Spotify launched paid podcast memberships on Tuesday, a new way for podcasters to earn money directly from their most loyal listeners, TechCrunch and 9to5Google report. The feature is rolling out in 34 markets, including the United States, after Spotify first previewed the idea at its Investor Day in May.
Instead of relying only on advertising or a single paywalled bonus episode, hosts can now build monthly membership tiers with their own prices and perks. Creators keep 90% of the revenue the memberships generate, and fans pay on the web rather than through in-app purchases, Spotify says.
Spotify podcast memberships perks and pricing
Spotify says creators choose which benefits to offer, and the options go well beyond extra episodes. Podcasters can combine several perks inside one tier, or split them across multiple tiers at different price points so listeners can pick their level of support.
Pricing is fully customizable by the creator. According to 9to5Google, the program works in a similar way to Patreon: fans pay a monthly fee, and in return they get access to the exclusive material attached to that tier.
- Exclusive audio or video content
- Bonus episodes
- Fewer ads, including ad-free listening
- Early access to shows
- Access to a show's archive
