What is Spotify?
Spotify is a major music and podcast streaming platform with over 500 million users globally. Unlike traditional podcast apps that stream from your RSS feed, Spotify hosts its own copy of your audio, providing unique analytics but also distinct measurement considerations.
Spotify's Podcast Model
| Aspect | Traditional Apps | Spotify |
|---|---|---|
| Audio hosting | Your CDN | Spotify's servers |
| Download counting | Your analytics | Spotify's metrics |
| Playback tracking | Limited | Detailed |
| User data | Anonymous | Logged-in users |
Spotify for Podcasters
Spotify's podcaster dashboard provides:
Unique metrics:
- Streams and starts (different from downloads)
- Average listen duration
- Episode completion percentage
- Listener demographics (age, gender when available)
- Geographic breakdown
- Peak listening times
Features:
- Q&A and polls for listener engagement
- Video podcast support
- Music + talk show format
- Spotify-exclusive content options
Spotify vs Apple Comparison
| Factor | Spotify | Apple |
|---|---|---|
| Market share | ~25-30% | ~35-40% |
| User base | Younger, music-focused | Broader, podcast-native |
| Metrics | Detailed in-app | Download + consumption |
| Monetization | Spotify Ad Studio available | Apple Subscriptions available |
| Distribution | Ingests your RSS | Reads your RSS |
Submission Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| RSS feed | Valid podcast RSS |
| Enclosure format | MP3, M4A, OGG, or FLAC |
| Artwork | 1400×1400 minimum |
| Content | Must follow Spotify content policies |
Why It Matters
Spotify represents a massive and growing segment of the podcast audience, particularly among younger listeners and international audiences. Ignoring Spotify means missing a substantial portion of potential listeners.
Why Spotify matters:
-
User base: 500+ million users already on the platform for music.
-
Discovery: Music listeners discover podcasts through Spotify's recommendations.
-
International reach: Strong presence in markets where Apple is less dominant.
-
Demographics: Younger audience that may not use traditional podcast apps.
-
Data richness: More listener insights than RSS-based analytics provide.
Strategic considerations:
| Consideration | Implication |
|---|---|
| Separate metrics | Spotify streams don't appear in your hosting analytics |
| Different audience | May have different listening patterns |
| Promotional tools | Spotify's platform offers unique promotional features |
| Exclusivity options | Spotify offers exclusive content deals |
The metrics split:
Your total audience = Hosting analytics + Spotify streams + Apple consumption
(These don't overlap but are measured differently)
Spotify's unique position: Unlike other platforms that simply read your RSS, Spotify creates a relationship with podcasters—offering tools, monetization, and features that make it more than just another directory.
How to Use This in Dispatch
Submit to Spotify for Podcasters from your distribution settings:
Submission process:
- Go to Settings → Distribution
- Click "Submit to Spotify"
- Log in to Spotify for Podcasters (or create account)
- Verify ownership of your RSS feed
- Spotify begins ingesting your episodes
What happens after submission:
- Spotify downloads and hosts copies of your audio
- New episodes appear automatically when you publish
- Analytics become available in Spotify for Podcasters
- Your show appears in Spotify search and recommendations
Timeline:
- Initial ingestion: 1-3 days
- New episodes: Usually within hours of RSS update
- Analytics: Available immediately once listed
Monitoring performance: View Spotify-specific metrics in the Spotify for Podcasters dashboard. These are separate from your hosting analytics and measure streaming behavior rather than downloads.