Spotify pivots from podcasts, but have they learnt from their mistakes?

We know Sascha is a sucker for pop-culture news, and isn't too ashamed to admit that she clicked on all the headlines announcing the end of Spotify’s deal with a certain royal couple. But this snarky celebrity headline is part of a much much larger pivot. We’ve seen an end to similar personality-led podcast deals - last year, the Obama’s quietly stepped away from renewing their agreement, and instead took their production company Higher Ground across to Audible. And last month Spotify announced the decision to restructure its podcast division - laying off 200 jobs, and merging Parcast and Gimlet media - with their own inhouse Spotify Studios. These were two podcast houses the company spent millions of dollars acquiring. Instead, they've declared a new move to advertising. Today Sascha is joined by Amrita from The Verge to ask - as Spotify learn from their podcasting mistakes as they decide to lean in to advertising? To read more of Amrita's writing, click here. Want more Equity Mates? Click here. In the spirit of reconciliation, Equity Mates Media and the hosts of The Dive acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today. *****This podcast is intended for education and entertainment purposes. Any advice is general advice only, and has not taken into account your personal financial circumstances, needs or objectives. Before acting on general advice, you should consider if it is relevant to your needs and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement. And if you are unsure, please speak to a financial professional. Equity Mates Media operates under Australian Financial Services Licence 540697.The Dive is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.