Spotify opens video podcasts to all creators on ‘rolling basis’

Spotify is encouraging all podcasters to add video to their shows on the platform — but some creators will have to wait before they can get access to “vodcasts,” reports Variety.

Starting Thursday, anyone will be able to apply for access to video uploading features in Anchor, Spotify’s free self-publishing podcast division, which will distribute the episodes directly on Spotify. (Creators can apply at this link.)

Access to vodcasts will launch on a “rolling basis” with select creators, including existing podcasters who are expanding into video, as well as video creators looking to extend their offering to Spotify listeners, the company said. Spotify most recently said it hosts more than 2.9 million podcasts.

The audio-streaming giant first launched video podcasts in July 2020. With video podcasts, “fans can get to know their favorite podcast hosts even better, and creators can connect with their audiences in a much deeper way,” Spotify said in announcing the expanded availability of the feature.

Spotify said it has found that users want the option to switch between audio-only and video depending on what they’re doing and what they’re listening to. In the Spotify mobile app, video-enabled podcasts can be viewed in full-screen mode and listeners can switch back to audio only at any time. Spotify’s vodcasts also will be viewable on its desktop app, web player, and most smart TVs and video-game consoles.