Spotify tipped to offer its own paid podcast subscription option

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If the rumours are true, it looks like Spotify will also launch its paid podcast subscription option. And according to the Wall Street Journal's sources, Spotify might unveil this service "next week," which would come at the tail of Apple's paid podcast subscription announcement. But unlike its rival, Spotify supposedly wouldn't charge a fee or take a cut of each membership. The podcasters will set their own prices.

Those who use Spotify's iOS app will reportedly get steered to a website to complete the transaction, which would deny Apple of its "App Store tax." Spotify hasn't confirmed these rumours, but according to the company's chief content and ad business officer Dawn Ostroff, there was "room for everybody" in the audio space.

Source: Engadget

Apple Podcasts eases confusion, swaps 'subscribe' for 'follow'

Source: 9to5Mac

Apple is making a small change in its Podcasts app that might have a significant impact. The service follows in the footsteps of the likes of Spotify and Audible by using the term "follow" instead of "subscribe" when inviting users to keep tabs on their favourite podcasts. The new wording will arrive in iOS 14.5, which is expected to come out later this month. 

The small change might seem insignificant to you. But it could affect the podcast industry. To those who don't listen to podcasts, the word "subscribe" suggests you need to pay to follow a show you're listening to, similar to what you do with subscription services. Instead, you're just planning to follow that show to make sure you don't miss updates.  

Source: Podnews

Amazon Music launches podcasts in Canada

Source: Amazon

Amazon Music announces the launch of podcasts in Canada, across all tiers of service at no additional cost. For the first time, customers will be able to stream top podcasts they already know and love, as well as new, original shows produced exclusively for Amazon Music and hosted by creators including DJ Khaled, Becky G, Will Smith, Dan Patrick, Jake Brennan, and more. Amazon Music customers can access podcasts in the Amazon Music app for iOS and Android, on Amazon Echo devices, and at amazon.ca/podcasts. 

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Apple might offer a podcast subscription service

Reports are going around that Apple might be open to offering a podcast subscription service. The company is reportedly in talks with its partners to launch this service. It would make sense for the company to provide this service as Apple has helped popularize podcasts through iPod and iTunes. But it hasn't attempted to make money from the format. 

With the company now heavily relying on subscription-based offerings to help with its bottom line, this rumour doesn't seem so farfetched. You also have to think about how much its competitors like Spotify and Amazon are investing in podcasts and exclusive deals. It makes sense for this to be another revenue source. Back in May 2020, Bloomberg reported that Apple was looking into buying podcasts and turning them into exclusives, as well as developing spinoffs and companion podcasts for its Apple TV+ shows and movies.

Source: Engadget + MacRumors