Spotify is releasing video podcasts, with a feature that allows listeners to switch to audio-only mode when they’re on the go, after a successful trial of the service.
Both free and subscription service levels will offer video. The company’s landmark, $ 100 million deal with Joe Rogan reached this spring will make its podcast exclusive to Spotify later this year. That deal includes video, but the videos from his news interviews will continue to be posted on YouTube.
The initial list of programs that add video includes Basketball Book 2.0, Fantasy footballers, The Misfits podcast, H3 Podcast, The morning toast, Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsayand the Rooster Tooth Podcast.
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Spotify has invested in video before. He mounted an effort on original content designed to position him as a player in the video broadcast space, but abandoned that initiative in 2017. The maturation of podcasting in the intervening years, and the level of comfort of the audience with direct video, could benefit the new offer. , which aims to boost advertising opportunities.
In a press release, the company said adding videos allows podcast creators “to connect more meaningfully with their listeners, broaden the audience, and deepen audience engagement.” It’s a way to enrich the audio experience, for fans and creators alike. “
Videos start automatically and sync with listeners’ audio feed. Audio will also continue to play when switching between apps or blocking your mobile device. Video podcasts can also be downloaded, like audio podcasts.
Spotify, whose chief content officer is a veteran TV network and video streaming executive Dawn Ostroff, has been pushing aggressively on podcasting, making a series of acquisitions, and establishing talent deals. Competitors like Amazon-owned Audible and Apple also focus on podcasting. While the growth of advertising and listening has slowed down during COVID-19, the emerging field remains promising for a variety of players.
