Spotify Invests Over $100M in Podcasts, Boosting Joe Rogan, Alex Cooper, and Theo Von
Spotify Distributes Over $100 Million to Podcasters in Q1 2025, Bolstering Creator Economy
In a significant milestone for the podcasting industry, Spotify announced it paid out more than $100 million to podcast publishers and creators globally in the first quarter of 2025. This payout encompasses a diverse range of creators, including high-profile names like Joe Rogan, Alex Cooper, and Theo Von, whose shows dominated Spotify’s global podcast charts in 2024.
The payout figure reflects Spotify’s commitment to supporting podcasters across all formats, from independent creators to industry giants. Joe Rogan’s “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy,” and Theo Von’s “This Past Weekend” remain listener favorites, even as the platform evolves its partnerships. While Rogan and Cooper have moved away from exclusive Spotify deals, they continue to thrive on the platform. Rogan signed a new multi-year agreement in 2024, reportedly worth up to $250 million, incorporating revenue-sharing and YouTube distribution. Cooper, meanwhile, secured a deal with SiriusXM in August 2024 but continues to upload episodes to Spotify.
Spotify’s recently launched Spotify Partner Program, rolled out in January 2025 across the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, has further empowered creators. The program enables podcasters to earn revenue through ads monetized by Spotify, including dynamic video ads viewed by Premium subscribers. This initiative underscores Spotify’s strategy to make podcasting a sustainable career for creators worldwide.
In comparison, Patreon reported distributing over $472 million to podcasters in 2024, fueled by 6.7 million paid memberships. YouTube, a dominant player in creator payouts, disbursed $70 billion to creators across all content types between 2021 and 2024, with annual payouts steadily increasing, according to CEO Neal Mohan.
As Spotify prepares to announce its first-quarter earnings on Tuesday, the platform’s investment in podcasting highlights its pivotal role in shaping the future of audio content. With a growing creator ecosystem and innovative monetization tools, Spotify continues to redefine how podcasters connect with audiences and monetize their work.
MF Hussain
Hello! I’m MF Hussain, the creator of Spotifyinfo.net, a site that helps Spotify users enjoy their music more. With Spotify Premium, I can access a huge library of songs, create my own playlists, and listen without ads. I share my experiences to help others improve their Spotify journey.
