When it comes to podcasting, it’s hard to think of a bigger name in the field than comedian Joe Rogan. The stand up and UFC commentator was a pioneer in the podcast world, and has become one of the biggest to ever do it. With over 8 million subscribers on YouTube, and millions more on various podcasting outlets, Rogan has spent the last ten plus years cultivating his own brand of interviews and content. Now, Rogan has made a huge move not only for himself, but for the industry as a whole, and this may very well change the business forever.
Rogan and Spotify jointly announced today that by the end of the year, The Joe Rogan Experience Podcast will be exclusively on the Spotify platform, but audio and video formats. And, while no official number has been announced as of yet, it is believed that it was a $100 million deal. Rogan took to Instagram to announce what’s to come.
“Announcement: the podcast is moving to Spotify! Starting on September 1 the podcast will be available on Spotify as well as all platforms, and then at the end of the year it will move exclusively to Spotify, including the video version. It will remain free, and it will be the exact same show. It’s just a licensing deal, so Spotify won’t have any creative control over the show. They want me to just continue doing it the way I’m doing it right now. We will still have clips up on YouTube but full versions of the show will only be on Spotify after the end of the year. I’m excited to have the support of the largest audio platform in the world and I hope you folks are there when we make the switch!”
Spotify made a similar announcement on their own site.
“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 key to all of this is the full creative control remaining with Rogan. For years, Rogan has been adamant about quality of content over dollars made. He knows what he wants to do, and quite frankly doesn’t care if it works or not. So, giving even a little control to a corporation just doesn’t fit his mold at all. Spotify sees the value in what Joe brings to the industry, and has decided to let him continue on his own way, unrestricted.
There has been an interesting shift in media lately. TikTok is the number one social media platform, streamers on Twitch are jumping ship to Mixr, and YouTube may just be pushing their biggest creators out the door as well. If this move truly works, especially on the video side of things, could we see a mass exodus from YouTube and its major restrictions to Spotify. Only time will tell, but the first brick is laid with the JRE moving at the end of the year.
What do you think of this huge deal? Let us know in the comments below!