Spotify announced the global launch of video podcasts last 21 July. The new feature at launch will allow users, including both free users and paid subscribers, to watch the video content from a select group of creator podcasts.
However, unlike on YouTube, where only paid subscribers can listen to the video content in the background while they do other things on their device, Spotify says its users will be able to seamlessly move between the video version and the audio. When multitasking, audio content will continue to play in the background, even if other apps are being used or even if the user locks their phone.
The video podcasts are supported on both the desktop and mobile app - and video will serve as an additional component, not a replacement for the audio. That means users will still be able to stream the audio or download the podcast for offline listening, if need be.
For creators, the launch of video podcasts represents an opportunity to grow their audience, says Spotify. Often, podcasts already have a video option -- but until now, Spotify offered no way for creators to share it on its platform. That meant podcast creators would distribute their audio podcast on Spotify and other podcast distribution services, but would publish their videos to YouTube. They may continue to do, of course - especially if they've built a YouTube fan base for their work and no deal prevents it.
However, being able to publish directly on Spotify means creators will be able to connect more directly with podcast listeners, rather than having to compete on a broader platform that pits their shows against a wide variety of other content. Video also gives Spotify a new place to sell advertising, but the company declined to comment on its ad strategy, saying it was still in the "early stages" of its video efforts.
Only a handful of podcasts are offered right now, 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 are only available in the markets where podcasts are already supported, Spotify says.
These podcasts include a combination of originals, exclusives and third-party podcasts. Their creators are the only ones that today have the ability to upload their own video content. In the future, Spotify will continue to expand the feature.
However, unlike on YouTube, where only paid subscribers can listen to the video content in the background while they do other things on their device, Spotify says its users will be able to seamlessly move between the video version and the audio. When multitasking, audio content will continue to play in the background, even if other apps are being used or even if the user locks their phone.
The video podcasts are supported on both the desktop and mobile app - and video will serve as an additional component, not a replacement for the audio. That means users will still be able to stream the audio or download the podcast for offline listening, if need be.
For creators, the launch of video podcasts represents an opportunity to grow their audience, says Spotify. Often, podcasts already have a video option -- but until now, Spotify offered no way for creators to share it on its platform. That meant podcast creators would distribute their audio podcast on Spotify and other podcast distribution services, but would publish their videos to YouTube. They may continue to do, of course - especially if they've built a YouTube fan base for their work and no deal prevents it.
However, being able to publish directly on Spotify means creators will be able to connect more directly with podcast listeners, rather than having to compete on a broader platform that pits their shows against a wide variety of other content. Video also gives Spotify a new place to sell advertising, but the company declined to comment on its ad strategy, saying it was still in the "early stages" of its video efforts.
Only a handful of podcasts are offered right now, 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 are only available in the markets where podcasts are already supported, Spotify says.
These podcasts include a combination of originals, exclusives and third-party podcasts. Their creators are the only ones that today have the ability to upload their own video content. In the future, Spotify will continue to expand the feature.
Posts
0 comments
Post a Comment