify is also focused on making the viewing experience smoother for its audience. The platform is introducing Seamless Streaming, allowing users to effortlessly switch between watching and listening to video podcasts, whether they’re using Spotify Premium or the free version. This feature ensures fans can enjoy their favourite shows without disruption, whether they’re listening in the background or watching in the foreground.
Spotify’s push to offer the best possible experience for both creators and listeners signals a broader trend in the podcasting world—one where video is becoming just as important as audio. As video podcasts become a core component of the platform, Spotify is helping to drive the future of media consumption, offering both creators and fans the tools to thrive.
What’s Ahead for Video Podcasts in Australia?
Australia is quickly becoming a key market for video podcasting. With over 40% year-on-year growth in video podcast listeners, Spotify is capitalising on this surge by offering Australian creators new opportunities to monetise and expand their reach. Categories like Politics & Current Events, Horror, Paranormal, and Conspiracy Theories, and Business & Technology are seeing the fastest growth on the platform, indicating a diversifying content landscape.
With these new features, Spotify is solidifying its position as the go-to platform for podcast lovers. As more creators embrace video formats and audiences continue to demand richer content experiences, the future of podcasting in Australia—and globally—looks brighter than ever.
For creators looking to join the video podcasting revolution, Spotify’s new tools and features are available now, with more exciting updates on the horizon. To learn more, head to the Spotify for Creators site and discover how you can take your content to the next level.
