Spotify Live Shuts Down, The Obamas Sign New Podcast Deal, and iHeart Signs Top Wellness Podcast

In recent years, live audio seemed poised to be the next big thing in the entertainment industry. Audio-only platforms like Clubhouse and locker-room drew millions of users eager for on-demand access to live discussions, interviews, and performances. However, in recent months, leading streaming giant Spotify has shown how the live audio boom has gone bust. Despite investing millions of dollars to expand its live audio offerings, the company’s recent decision to shut down its live-audio-focused app is evidence that the hype around live audio may have been short-lived. In this article, we explore the rise and fall of the live audio trend and its implications for the future of entertainment.


This article is from Hot Pod, a newsletter by The Verge that covers podcasting and the audio industry. The article discusses some recent news, including the shutdown of Spotify Live, the Obamas’ new podcast distribution deal with Acast, and iHeart’s signing of On Purpose with Jay Shetty. The article notes that live audio has struggled since the peak of Clubhouse in mid-2021, with platforms like Twitter Spaces and Amazon’s Amp being less successful. Despite this, Acast’s deal with Higher Ground is seen as a win for the company. The article concludes by discussing iHeart’s approach to podcast distribution, which focuses on broad distribution rather than exclusivity.


In conclusion, the decline in the live audio market for Spotify is reflective of the uncertain times we are living in. While many had hoped for a surge in demand for live audio content as people spend more time at home, it seems that the reality has been quite different. However, it’s important to note that this does not mean the end of live audio altogether. As the world continues to adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic, new opportunities may arise for live audio to once again flourish. Until that time, it’s up to companies like Spotify to continue innovating and finding ways to engage listeners with fresh and exciting content that keep them coming back for more.