Spotify Podcast Program Expands to 35 New Countries
The Spotify podcast program is expanding to a total of 35 regions, marking the streaming service’s biggest geographical expansion for the initiative to date. The program, which lets podcasters earn money from ad and Premium revenue sharing, is adding markets including Italy, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Poland, Chile, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas this fall.
The expansion was announced on September 17, 2026, and signals a significant push to bring monetization tools to creators well beyond the platform’s original strongholds of the U.S., Europe, and Australia.
Which Countries Are Joining the Spotify Podcast Program?
The expansion brings the total reach of the Spotify podcast program to 35 regions. New markets joining this fall include:
Italy
Spain
Brazil
Mexico
Colombia
Poland
Chile
The Dominican Republic
The Bahamas
Spotify has so far run its partner program for podcasts in the U.S., Europe, and Australia. This latest move represents the streaming service’s biggest geographical expansion for the program.
How Podcasters Earn Revenue
Eligible podcasters can earn revenue from both video and audio podcasts. Video impressions by Premium users count toward revenue, as does ad revenue share from free users listening to the show.
Importantly, the company said podcasters can distribute their shows on other platforms and also keep all the revenue they earn from sponsorships. That flexibility makes the program appealing to creators who want to maintain a multi-platform presence without sacrificing sponsorship income.
Eligibility Requirements for Creators
Earlier this year, Spotify changed its eligibility criteria to earn revenue from video podcasts. Creators can now apply if they meet the following thresholds:
A minimum of three episodes online
2,000 consumption hours
1,000 engaged audience members for the last 30 days
According to the company, this change has increased consumption in participating shows by an average of 45%.
Video Podcast Growth on Spotify
Spotify reported that video podcast consumption on the platform has increased 140% since the feature was launched in 2022. Its total monthly payouts to shows have also gone up by a third since January.
These figures underscore the growing appetite for video-first podcast content and suggest that Spotify’s investment in creator monetization is translating into real payouts for participating shows.
What This Means for Podcasters in New Markets
For creators in the newly added markets, the expansion opens a path to earn from both Premium and ad-supported listening. With video impressions from Premium users counting toward revenue and sponsorship earnings fully retained by the podcaster, the program offers multiple income streams.
The broader reach also means podcasters in countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Italy can now access the same monetization tools that creators in the U.S., Europe, and Australia have used. This levels the playing field for creators who previously had limited options for earning directly from their shows on the platform.
For podcasters who have been waiting for access to these tools, the fall rollout is a clear opportunity to review their current catalog and ensure they meet the eligibility thresholds before applying.
Understanding the Revenue Sharing Model
The Spotify podcast program combines two revenue sources. The first is ad revenue share from free users who listen to a show. The second is revenue generated when Premium users watch video podcasts, since those video impressions count toward payouts.
This dual model means creators are not dependent on a single income stream. A show with a mix of free and Premium listeners can earn from both sides of the audience, which may be especially valuable for growing podcasts that are still building their listener base.
The company also confirmed that podcasters retain all revenue from sponsorships, even while participating in the program. That detail matters for creators who have built direct relationships with brands and do not want to give up those earnings.
Why This Expansion Matters
The move to 35 regions reflects the platform’s confidence in podcasting as a revenue driver. With video consumption up 140% since 2022, monthly payouts rising by a third since January, and relaxed eligibility rules boosting consumption by an average of 45%, the Spotify podcast program is positioned for continued growth.
For podcasters in the newly eligible countries, the message is straightforward: the tools are arriving, the requirements are clear, and the fall timeline gives creators time to prepare.
The Spotify podcast program is now set to reach 35 regions, with Italy, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Poland, Chile, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas joining this fall. Eligible creators can earn from ad and Premium revenue sharing, keep their sponsorship income, and distribute their shows on other platforms.
Podcasters in the newly added markets should review the eligibility criteria — three episodes, 2,000 consumption hours, and 1,000 engaged audience members over the last 30 days — and prepare to apply as the expansion rolls out.
