Spotify Memberships: paid podcast memberships launch in Poland and elsewhere

Spotify has announced Memberships – a new system of paid podcast memberships. As the website Antyweb reported on 20 October 2026, it allows listeners to support chosen shows directly in the app, without using external platforms such as Patreon.

Where and from when

The new feature is debuting simultaneously in 34 markets, including Poland. The rollout is happening in waves, so not every user will see the new options straight away. The feature only works for podcasts whose creators have opted for paid membership.

What creators can offer

According to Antyweb, membership is meant to offer more than extra episodes. Creators can make available exclusive audio and video material that is not public, early access to new releases, archive recordings and episodes with fewer ads.

Each creator decides the scope of the benefits, the number of tiers and the prices. To join, a listener opens the page of the chosen podcast and selects the subscription option. After payment, the additional content is unlocked automatically in Spotify.

Rules for listeners

The new option is available to both users of the free version of Spotify and Premium subscribers. However, membership is not part of Premium and requires a separate payment for each podcast. Subscriptions renew automatically and can be cancelled. Antyweb notes that it is not possible to apply for a refund, because most of the amount goes to the creator.

Terms for creators

Spotify is encouraging podcasters to use its own system, promising that they will keep 90% of membership revenue. There is, however, an entry threshold: a podcast must have at least three published episodes, 100 listeners or viewers and 100 hours of playback in the last 30 days. The details are to be described on the Spotify for Creators site.

What this means for you

The source says the feature is launching in 34 markets but does not list them all. So we cannot tell from this material whether or when it will appear in the UK. Listeners of Polish podcasts may also want to bear one thing in mind: paid membership renews automatically and is billed separately for each show, so it is worth keeping an eye on your subscriptions.