Spotify says strong user growth and product updates are driving engagement across podcasts, music and audiobooks.
The platform reported 761 million monthly active users in the first quarter of 2026, up 12% year on year, alongside continued growth in podcast listening and discovery tools.
Premium subscribers rose to 293 million, an increase of 9%, while total revenue reached €4.5 billion, up 14% on a constant currency basis. Operating income hit €715 million, with gross margin improving to 33%.
Alex Norström, Co-CEO said: “We surpassed 760 million MAU, delivered on the subscriber growth we aimed to achieve, and saw healthy engagement from existing users, reactivations and new users alike.”
He added that users in markets including the United States are listening and watching more frequently following updates to the free experience.
Spotify also expanded several features affecting podcast discovery. Its Prompted Playlist tool, which allows users to describe what they want to hear, now includes podcasts as well as music for Premium users in North America.
New tools such as Taste Profile and SongDNA are designed to improve personalisation and help users better understand and shape their listening habits. Audiobook Charts have also launched in the UK and US, offering weekly rankings by genre.
Gustav Söderström, Co-CEO, said the company’s investment in personalisation and creator tools positions it for further growth across formats and engagement.
Podcasting remained part of wider creator support efforts, with updates to the Spotify Partner Program aimed at helping creators build sustainable businesses.
The company also highlighted industry recognition, including a podcast winning a new Golden Globe category.
Beyond content, Spotify introduced new advertising formats and tools to help brands connect with audiences, alongside continued partnerships supporting creators and the wider audio industry.
The company says its focus remains on expanding user engagement and supporting creators across podcasts, music and emerging formats.
You can read the full earnings report here.
