Spotify Drops Major Cash: Did Your Fave Podcaster Get Paid?

Spilling the Tea (and the Millions)

Okay besties Poki here ready to spill some serious tea! Spotify just announced they paid out over $100 million to podcasters worldwide in the first quarter of 2025. Can you even imagine that many digits? It's enough to make even my jaw drop and you know I've seen some things in this crazy streaming world. But hey more power to them for sharing the wealth!

The Big Shots: Rogan Cooper and Theo Take the Lead

Apparently the big kahunas like Joe Rogan Alex Cooper from 'Call Her Daddy' and the hilarious Theo Von are getting a huge piece of that pie. They were the top podcasts on Spotify globally in 2024 so no surprise there. It's like you gotta spend money to make money right? These guys are bringing in the listeners so Spotify is throwing them some serious cash. Good for them because everyone deserves the bag. Let's get that bread!

Exclusivity? Who Needs It!

Here's where it gets interesting. Rogan and Cooper's exclusive deals with Spotify have ended! GASP! Rogan did sign a new deal (reportedly worth up to $250 mil no biggie) but it includes revenue sharing and posting on YouTube! Gotta diversify am I right? Cooper dipped and signed with SiriusXM but guess what? They're still on Spotify! Because why not? Gotta get those streams!

The Partner Program: A Win Win?

Even if shows aren't exclusive they can still join the Spotify Partner Program and make some moolah. Every time an ad plays during their episode or Premium subscribers watch dynamic video ads they get paid. It's like free money! (Okay not *free* but you get the idea.) It's a sweet deal for podcasters and it keeps Spotify stocked with content. Smart move Spotify smart move. Reminds me of getting gifted subs always a good feeling!

Patreon and YouTube Flexing Their Cash Muscles

Of course Spotify isn't the only player in the game. Patreon claims they paid out almost half a *billion* to podcasters in 2024. Whoa! And YouTube? Don't even get me started. They paid out $70 BILLION to creators between 2021 and 2024. That's enough money to buy like ALL the boba tea in the world. It makes you wonder what the ceiling of podcasting even is? Insane!

Is It Enough? (Spoiler Alert: Probably Not)

So Spotify's paying out millions but is it enough? Probably not! Creators are always looking for better deals and more ways to monetize their content. Remember what I always say 'Content is queen!' and the queen deserves to get paid. Period. Full Stop. Now if you'll excuse me I'm gonna go negotiate my own deals. Peace out besties!