It's now easier to support your favorite podcasts beyond listening to ads.Spotify is launching Memberships, or paid podcast subscriptions, that can provide perks to loyal listeners.As with Apple Podcasts and joining a YouTube channel, the Memberships feature lets you pay directly through the show page in the Spotify app.
Creators decide what you get, including free trials as well as exclusive episodes, early access, or reduced ads.You'll even get a badge if you comment on a given episode.The option is available whether you're a free or Premium user, and you only share contact details with your express permission.
Hosts can access member data that's useful outside of Spotify, so they can tweak their shows based on listening habits.The initial batch of Spotify Memberships podcasts include , , , , , and 12 shows from YMH Studios.More are expected to come, so a much-loved series might offer the choice soon.
Should I subscribe to podcasts on Spotify? It might help to pay elsewhere The catch, as you might expect, is Spotify's cut.The streaming audio service takes 10% of Memberships revenue, so podcasters have to either accept slightly less money or charge more than they do elsewhere.This is lower than Apple (30% for the first year, 15% after) and YouTube (30%), but it still means some of your spending isn't going to the podcast itself.
If that concerns you, some podcasts already make subscriptions available beyond Spotify.Some offer paid access directly through their websites, while others use services like Patreon (which takes a 5% to 12% cut), Ko-Fi (0% to 5%), or Buy Me a Coffee (5%).You might also get multi-show subscriptions that are better deals.
The allure of Spotify Memberships is convenience.You don't have to leave the app to sign up, and you can keep track of podcast billing in the same place you pay for Premium and audiobooks.This also helps podcasts extend their reach — they'll theoretically get more paid subscribers than they would if they stuck to the usual crowdfunding methods.
As such, the in-Spotify approach might be useful simply by keeping shows running or giving them more opportunities to expand.
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