Spotify launches paid podcast Memberships with 10% cut
Listeners can subscribe to a show from its page in the app, with perks set by creators and available to free and Premium users alike.
Spotify launched Memberships, a paid podcast subscription feature that lets listeners pay a show directly from its page inside the app, according to howtogeek.com. The feature is open to both free and Premium Spotify users.
Creators set the perks themselves, which can include free trials, exclusive episodes, early access or reduced ads. Members who comment on an episode receive a badge.
The first batch of participating podcasts includes The Adam Friedland Show, Making Sense with Sam Harris, The Shawn Ryan Show, The Sculpt Society and Two Hot Takes, alongside 12 shows from YMH Studios.
Spotify takes a 10% cut of Memberships revenue. For comparison, Apple Podcasts takes 30% in the first year and 15% after, and YouTube takes 30%, the article notes. Patreon charges between 5% and 12%, Ko-Fi 0% to 5% and Buy Me a Coffee 5%.
Contact details are shared with the creator only with the listener's express permission, and hosts can use member data outside Spotify.
Quick answers
What are Spotify Memberships?
Paid podcast subscriptions that listeners buy directly from a show's page in the Spotify app, with perks set by the creator.
How much does Spotify take from Memberships?
Spotify takes a 10% cut of Memberships revenue.
Do I need Spotify Premium to join a Membership?
No. Memberships are available to both free and Premium Spotify users.