Spotify podcast exclusivity era ending

Photo Credit: Amr Taha

Spotify has shifted its podcast strategy from snatching up exclusives to wider distribution. After sending the audio version of Call Her Daddy out to other platforms—The Joe Rogan Experience remains the only Spotify exclusive podcast in its stable. But for how long?

Call Her Daddy is Spotify’s second-most-popular original podcast featuring Alex Cooper. What’s interesting about the deal is that only the audio version of Call Her Daddy will see wider distribution—Spotify is keeping the video show exclusive. Spotify spokesperson Amanda Long says the new arrangement will “help us build on the successful broad rollout of other originals.”

Armchair Expert, anything goes with emma chamberlain, and Science Vs have all seen wider distribution since Spotify changed its podcast strategy. Part of that change is steering away from high-profile exclusivity deals—since so many didn’t pan out so well for Spotify in the long run. “This shift will drive increased value for both creators and Spotify,” Long told The Verge.

With Alex Cooper’s video show staying Spotify exclusive—could this be a peek at what a future Joe Rogan deal looks like?

As it stands, his podcast is the most popular show on the platform. It’s the last exclusive podcast and the most expensive to maintain for Spotify, who is rumored to have spent $100+ million on the exclusivity deal during the height of its podcast-buying spree. Call Her Daddy was bought up during the same spree in July 2021, with Spotify paying a reported $60 million for the three-year exclusivity deal that is now ending.

The audio-only version of Call Her Daddy will now appear on Apple Podcasts, iHeartPodcasts, Amazon Music, and other services. Will the Joe Rogan Experience follow this model after its exclusivity ends later this year? It’s likely, as wider distribution means more ears for ads revenue—which is where the money is for the podcasting side of things.