Spotify Q3 2026 Earnings: Growing User Base and New Creator Revenue Streams

Spotify reported 306 million Premium subscribers on October 22, growing its paying audience by 9% alongside a total of 788 million monthly active users.

Revenue Increased 16% with Operating Income at €672 Million

The streaming platform posted headline revenue of €5.0 billion, capturing €4.969 billion in its formal shareholder presentation. Reported revenue increased 16% year on year, or 14% on a constant-currency basis.

Operating income reached €672 million for the period, while gross margin landed at 33.0%. These metrics measure different facets of the underlying business, separating total volume from profitability and direct costs.

Splitting those revenue categories reveals €4.487 billion from Premium subscriptions and €482 million from the ad-supported segment. Management reporting changes on January 1 shifted specific revenue-generating activities between those two segments, prompting reclassifications across earlier comparative periods.

Creators Retain 90% of Revenue Through New Podcast Memberships

Spotify launched podcast Memberships on October 20 across 34 markets to give creators new monetization options. Eligible shows can bundle exclusive audio or video, bonus episodes, and early access across multiple price tiers.

Both Free and Premium users can access these membership options where supported. Creators retain 90% of the revenue generated through these direct fan offerings.

This rollout operates alongside the broader Spotify Partner Program, which expanded to over 35 new markets during the autumn months. That program covers Premium video revenue, targeted advertising, and embedded sponsorships managed directly by creators.

Co-CEOs Lead Company as New Taste Profile Beta Launches

The company operated this quarter under co-CEOs Alex Norström and Gustav Söderström, who began those roles in January. Founder Daniel Ek continues to serve as executive chairman.

Platform updates also targeted listener controls through a Taste Profile beta introduced in September for U.S. Premium users. The tool lets listeners review and guide Home recommendations across music, podcasts, and audiobooks.