Spotify posted third-quarter revenue of €5.0 billion alongside an audience reach of 788 million monthly active users, according to results released on October 22. The reported revenue figure—rounded from €4.969 billion in the company’s shareholder presentation—marks a 16% increase year-on-year, or 14% on a constant-currency basis.
The Stockholm-based audio platform reported 306 million Premium subscribers for the period, reflecting a 9% rise from the previous year. Alongside the user milestones, the shareholder presentation detailed €4.487 billion in Premium revenue and €482 million in ad-supported revenue. Operating income reached €672 million, while the company’s gross margin stood at 33.0%.
Those financial categories offer a distinct view of the business separate from user growth totals. Spotify noted that certain revenue-generating activities shifted from the ad-supported segment to Premium on January 1, 2026, following internal management reporting changes. Earlier financial periods in the presentation were reclassified accordingly to ensure like-for-like comparability.
Spotify Rolls Out Podcast Memberships Across 34 Markets
Days before the earnings release, Spotify rolled out podcast Memberships on October 20 across 34 initial markets. The feature enables eligible creators to offer combinations of bonus episodes, exclusive audio and video, and early access through multiple pricing tiers.
Both Free and Premium users can access a show’s membership options in supported regions, though purchasing a membership remains entirely separate from holding a Spotify Premium subscription. Creators retain 90% of the membership revenue they generate, subject to market rules and program eligibility.
The membership tools operate alongside the Spotify Partner Program, which the company expanded during the autumn to more than 35 new markets, including Spain, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. That program encompasses Premium video revenue, advertising opportunities, and embedded sponsorship management tools that allow creators to keep sponsorship earnings directly. For participating video podcasts, the structure removes dynamic ads for Premium users while preserving the creator’s personal sponsorship messages.
Co-CEOs Lead Third-Quarter Results Under Founder Daniel Ek
The third-quarter results were under co-CEOs Alex Norström and Gustav Söderström, who began those roles in January 2026. Founder Daniel Ek serves separately as executive chairman.
On the listener side, Spotify launched a Taste Profile beta in September for eligible adult Premium users in the U.S. following prior testing in New Zealand. The tool gives users direct control over their Home recommendations, allowing them to review the platform’s interpretation of their listening interests across music, podcasts, and audiobooks.
