Spotify launches paid podcast memberships with perks beyond bonus content

Summary

Spotify has launched paid memberships for podcasts, letting podcasters offer fans exclusive perks, including ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content. TechCrunch reports that podcasters keep 90% of the revenue. Engadget reports that the revenue split appears to be identical, and frames the launch as Spotify's move to compete with Patreon.

Timeline

1. Engadget

   20 Oct 2026, 12:00 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that Spotify's Memberships program for podcasts is available, framed as competition for Patreon, and that the revenue split appears to be identical.

2. TechCrunch

   20 Oct 2026, 12:00 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that Spotify's new paid podcast memberships let podcasters offer exclusive perks, including ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content, while podcasters keep 90% of the revenue.