Spotify now have the biggest podcaster in the world under their belt, the pathway to the #1 podcasting platform is clear.
When Spotify made their podcast intentions clear a few years ago, there was one whale that they needed to land. Joe Rogan is the king of podcasts, currently close to his 1500th episode – there is no major competitor in the podcasting game.
This is a massive get for Spotify, which has made podcasting a core focus. It acquired Gimlet Media, Anchor, and Parcast last year, to start, and then signed more Spotify-exclusive deals. It’s working with the Obamas’ production company exclusively and committed to deals with other big names, like Joe Budden and Amy Schumer, and acquired The Ringer.
Since its launch in 2009, the pioneering Joe Rogan Experience (JRE) has broken ground and built one of the most loyal and engaged fan bases in the world. Rogan brings his sensibilities as a stand-up comic to the show, and alongside dynamic and diverse guests, he fearlessly broaches far-ranging topics including neuroscience, sports, comedy, health, infectious disease, and our ever-changing culture—all with a mix of curiosity and humor.
The episodes will remain free through Spotify, although viewers/listeners will need to be a Spotify member. The video will also be available through the platform as well. The sense of community found through YouTube will likely be lost, as Spotify does not have a comment section or other tools like YouTube.
It this time it’s not clear what will happen with the Fight Companion series and whether that will also come to Spotify, however it’s being said that clips from the video version will still be posted on his other YouTube channel JRE Clips.
Insiders have stated that a deal upwards of $100 million will bring the MMA commentator to the new king of podcasting; Spotify. The news sent Spotify shares surging higher, up as much as 11% to $179.42 in afternoon trading.
The JRE will debut on Spotify on September 1, 2020, including all past episodes and become exclusively available on the platform later this year. Follow it here.Â