Amazon has launched a long-awaited podcast-hosting platform within its Amazon Music streaming service, in a bid to compete with the likes of Apple and Spotify.
Millions of podcast episodes are now available for free within Amazon Music in the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Japan — and can be accessed whether or not listeners are paying Amazon Music subscribers. (Amazon Music offers both ad-supported and paid tiers, with an ad-free membership coming complete with an Amazon Prime subscription). Podcasts will be available via the Amazon Music app on Android and iOS, on the web, and via Amazon’s Echo smart speakers.
In terms of podcasts, Amazon will offer both original and existing shows. In terms of originals, the ecommerce giant has enlisted DJ Khaled, Becky G, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, and Dan Patrick. And in terms of non-exclusive hits, Amazon will host longstanding favorites like Crime Junkie, What A Day, Radiolab, Revisionist History, Planet Money, Ear Hustle, and Stuff You Should Know.
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In The First One, DJ Khaled will interview his favorite artists, while Becky G’s En La Sala will unpack important issues facing the Latinx community, with each episode dedicated to a different nonprofit and comprising a charitable donation. Sports broadcaster Dan Patrick will interview top Hollywood stars to dissect memorable movie scenes in The Scene With Dan Patrick, produced in collaboration with Amazon-owned IMDb. Details about the Smiths’ podcast — produced by their Westbrook Audio studio and Amazon-owned Audible — are still under wraps.
Finally, beginning next February, Amazon will also serve as the exclusive home for Disgraceland, a series that explores the intersection between music and true crime.
“Our customers’ listening habits are constantly evolving, and we know they’re looking to us to provide them with a rich experience rooted in music and entertainment,” Amazon Music VP Steve Boom said in a statement. “With this launch, we’re bringing customers even more forms of entertainment to enjoy, while enabling creators to reach new audiences globally, just as we’ve done with music streaming.”
