Audio streaming service Spotify is continuing its aggressive push towards podcasts through a new multi-year deal with Warner Bros and DC.
As per the deal, Spotify will produce and distribute an original slate of narrative scripted podcasts around the DC Universe. While the terms of the deal were not disclosed, Spotify said that it is committed to an annual slate of new dramatic and comedic podcasts that Warner Bros. will develop and produce.
Spotify will also get first look rights at original scripted narrative DC podcasts based on its stable of superheroes like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and supervillains like Harley Quinn, and the Joker. The company will also tap into Warner Bros.’ broader collection of classic titles for additional series.
“Spotify’s deep engagement with its consumers and commitment to prioritizing their podcast vertical makes them an ideal partner in this endeavor. We’re excited to bring beloved characters and franchises from DC and Warner Bros. into this new world and to use our storytelling prowess to redefine what’s possible in the scripted audio space” said Warner Bros executives Robert Steele and Peter Girardi, in a joint statement.
Read: Covid-19 lockdown is changing how people listen to music on Spotify
Warner Bros will co-develop and produce the programming in collaboration with Spotify who will be responsible for the marketing, advertising, and distribution of the shows exclusively on its platform.
“As we continue to see growth in podcasting around the world, we are thrilled to partner with Warner Bros. to build this slate of programming drawn from the worlds of DC and WB,” said Dawn Ostroff, Chief Content and Advertising Business Officer, Spotify.
This deal comes on the heels of the streaming service signing an exclusive podcast deal with Kim Kardashian West, according to a Wall Street Journal report. It said that Kim Kardashian West and television producer Lori Rothschild Ansaldi will co-produce and co-host this criminal-justice podcast.
Last month, Spotify struck a multi-year exclusive licensing deal with comedian Joe Rogan to move his podcast to its platform for a reported $100 million. It also acquired The Ringer, a podcast and media firm by sports personality Bill Simmons for about $200 million in February this year. Spotify’s other podcast-oriented purchases include Gimlet, Anchor, and Parcast.
Read: Podcasts find their voice during Covid-19 pandemic
In India, the Swedish streaming service announced a slate of 12 new India original podcasts last month, including content from spoken-word audio and podcast network Aawaz and radio channels Radio City and Big FM. This was after releasing its first slate of three local original podcasts last year.
Spotify competes with players like Gaana*, JioSaavn, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Bytedance’s Resso, and Hungama.
*Disclosure: Gaana was incubated by Times Internet that owns ETtech
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