The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, are the next big names to be engaged in the Spotify podcast empire. The two, along with Spotify, announced the podcasting deal today, along with the news that they have launched their own audio production company called Archewell Audio. Harry and Meghan will host their own podcasts and produce other programs that have not been detailed. Their shows will launch next year, although this month there will be a holiday special with the couple and other guests. Harry’s podcast could focus on veteran issues, while Meghan further analyzes gender equality.
This movement closely reflects another famous political couple: the Obamas. They launched their own production company, Higher Ground, and also signed a deal with Spotify. Michelle Obama’s podcast debuted last summer as an exclusive, but later became more widely available. It is unclear if the same could happen with the Duke and Duchess shows.
This new production deal continues with Spotify’s fundraising for big names and talent in the podcasting space. He has already moved Joe Rogan’s show to his platform exclusively and is also working with Kim Kardashian West, among others, as the DC Comics brand. The strategy is, of course, to encourage people to download and use Spotify regularly to listen to their favorite stars. With many of these shows only to be released later this year, it’s unclear how well this tactic works, though Spotify continues to add new users monthly.