Spotify has just announced the global launch of its new video podcasts. At launch, the new feature allows both free users and Premium subscribers to access the video content from a select group of creator podcasts. Spotify says that listeners will be able to listen to or watch those podcasts.
The feature is supported on both the desktop and mobile app. The creator-made videos will begin playing automatically and sync with your audio feed. When multitasking between apps, the audio will continue to play in the background as you use other apps or lock your phone. The video complements the audio so users can download the audio on their device ad listen to shows offline if they wish.
For creators, the video podcasts feature will enable them to connect more meaningfully with their listeners, expand viewership, and deepen audience engagement. Creators will be able to publish directly on Spotify, rather than upload just the audio podcast to Spotify and then publish their videos on the likes of YouTube as before. The podcasts will be a variety of originals, exclusive and third-party podcasts. Last week, Spotify revealed that Michelle Obama’s first podcast is a Spotify exclusive and will be available to listen to from July 29.
Video also opens up space for selling adverts but Spotify told TechCrunch it is still in the “early stages” of its video efforts.
Select podcasts are available to listen to today, including Book of Basketball 2.0, Fantasy Footballers, The Misfits Podcast, H3 Podcast, The Morning Toast, Higher Learning with Van Lathan & Rachel Lindsay, and The Rooster Teeth Podcast. These will be available in all markets where podcasts are supported said Spotify. Spotify says it will continue to expand the feature.
