Joe Rogan, the popular yet controversial podcast host, has signed a new exclusive partnership with Spotify worth up to a reported $250 million. The streaming platform announced on Friday that “The Joe Rogan Experience” will continue to be available only on Spotify under the renewed multi-year deal.
Rogan has built one of the most popular podcasts in the world, drawing millions of listeners to his long-form conversations with an eclectic mix of guests including comedians, MMA fighters, authors, and political commentators. His show routinely tops Spotify’s podcast charts.
Rogan has hosted notable guests like Dave Chappelle, Dwayne Johnson, Robert Downey Jr., Quentin Tarantino, Miley Cyrus, Snoop Dogg Jewel Eddie Izzard Mike Tyson Post Malone and Zach Bryan as guests on his podcasts. According to Rogan in an interview with Spotify:“It’s always from a place of ‘I think it would be cool to talk to that person.’”
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However, Rogan’s crude humor and willingness to engage fringe theories have made him a magnet for controversy. Last year, musicians including Neil Young boycotted Spotify in protest of COVID misinformation spread on Rogan’s show. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek condemned Rogan’s use of racial slurs but ultimately decided not to part ways with the podcaster.
While divisive, Rogan offers incredible value to Spotify as the streaming platform competes in the podcast market. The advertising revenue and subscription growth driven by exclusive content like “The Joe Rogan Experience” make the partnership lucrative for Spotify despite persistent controversies.
Rogan commented on the deal, “These conversations have changed the way I think about life immeasurably and continue to do so.” His show will remain free to access for Spotify’s 180 million premium subscribers.
It’s a high-stakes gamble for Spotify to continue tying its brand to the unpredictable Rogan. But the streaming company is betting Rogan’s audience, fame, and conversational style are too valuable to let go of over controversies. The market seems to agree – Spotify’s stock price rose nearly 2% after announcing the record renewal.
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