Spotify has announced a new multi-year partnership deal with podcast host Joe Rogan, whose show, "The Joe Rogan Experience," will soon be available on competing platforms such as YouTube and Apple Podcasts. The show had been exclusive to Spotify since 2020 under a prior multimillion-dollar deal. While the financial details of the new contract were not disclosed by Spotify, The Wall Street Journal reported that it could be worth up to $250 million over its multiyear term, including an upfront minimum guarantee and a revenue-sharing agreement based on ad sales.
Joe Rogan's podcast has gained a large following over the years, with his long and wide-ranging interviews with various guests, including comedians, athletes, scientists, and more. Rogan described the show as an "actual organic conversation" that has changed the way he thinks about life. However, the show has also been a source of controversy for Spotify. In 2022, the company faced pressure to drop Rogan over his anti-coronavirus vaccine comments and use of racial slurs. Some musicians, such as Neil Young, even pulled their music from the platform in protest. In response, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek condemned Rogan's racist language but stated that he did not believe silencing him was the solution.
The new partnership deal with Spotify comes as Rogan's show expands its reach to other platforms, potentially reaching a wider audience. Spotify's shares closed up nearly 2% on Friday following the announcement. The deal highlights the ongoing popularity and influence of podcasting as a medium, with major platforms like Spotify investing significant resources in securing exclusive content and partnerships.