Chapter 1: The power of Spotify ads

Today’s digital media consumer switches between audio and video any number of times throughout their day—from listening to a favourite playlist during a workout or commute, to watching video content on a lunch break or at home on the couch.

This trend is reflected on Spotify. While audio has long been our media staple, we’re now seeing a significant surge in video engagement, too. In fact, time spent with video on Spotify increased 44% overall—and 81% among Gen Zs specifically—year over year¹, driven by video podcasts.

For advertisers, this trend presents an opportunity to connect with audiences through new and exciting combinations of ad formats.

We recommend a multi-format approach to help you reach and engage listeners in different contexts, during different types of activities, and at different points in the customer journey.

Audio and beyond

Fans interact with the Spotify app for many reasons. Sure, they come to listen to their favourite music and podcasts—but they also spend time changing songs, discovering new music, curating a playlist, reading lyrics, and searching for what they want to play next. In short, Spotify users actively—and frequently—engage with the app while streaming content.

Video ads are only served when the app is in focus. Meaning advertisers can be confident their carefully crafted ads are heard and seen.

What's more, research shows that audio + video campaigns perform better than audio-only campaigns.²