Spotify is one of the largest platforms for creators and artists worldwide, with more than 640 million users and more than 250 million subscribers.
In January this year, Spotify launched the Spotify Partner Program in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, posing as a new and powerful monetization system for creators.
It allows eligible creators access to various revenue streams to help transform their shows and podcasts into sustainable sources of income or as a business.
However, how does a creator become a Spotify Partner? What are the eligibility criteria?
Here, let’s talk about the specifics of the new Spotify Partner Program and how you can become a Spotify Partner. Let’s dive in!
What is Spotify?
First launched in Sweden in 2008, Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming services.
It has an extensive music library that includes old classics and the latest hits that anyone can listen to anytime, anywhere with its mobile app technology.
Spotify apps are also available on other services, such as Sonos speakers. It is also integrated with Facebook, making music more social and accessible.
Spotify only consumes 1 GB of data for 23.1 hours of streaming if you use the normal 96 kbps.
Spotify has two tiers: the free version and the paid premium version.
Spotify Free is a basic, ad-supported version that is totally free to use. It offers unlimited access to music and podcasts.
Apps from companies like Rolling Stone magazine also help discover new music.
However, it has some limitations and drawbacks, such as frequent ad breaks, limits on song skips, and low audio quality.
On the other hand, Spotify Premium is the platform’s paid version with the following features:
- No ads
- Offline streaming
- Combine Spotify playlists with music you already own
- Better audio quality
- Unlimited song skips
Whether you choose the free or premium tier, Spotify gives users instant access to its vast music and podcast library.
What is the Spotify Partner Program?
Spotify Partner Program provides audience-driven payouts from Spotify Premium video engagement and a way for creators to monetize with ads on Spotify Free and all other podcast platforms.
When the Spotify Partner Program was initially launched, it was only available in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
However, starting April 29, eligible creators from Ireland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland are able to enroll in the program.
Spotify Partner Program is the platform’s monetization system, allowing creators to earn through two channels:
- Ad revenue
- Premium video revenue
Spotify’s dual approach provides flexibility and control to creators, giving them the keys to navigate the shifts in the industry and maintain a consistent revenue stream.
This program also allows users to benefit from improvements to the overall viewing experience and a better lineup of video podcasts.
Premium users are also allowed to watch videos without third-party ads, crafting a seamless viewing experience.
Ad Revenue
Creators of the Spotify Partner Program earn a 50% share of revenue every time an ad is monetized by Spotify and played in their episodes.
Creators have the freedom to choose where to place ads by choosing their own ad breaks.
To earn ad revenue, you must insert at least one ad break into an episode of your show.
After you have inserted your ad breaks, ads can be played in your episodes when streamed on Spotify.
Ads will also be played if the podcast or video is downloaded and streamed on another podcast listening platform.
You can also choose to exclude any category of ads of your choice.
Premium Video Revenue
Spotify Premium allows users to have an uninterrupted viewing experience.
Hence, with the Spotify Partner Program, instead of ad revenue, creators can earn based on the streams of their show.
Viewers who are not Spotify Premium members or those who stream non-video episodes on or off Spotify can stream episodes with ads, allowing creators to earn revenue from ads in those episodes.
Creators must insert at least one ad break in the episode for a video to be eligible for premium video revenue. Videos without ad breaks cannot earn premium video revenue.
Your revenue based on premium video is calculated based on Spotify’s payment formula.
However, note that this formula may be changed from time to time and is based on various factors, such as:
- Total amount of qualifying consumption time attributable to your eligible video episodes
- The registration market of Spotify Premium users
- The overall amount of eligible video content consumed by users in eligible markets includes Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, the UK, and the US.
However, ads are not currently given to listeners in countries such as Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Ireland.
Program’s Reception
The anticipation built rapidly after Spotify announced its new monetization program in November 2024.
Here are some of the reactions of top Spotify podcast creators before the Spotify Partner Program was implemented:
- Smart Money Happy Hour creators mentioned they were thrilled to partner with Spotify to build a phenomenal podcast experience for users. They also noted that their podcast exists to make the lives of their listeners better, and the video feature of Spotify does exactly that. They are pleased with Spotify’s product enhancements and shared their plans to use those features to engage with their audience more in 2025.
- Jim Harold, host of The Paranormal Podcast, said that he is thrilled to be one of the early participants in the Spotify Partner Program. He also mentioned that the new long-form video on Spotify allows creators like him to gain a new audience while giving their audio listeners added dimension.
- Zach Misichia, the co-host of The Makeshift Podcast, stressed the importance of the new partner program and how it allows creators to monetize their podcast without interrupting the customer experience.
According to Spotify, hundreds of creators reached more than $10,000 in monthly revenue because of the Spotify Partner Program, with top earners reaching six figures in the first month alone.
With the Spotify Partner Program, creators have greater control over their business and can deliver the best possible content to their followers, fostering loyalty and audience retention.
Eligibility Criteria
Before you apply for the Spotify Partner Program, you must ensure that you are eligible for the program.
Here are the eligibility requirements for the Spotify Partner Program:
- Must be at least 18 years old or have a guardian who meets the minimum age requirement for Spotify Payouts
- Host a show on Spotify for Creators
- Have a legal address in the revenue markets
- Have published at least 12 episodes
- Reached at least 10,000 consumption hours on Spotify in the last 30 days
- Reached at least 2,000 people who have streamed on Spotify in the last 30 days
To check if you meet the eligibility criteria, check your Monetization page in Spotify for Creators.
However, the eligibility criteria may change at any time. Moreover, requirements may be added to apply for participation.
Hence, make sure that you check the eligibility requirements regularly.
Steps on Becoming a Spotify Partner
Starting something new is always daunting. Hence, here is a simple guide on how to become a Spotify Partner.
First-Time Applicants
If this is your first time applying, here is the step-by-step guide on how to monetize your platform:
Step 1. Check Your Eligibility.
As mentioned above, the very first thing you need to do is to make sure you are eligible for the program.
Moreover, you cannot apply for the Spotify Partner Program if you are not in an eligible market.
To check your eligibility, go to your Monetization page in Spotify for Creators.
Once you have verified that you are eligible, you may now apply for the program.
Step 2. Apply to the Spotify Partner Program.
In your Monetization page in Spotify for Creators, click Apply Now to begin.
Once Spotify receives your application, it will review your content against its monetization policies to determine if your show or podcast is eligible.
Now, you wait for the result of your application.
Step 3. Set Up Your Payment Details.
When you have been approved for the program, the next part will be setting up your payment details on Spotify Payouts.
This is important so you can get paid without any hassle.
Existing Members
For creators who were previously onboarded to Spotify’s ads monetization program before November 13, 2024, here is a step-by-step guide on how to be part of the new Spotify Partner Program:
- Go to the Monetize page in Spotify for Creators
- Click Review to review the updated Terms and Conditions for the program.
Your ad monetization may be paused if you did not accept the new terms and conditions on January 1, 2025.
If you do not accept the new terms by June 30, 2025, the ad monetization on your show will be terminated.
You can reapply for the Spotify Partner Program if your show meets the eligibility criteria.
The Bottomline
With the increasing popularity of podcasts and number of viewers, the Spotify Partner Program is undoubtedly a viable income stream for creators.
With the increasing popularity of videos on Spotify, the platform is investing in ways to make the viewing experience seamless and pleasant for users.
Spotify also aims to allow creators to leverage the format for discovery and growth.
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