> At a Glance
> – Spotify now requires only 3 episodes, 2,000 hours, and 1,000 listeners to monetize video podcasts
> – Previous thresholds were 12 episodes, 10,000 hours, and 2,000 listeners
> – New API lets external platforms publish directly to Spotify
> – Why it matters: Easier entry could flood the platform with new video creators
Spotify is tearing down the wall for video podcasters who want to earn money. The streaming giant unveiled relaxed rules that slash every major requirement for its partner program.
The New Bar
Last year’s program demanded a dozen episodes and heavy audience numbers. Now creators need just three episodes, 2,000 consumption hours, and 1,000 engaged listeners in the past 30 days.
| Requirement | Old Rule | New Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Episodes | 12 | 3 |
| Hours | 10,000 | 2,000 |
| Listeners | 2,000 | 1,000 |
Monetization & Tools
Revenue comes from two streams: premium viewers and ad-supported free-tier users. Host-read sponsorship spots get new scheduling and analytics tools inside the Spotify for Creators app and Megaphone dashboard starting April.
Spotify stated:
> “Since launch, video podcast consumption has nearly doubled and the average user now streams twice as many video shows per month.”
Publishing Pipeline
A fresh API lets podcast hosts push video content directly to Spotify. At launch, Acast, Audioboom, Libsyn, Omny, and Podigee have already integrated the tool.
Physical Studios
The company will open a West Hollywood studio for the Ringer network and select partner creators. Existing facilities operate in LA’s Arts District, New York, Stockholm, and London.
Key Takeaways
- Entry threshold cut by 75% for episodes and 80% for hours
- Revenue split covers both premium and ad-supported views
- External hosts can now publish straight to Spotify via API
- New sponsorship tools arrive in April
- Video consumption has nearly doubled since the program debuted
The moves signal Spotify’s aggressive push to challenge YouTube’s dominance in video podcasting.
