Joe Rogan, renowned for his Joe Rogan Experience podcast, has inked a multiyear deal potentially worth $250 million, shifting away from Spotify’s exclusive platform.
The revamped deal allows the podcast to extend beyond Spotify, landing on popular services like Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube. Spotify’s shares surged approximately 2% following the announcement.
The contract encompasses an upfront minimum guarantee and a revenue-sharing arrangement tied to ad sales. Spotify will manage ad sales and distribution for a more widespread reach, contributing to the platform’s ad-driven revenue model.
With over 2,200 episodes to date, Rogan’s show has become a staple in the podcast landscape. In a blog post, he described the discussions on his podcast as “a kind of mental nourishment.” Originally a Spotify exclusive since 2020, this shift marks a significant change in the podcast’s distribution strategy.
Joe Rogan: Controversial Backlash
Rogan has faced criticism for spreading Covid-19 misinformation and conspiracy theories. Musicians like Neil Young and Joni Mitchell boycotted Spotify in 2022 over Rogan’s anti-vax comments. Despite controversies, Spotify has consistently supported Rogan, pulling in millions of listeners for his most popular episodes.
Despite previous challenges and calls for action against Rogan, Spotify has remained unwavering in its backing. The platform’s decision to broaden the podcast’s distribution underscores its confidence in the show’s enduring popularity.
In a media landscape filled with evolving content distribution models, Rogan’s move reflects the podcast industry’s dynamism, with creators leveraging multi-platform availability for wider audience engagement.