Spotify‘s platform is renowned as the most prominent music streaming service around the world. They’ve expanded their audio offerings with podcasts and audiobooks in recent years. Now, it seems video is their next step.
With a recent announcement, Spotify revealed that they have over 250,000 video podcasts available on the platform, Spotify is solidifying its position as a one-stop shop for all things audio and video entertainment. Cumulus Media report that nearly two-thirds of podcast listeners in the U.S. prefer shows with videos.
Spotify launched video podcasts in 2020 for a number of shows. Now, creators in nearly every market can upload their video podcasts. Since then, more than half of the top 20 podcasts on Spotify now have video, including ‘The Joe Rogan Experience‘ and ‘Call Her Daddy‘.
Many of Spotify’s podcasts are available in both audio and video. Listeners can switch between the playback on the fly, for a convenient podcast fix no matter what the situation. The availability of video for the podcasts saves Spotify from losing listeners to YouTube when they’re in a position to watch as well as listen.
The average daily streams of video podcasts has increased by over 39% year-on-year. More than 170 million users on Spotify have watched a video podcast.
Head of Content Partnerships at Spotify, Jordan Newman wrote: “Spotify is always evolving to better serve our users and drive success for creators. With podcasts, the video format can add an additional layer of authenticity and connection for fans.
“That’s why we continue to hear that audiences want the ability to not only listen, but also watch their favourite shows. And we see that in the data: Audience retention increases when creators add video-and every creator wants a loyal, highly engaged fan base that keeps coming back.”
