In a powerful signal of its continued investment in the creator economy, Spotify has revealed that it paid out more than $100 million to podcast publishers and podcasters around the world in the first quarter of 2025.

The figure not only underscores the platform’s growing influence in the audio space, but also reflects its deeper push into video podcasting, a format that is quickly gaining traction among audiences globally.

According to an official press release, the milestone reflects Spotify’s evolving commitment to creators—whether they are veterans of the medium or just starting out. The company has rolled out an expanding range of monetization tools through its Spotify Partner Program, enabling creators to generate revenue from both premium video views and traditional audio advertising, across Spotify and other podcast platforms.

Spotify’s approach is evidently resonating. Video podcast adoption is on a sharp rise, with active monthly video shows growing 28 percent since the Partner Program launched. From January to March 2025, total creator earnings under the program surged by 29 percent. It’s a trajectory driven by both creator enthusiasm and audience appetite for more dynamic, visual podcast experiences.

For advertisers, the potential hasn’t gone unnoticed. Major global brands like McDonald’s, Google, and Chelsea FC are already investing in the Spotify Audience Network, bringing high-value campaigns to creators’ doorsteps. This has opened fresh opportunities for creators to scale their reach and earnings beyond just audio streams.

Some shows, like ‘Your Mom’s House’ and ‘The Rest Is Politics: US’, have seen weekly consumption jump over 45 percent after joining the Partner Program. Others, like ‘Matt’ and ‘Shane’s Secret Podcast’ and ‘Two Hot Takes’, have reported double-digit growth in both engagement and watch time.

Tony Pastor, co-founder of Goalhanger, said the addition of video on Spotify has been a game-changer for his network: “It’s clear that our audiences love watching their favourite hosts and we’re really encouraged by the engagement levels we’ve seen so far.” Christiana Brenton, Chief Revenue Officer at FlightStory, echoed that sentiment, describing Spotify as “a global platform that is committed to creator success.”

With this latest $100 million payout, Spotify reaffirms its role not just as a platform for listening, but as a stage for creators to grow, innovate, and earn—whether through audio, video, or both. The company has hinted at more tools and programs in the pipeline, promising continued support for content creators in the years ahead.