- Monetization thresholds reduced 80% (January 2026): You now need just 1,000 engaged listeners, 2,000 consumed hours, and 3 published episodes to qualify for the Spotify Partner Program.
- Revenue split: Spotify takes a 50% cut of ad revenue. Premium video revenue is a separate, additional payout for video podcasters whose content is watched by Premium subscribers.
- Browser recording cost: Spotify’s Riverside integration requires a paid plan — $29/month billed monthly or $24/month billed annually (Pro plan). The integration does not support the free Riverside tier for recording.
- Distribution API (2026): Creators on Acast, Audioboom, Libsyn, Omny, and Podigee can now monetize video on Spotify without switching hosting platforms.
Spotify hardly needs an introduction—it’s the most-used audio platform in more than a dozen countries. It’s also the number one podcast publisher in the United States due to its free hosting service: Spotify for Creators.
Are you considering using Spotify for Creators? This guide will help you understand the features, pricing, and limitations so you can make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
- What Is Spotify for Creators?
- How Do You Publish a Podcast on Spotify?
- Spotify Partner Program Eligibility (2026)
- What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Spotify for Creators?
- What Are the Key Features of Spotify for Creators?
- Spotify for Creators Pricing Plans and Options
- What People Are Saying About Spotify for Creators
- What Are the Best Alternatives to Spotify for Creators?
- The Bottom Line on Spotify for Creators
- Frequently Asked Questions About Spotify for Creators
What Is Spotify for Creators?
What can your podcast gain from Spotify for Creators?
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:
| Best for | Features | Mobile app | Monetization tools | Price |
| Free podcast hosting | Browser recording, podcast analytics, audience feedback, video podcasts, monetization tools | ✔️ (iOS and Android) | ✔️ | Free |
Not sure how Spotify for Creators compares to the competition? Our podcast hosting checklist can help you make informed decisions.
How Do You Publish a Podcast on Spotify?
- Create a Spotify Creator Account
- Upload Your First Episode
- Spotify Audio and Video Specifications
- How to Optimize for Spotify Discovery
Create a Spotify Creator Account
Start by creating a Spotify for Creators account. You can do this on the web or via the Spotify for Creators Android or iOS app. Keep in mind you can log in with an existing Spotify account, which might make the process faster if you’ve already created a client-side user.
Upload Your First Episode
If you’ve signed up for a brand new account, simply tap Create a new show in the pop-up screen. Otherwise, in your web dashboard, tap New episode → Select a file. On the mobile app, tap Podcast → + → Select a file. If you are not using Spotify to host your show, tap Find an existing show to look up your podcast via RSS feed.
If you’re creating a new show: Add your show name, description, and creator name. You can also select its category and upload language.
Next, tap on Publish an episode to navigate to the upload screen. You can upload audio or video content as an mp3, m4a, wav, mpg, mp4, or mov. If you don’t already have said content to upload, you can connect with Spotify’s Riverside integration to begin filming.
You can learn more about how The Podcast Consultant uses tools like Riverside here.
If you’re connecting an RSS feed: You can find your Spotify show’s RSS feed under Settings → Availability.
If you’re uploading a show from another RSS feed (i.e., one from Buzzsprout or Captivate), tap Find an existing show → Somewhere else.
Then, enter your podcast’s RSS feed.
You’ll have to enter an eight-digit verification code sent to your email address to verify ownership. When that’s all set, you’re ready to go.
Before uploading, make sure your audio meets podcast recording and editing quality standards.
Spotify Audio and Video Specifications
Spotify for Creators doesn’t come with built-in recording technology, so you’ll need to source podcast recording software to get up and running.
One of the most popular of these is Riverside.fm, which natively integrates with Spotify for Creators. But keep in mind it might not offer all the functionality you need (like in-depth editing tools), so you may need to purchase podcast editing software separately.
| Container | Video | Audio |
| .MP4 or .MOV | H.264 or H.265 (HEVC) | AAC-LC or PCM |
| 1 video and 1 audio track | 1080p resolution | Bitrate of 192 Kbps or higher |
| Tracks must have same duration | 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio | Stereo |
| Recommended bitrate of 25 Mbps for HD, or 35 Mbps for 4K | Maximum bitrates of 25 Mbps for 1080p source, or 35 Mbps for 4k source | No surround/multi-channel audio |
| Use a fixed frame rate between 24 to 60 frames per second | 12 hours max | |
| Maximum duration of 12 hours | ||
| Use 8-bit color depth and 4:2:0 subsampling |
Regardless of the software you choose, be sure you’re recording within Spotify’s audio and video standards.
How to Optimize for Spotify Discovery
Spotify for Creators offers something we’ll dub ‘Discovery feeds,’ which help users find new podcasts and content to enjoy. This is a powerful tool for growing your audience, but only if you know how to leverage it correctly.
Clips and Previews
Spotify can help you reach new users by advertising ‘snippets’ through Discovery feeds. These feeds introduce new viewers to your subject matter and content via Clips (short vertical videos) and Previews (small snippets of your actual episode).
You’re required to upload Spotify Clips manually, which means you’re responsible for the editing process, as well as following all content guidelines and rules. You must also adhere to the following requirements:
- 15 to 90 seconds long max
- 1 GB size max
- .MP4 or .MOV
Spotify Previews can be generated with AI, which means you don’t need to spend time editing them yourself. You can enable them in your platform by:
- Tapping Settings
- Scrolling down to Only on Spotify
- Toggling Episode previews on and selecting your preview type
- Clicking Save
Podcast Artwork and Thumbnails
Spotify allows you to add podcast cover art by tapping Settings → About on the web app only. It recommends the following dos and don’ts for new podcasters:
- A dimensions ratio of 1:1 (like 1400×1400 or 3000×3000 pixels)
- Simple or minimalist colors
- Easy-to-read font
Of course, you may require a few additional tools, including Canva, Photoshop, or other similar platforms. You can learn more about the details in our guide to building your podcast brand.
Spotify has the following requirements for podcast thumbnails:
- Horizontal
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- Suggested resolution of 1920 x 1080
Learn more about designing podcast artwork.
Episode Descriptions and Category Selection
Episode descriptions can help you boost discoverability, give context to viewers, and ultimately drive engagement. A great description should tell listeners what to expect, tease key insights or guest highlights, and offer a reason to hit “play.”
Some pointers on episode descriptions:
- Include relevant keywords near the top of your description.
- Break long paragraphs into digestible lines or bullets.
- End with a call-to-action, such as subscribing to your podcast, rating the show, or becoming a patron to watch a bonus episode.
Spotify lets you choose a single primary category for your show, which helps its machine learning algorithm recommend your show to the right listeners. It also helps your podcast show up in the search results more accurately. But remember: you only have one tag, so use it wisely.
Here’s how to get the most out of your category selections:
- Try to get as specific as possible. For example, you might select ‘Investing’ instead of just ‘Business’ to better direct listeners to your show.
- Do your best not to overuse generic tags. Instead, consider focusing on keywords that your ideal listener would search for. Being hyper-niche and specific may be helpful here.
- Revisit your category choices periodically. If your content direction shifts, your category should reflect that.
Spotify Partner Program Eligibility (2026)
Spotify launched its Partner Program in January 2025 to let creators earn
revenue from both ad-supported and Premium video listening. The program
expanded to 14 eligible markets through 2025, and on January 7, 2026,
Spotify reduced eligibility thresholds by approximately 80%.
Current Partner Program requirements (January 2026):
| Requirement | Previous (2025) | Current (2026) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Published episodes | 12 | 3 | -75% |
| Consumed hours (30 days) | 10,000 | 2,000 | -80% |
| Engaged listeners (30 days) | 2,000 | 1,000 | -50% |
| Hosting | Spotify for Creators only | Spotify for Creators + Distribution API partners | Expanded |
Additional requirements:
- Legal address in one of 14 eligible countries: US, UK, Canada, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, or Switzerland
- Content must comply with Spotify’s monetization policies
- Apply through the Monetize tab in your Spotify for Creators dashboard
How the revenue works:
Creators earn from two streams. First, a 50% share of ad revenue generated when free-tier Spotify users listen to or watch your episodes with dynamic ad breaks. Second, Premium video revenue when Spotify Premium subscribers
watch your video episodes without ad interruption. These are separate payouts, meaning video podcasters earn from both streams simultaneously.
Payouts are processed through Stripe or Spotify Payouts. Be aware of potential payment processing fees, foreign exchange fees, and cashout fees when withdrawing earnings.
Distribution API (January 2026):
Creators hosting on Acast, Audioboom, Libsyn, Omny, or Podigee can now publish and monetize video on Spotify through Spotify’s new Distribution API without switching hosting platforms. This means you no longer need to host directly on Spotify for Creators to access the Partner Program, though you do still need to meet the listener and consumption thresholds.
Sponsorship management tools (April 2026):
New tools rolling out in April 2026 will let creators remove, replace,
and schedule host-read sponsorships within their episodes, with built-in
performance tracking. These tools will be available in both the Spotify
for Creators app and Megaphone.
For a broader look at podcast monetization options beyond the Spotify
Partner Program, see our guide to podcast monetization platforms.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Spotify for Creators?
Pros
- Spotify for Creators is 100% free.
- With Spotify for Creators, you can get many advanced features that normally cost extra on other podcast hosting platforms. For example, video podcasting, podcast monetization features, and podcast analytics are available at no extra cost.
- You can launch Spotify for Creators on your laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. This is a handy feature if you record in the field (or need to take podcast work with you).
- Spotify offers a simple switching feature to migrate from your existing podcast host in 15 minutes or less. All you need to do is enter the name of your show — Spotify automatically imports all of your episodes and metadata.
Cons
- While you can record podcasts using Spotify’s Riverside integration, this requires a paid Riverside plan. The free tier allows up to 2 hours of recording total (not per month), with content exported at 720p with a Riverside watermark. The Pro plan, at $29/month ($24/month annually), adds 4K video and 15 hours of monthly recording time.
- Several podcast monetization features offered by Spotify are only available in specific areas. For example, if you’re located outside of its 34 markets, you won’t be able to tap into dynamic ads.
- Spotify’s listener subscription feature (Spotify Open Access) connects your show to Patreon or Supporting Cast for paid subscriber access. This is a third-party integration rather than a native Spotify subscription tool, meaning your subscription management lives outside the platform.
- With Spotify for Creators, you only take home 50% of your ad revenue. This is a steep cut compared to other podcast hosting platforms that allow you to keep 70% or more of your profit.
- On January 2, 2025, Spotify discontinued its Listener Support program, meaning customer service response times may be longer than paid hosting alternatives. This change affects creators who rely on timely technical support.
What Are the Key Features of Spotify for Creators?
Browser Recording
Spotify for Creators uses a native Riverside integration so podcasters can record episodes directly in their browser. To access recording, you’ll need a paid Riverside plan:
- Pro: $29/month billed monthly ($24/month billed annually) — includes 15 hours of recording, Magic Audio noise reduction, teleprompter, and live call-ins
Once on a paid Riverside plan, you can record your podcast in real-time, use transcript-based editing, and publish directly to Spotify. Keep in mind this integration replaced Spotify’s previous Music+Talk tool, meaning creators can no longer add background music from Spotify’s sound library or upload more than one file at a time through the mobile app.
Podcast Analytics
Like many other podcast hosting tools, Spotify offers a detailed analytics dashboard. You can use this tool to evaluate podcast listener demographics, listener behaviors, and common devices:
- Age and gender
- Geographic location
- Popular episodes
- Device listeners
- Impressions data
- Episode drop-off
- Viewers vs listeners
- Watch hours vs watch percent
You should know Spotify for Creators relies on aggregate podcast trends—it does not disclose individual podcast listener data. This means you’re only seeing generalized changes and not necessarily a detailed breakdown of individuals.
Monetization Tools
If you’re looking to make extra income from your podcast, you can use Spotify for Creators to generate money from each episode.
Spotify for Creators offers the following monetization tools:
- Podcast Subscriptions: You can encourage your audience to pay extra for special content. Please keep in mind you must use Spotify for Creators for 60 days (and publish two episodes to 100 listeners) before enrolling in this program.
- Spotify Partner Program (ad revenue + Premium video revenue) Launched January 2025, the program now covers 14 eligible markets after expansions through 2025.
- Ads: If you’re lucky enough to receive an invite, you can tap into the Spotify Audience Network (SPAN) to insert dynamic ads into ad breaks.
Audience Feedback
Spotify for Creators allows you to engage with your audience using polls, Q&A sessions, and listener comments.
With polls, you can set up a question-based answering system that keeps your audience engaged and intrigued with your show. Those who engage can see how other audience members answered immediately after submitting their responses.
With Q&A sessions, you can ask your listeners questions directly. These responses are private and shared only between you and your listener. However, you could also pin your favorite responses, publicly sharing the respondent’s username.
With listener comments, you can keep an eye on audience sentiment and monitor changes in how they view your show. Spotify offers tools to like, respond, and even pin your favorite comments, which shows your listeners you care about their thoughts.
Video Podcasts
You can use Spotify for Creators to publish video versions of your show—a feature that even paid hosting platforms rarely offer. Now that two in three podcast listeners prefer video over audio, this could be an excellent opportunity to upgrade your podcast audio to video.
Direct browser recording requires a paid Riverside plan (Pro plan at $29/month billed monthly, or $24/month billed annually). However, you can record video independently with a camera setup and upload the file directly to Spotify for Creators without a Riverside subscription—a common workflow for our clients who already use dedicated recording equipment.
Spotify for Creators Pricing Plans and Options
Unlike many other podcast hosting tools, Spotify for Creators is 100% free. You don’t need to pay extra to establish a plan, access new features, or purchase additional storage.
That said, there may be situations where you may spend (or lose) money with Spotify for Creators.
For example:
- You need to purchase a Riverside plan to record on Spotify for Creators. The Pro plan starts at $29/month billed monthly ($24/month billed annually). The Live plan is $39/month ($34/month annually) and adds multistreaming.
- Spotify takes a 50% cut of your ad revenue. If a podcast episode brings in $100 USD, you’ll only receive $50 USD through Stripe or Spotify Payouts.
- Cashing out your podcast earnings may come with additional fees. Keep an eye out for payment processing fees, foreign exchange fees, and cashout fees.
What People Are Saying About Spotify for Creators
Spotify for Creators averages an 87% positive sentiment rating across popular online review sites.
Here’s how the individual scores break down:
- App Store: 4.8/5 stars from 117,128 user reviews
- Google Play: 3.8/5 stars from 80,184 user reviews
- TrustRadius: 8.9/10 stars from 25 user reviews
Customers love that Spotify for Creators is free. They also appreciate the ability to monetize with recurring subscriptions and dynamic ad breaks.
Current users have said:
- “Use this app and platform. You’ll be amazed how your creativity in format is fully supported by the podcast production tools they provide for us.” — Verified User, App Store
- “I love, love the Spotify for Podcasters app. It makes the work of podcasting on audio pretty easy. I was a bit scared of beginning this journey… but it wasn’t as difficult as I had expected it to be. Now, I’ve been recording for 9 weeks, 2 months, and a week and I’m wondering why didn’t I begin earlier. It’s been AMAZING!” — Adenike, Google Play Store
- “Allowed us to get started in the podcasting space easily and quickly. They’ve enabled us to get set up without having to become experts in all the different facets of running a podcast, like recording and editing software, syndication, hosting, etc. It’s really been a great way to get started quickly.” — Verified User, TrustRadius
However, some reviewers provide critical feedback. A few users mention that recent UI updates have made navigation confusing, while others suggest investing in dedicated podcast editing software instead of relying solely on the built-in tools.
Alternatives to Spotify for Podcast Hosting
If your show isn’t a fit for Spotify for Creators, you may want to consider its paid-for alternative. Megaphone by Spotify, which is specifically designed for podcasting businesses, starts at $99 USD per month.
Don’t want to host your show on Spotify at all?
One of these four alternatives may be a fit:
Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout is a beginner-friendly podcast host with a clean interface, IAB-certified analytics, and reliable distribution—areas where Spotify for Creators has limitations. Unlike Spotify, Buzzsprout does not take a cut of your revenue, and its analytics are certified to the industry standard required by most podcast sponsors.
Buzzsprout pricing in 2026:
- Free plan: Episodes deleted after 90 days (useful for testing only)
- $19/month: 4 upload hours per month (enough for a weekly 45–60 minute show)
- $39/month: 15 upload hours per month (fits multiple shows or longer interviews)
- $79/month: 35 upload hours per month (suited to networks or high-volume creators)
All paid plans include unlimited storage and permanent episode hosting. Optional add-ons include Magic Mastering (audio enhancement, $6–$12/month) and Cohost AI (transcripts and show notes, $10–$20/month).
TPC Recommendation: Buzzsprout’s $19/month plan covers the majority of our financial advisor clients producing weekly 30–45 minute episodes with room to spare.
Our complete guide to Buzzsprout covers all these details and more.
Simplecast
Simplecast is an end-to-end podcast hosting platform designed to host and distribute your podcast on various platforms. They offer the basic features you might expect — think RSS feeds and one-click publishing — as well as advanced features such as custom podcast websites.
Simplecast starts at $13.50 USD per month, which makes it more expensive than Spotify for Creators. However, keep in mind you’ll take home 70% of your earnings, which is 20% more than Spotify provides.
See our full review of Simplecast on our blog.
Blubrry
One of the oldest podcast hosts is a cloud-based tool called Blubrry. With this platform, you can design a free WordPress site, develop a podcast media kit, and use the Podcast AI Assistant (PAI) to generate clips and social media posts.
Unlike the video podcasting tool offered by Spotify for Creators, you can use Blubrry to convert video podcasts into audio. You can also access advanced analytics, which are IAB certified (and therefore cost extra per month).
See our full breakdown on Blubrry here.
Captivate
Captivate is a growth-oriented podcast host with IAB-certified analytics, built-in monetization tools (listener tips, subscriptions, exclusive content), and a dedicated podcast website included on every plan. Unlike Spotify for Creators, Captivate lets you retain all revenue from listener subscriptions, with no platform revenue share.
Captivate pricing in 2026:
- Personal: $19/month — up to 30,000 downloads/month, unlimited podcasts and storage
- Professional: $49/month — up to 150,000 downloads/month
- Business: $99/month — up to 300,000 downloads/month
All plans include a 30-day free trial with access to all features. The only variable between plans is your monthly download ceiling, not storage or feature access.
Choose Captivate over Spotify for Creators if: you need IAB-certified analytics for sponsor reporting, want to keep 100% of subscription revenue, or are managing multiple podcast shows from one account.
See our guide on Captivate for more analysis.
The Bottom Line on Spotify for Creators
It’s hard to object to a free podcast hosting platform. And with Spotify for Creators, you can make money without spending a dime. You can record directly in your browser, publish both video and audio episodes, and then monitor their reception with polls, comments, and podcast analytics.
Of course, Spotify for Creators isn’t a 360-degree platform — you’ll still need pre- and post-production support to make your podcast successful. That’s why today’s most successful shows turn to agencies like The Podcast Consultant. From video production to remote recording, we make it easy to launch at a pace that works for you.
Learn more about succeeding in your podcast endeavors by booking a discovery call with The Podcast Consultant.
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- Choosing a Podcast Hosting Platform
- Podcast Hosting Platforms Comparison
- Ultimate Guide to Video Podcasts
- Video Podcast Platforms to Expand Your Audience
- Why Upgrade Your Podcast from Audio to Video
- Best Video Podcast Software
- Best Podcast Monetization Platforms
- How Podcasts Make Money
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- Cloud Recording 101
Frequently Asked Questions About Spotify for Creators
How do I upload a video podcast to Spotify?
Log into your Spotify for Creators account on the web (video uploads are not available via mobile). Click New Episode, select your MP4 or MOV file in 16:9 widescreen format, add your episode title and description, and click Publish. Your video must use H.264 or H.265 encoding with AAC-LC audio at 192 Kbps or higher. Maximum duration is 12 hours. You can also replace existing audio-only episodes with video versions without creating a new episode.
How can I watch video podcasts on Spotify?
Video podcasts play automatically when you open an episode that has a video version in the Spotify app on mobile, desktop, or web. Spotify displays a video player above the episode description. Listeners can switch between video and audio-only playback at any time. Spotify Premium subscribers watch video episodes without ad interruption, generating Premium video revenue for the creator.
How do I add video to my existing Spotify podcast?
In your Spotify for Creators dashboard, find the audio-only episode you want to upgrade. Click the three dots next to the episode title, select Upload Video, and choose your MP4 or MOV file. Preview the episode to verify audio and video sync, then publish. The video version replaces the audio-only version on Spotify while remaining audio-only on other podcast platforms where you distribute via RSS.
Is Spotify for Creators completely free to use?
Yes, Spotify for Creators offers free unlimited podcast hosting with no monthly fees, storage limits, or setup costs. Using the integrated Riverside recording feature requires a paid Riverside subscription—$19/month billed monthly, or $15/month billed annually. Spotify takes a 50% share of advertising revenue generated through the Partner Program. Additional payment processing fees may apply when withdrawing earnings through Spotify Payouts.
What are the Spotify Partner Program requirements in 2026?
As of January 7, 2026, you need: a legal address in one of 14 eligible countries, at least 3 published episodes (down from 12), 2,000 hours consumed on Spotify in the last 30 days (down from 10,000), and 1,000 engaged listeners on Spotify in the last 30 days (down from 2,000). Once eligible, apply through the Monetize tab in your Spotify for Creators account. Spotify reviews content against its monetization policies before approving applications.
How much can you earn on Spotify for Creators?
Earnings vary based on audience size and engagement. Spotify paid creators over $100 million in Q1 2025, with hundreds earning $10,000 or more monthly. The platform offers a 50% share of ad revenue plus additional Premium video revenue for video podcasters whose content is watched uninterrupted by Spotify Premium subscribers.
Does Spotify for Creators support video podcasts?
Yes, Spotify for Creators fully supports native video podcast hosting at no extra cost. Over 430,000 video podcasts are hosted on Spotify, and monthly video consumption has nearly doubled since the Partner Program launched in January 2025. Video podcasters can earn both ad revenue and Premium video revenue.
Which countries are eligible for Spotify Partner Program?
The Spotify Partner Program is available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States. Ad revenue can be earned globally when listeners consume content on other podcast platforms.
Which podcast hosting platforms work with Spotify’s Distribution API?
As of January 2026, Spotify’s Distribution API is compatible with Acast, Audioboom, Libsyn, Omny, and Podigee. Creators on these platforms can publish video to Spotify and earn both Premium video revenue and ad revenue through the Partner Program without switching hosting platforms. Additional partners are expected to be added.
Can you distribute to Apple Podcasts from Spotify for Creators?
Yes, Spotify for Creators generates an RSS feed you can submit to Apple Podcasts and other directories. Unlike some paid hosts offering one-click distribution, you will need to manually submit your RSS feed through Apple Podcasts Connect. Spotify automatically distributes to its own platform upon publishing.