Spotify Podcast Memberships Launch in 34 Regions to Rival Patreon

Spotify is launching paid memberships for podcasts in 34 regions today. This new feature allows creators to charge fans for perks like ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content, while keeping 90% of the revenue, as reported by TechCrunch.

Initially announced in May, this feature positions Spotify to compete more directly with Patreon, a platform many podcasters already use for collecting monthly payments from their fans.

What Spotify Memberships Actually Does

Memberships is a subscription feature within the Spotify app. Podcasters can create a paid tier for their listeners, who then receive perks based on what the creator decides to offer. According to The Verge, the aim here is to help creators earn more through the platform by giving fans a way to pay for exclusive content.

TechCrunch lists several perks, including:

• Ad-free listening for a creator’s show
• Early access to new episodes
• Bonus content that regular listeners can’t access

Think of it as a VIP lounge at a concert venue. Patreon is like a separate building across town, while Spotify places the VIP door right inside the venue where listeners already are.

The Revenue Split

The financial aspect is as crucial as the features. A revenue split (the percentage kept by the platform versus what the creator receives) is how these services generate income. Spotify takes a 10% cut, allowing creators to keep 90%. Engadget points out that this revenue split matches Patreon’s, meaning creators might not have a strong financial incentive to choose one over the other. Their decision could hinge on convenience and where their audience already spends time.

What This Means

Here’s what this means for you, depending on how you engage with podcasts.

If you listen to podcasts

If you have a favorite show, you might soon see an option to pay for extras without needing to leave Spotify. You won’t have to create an account on another site. If you enjoy a show but don’t want to pay, the free version is still available. It’ll be interesting to see if creators add more content behind the paywall over time.

If you make podcasts

Creators now have another avenue to generate income beyond advertising. Ad revenue can fluctuate, while a monthly membership offers a more stable income, similar to a magazine subscription compared to a tip jar. Since the revenue split is the same as Patreon’s, creators can choose based on convenience and their audience’s preferences.

If you only use Patreon today

You won’t be forced to switch. Creators can use both platforms, and some fans may prefer to stay with the service they already use. However, Spotify has a built-in advantage: fans won’t need to leave the app they listen to for their podcasts.

Community Reaction

As of now, there hasn’t been enough discussion on Reddit or YouTube to gauge how listeners and creators feel about this launch. We’ll update this article as reactions from the community come in.

What To Watch

• Region expansion: The launch covers 34 regions. It’ll be important to see if Spotify adds more in the future.
• Creator adoption: The shows that choose to launch Memberships and the perks they offer will indicate how valuable this feature is.
• Patreon’s response: Since the revenue split is reportedly the same, competition might shift toward features and user-friendliness.
• Spotify’s next earnings report: Keep an eye out for comments on podcast subscriptions and creator payouts.