Spotify replaces podcast subscriptions with memberships
Podcast creators get new paid memberships with extra features for their audiences.
Listen to this article
There is no audio version yet. Request one and an AI voice will read the article aloud.
Read by an AI voice.
Spotify renamed its podcast subscriptions as memberships on Tuesday and is expanding the options available to creators. Under the new formula, creators can offer paying listeners extra episodes and other benefits, among other things.
According to Spotify, the change takes effect on 20 October. The name ‘memberships’ is intended to make clear that the model encompasses more than access to bonus episodes alone. Creators can link different types of benefits to a paid membership.
Spotify positions the feature as a way for podcast creators to maintain direct contact with their most loyal listeners. Creators decide which benefits are available. Spotify mentions exclusive content and promotions for members, among other things.
The change fits into the broader development in which podcast platforms are trying to make revenues less dependent on advertising. For creators, paid members can provide more predictable income, but the model also requires a sufficient audience willing to pay monthly.
Access to free podcasts does not automatically change for listeners. Only programmes and benefits that creators place behind a paid membership will have a paywall. The precise price and availability may vary by creator and market.
Spotify does not state in the announcement how many podcast creators are already using the new formula or how many paying members the platform has. It is also not yet clear how much memberships will differ from comparable subscription models at YouTube and other podcast services.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
Spotify confirms the launch and the main features. The article makes no unsubstantiated claims about success, user numbers or revenues.
- confirmed Spotify is replacing podcast subscriptions with memberships from 20 October 2026. — Confirmed by Spotify Newsroom and the support page. source
- confirmed Creators can offer paid benefits and exclusive content. — Described by Spotify. source
- confirmed Spotify does not disclose the number of creators and paying members in the announcement. — Not mentioned in the announcement consulted. source
Editor's note
The name change and the functions described have been confirmed by Spotify. The scale, revenues and market impact have not been publicly substantiated and are therefore described cautiously.Sources
- Spotify Memberships Give Podcast Creators a New Way to Connect With Their Biggest Fans — Spotify Newsroom
- Promoting a membership — Spotify Support
- Spotify launches paid podcast memberships with perks beyond bonus content — TechCrunch
More on this in Dutch media
- NOS — „spotify podcasts”
- Het Parool — „spotify podcasts”
- NRC — „spotify podcasts”