The podcast industry might be thriving with every person who can afford a mic setup investing in one, however, things are not perfect for the podcast platform at Spotify. In a recent update, Spotify announced layoffs at its podcast studio and The Ringer team. The podcast division layoffs in 2025 were confirmed by Variety, and the report noted that 15 members from the team were cut.
The Spotify Studios and Ringer podcast staff cuts represent a 5% reduction of the division’s headcount. The scale of Spotify’s downsizing in its podcasts division might be small, but it represents a subtle push into different areas of investment at the organization. Reportedly, the funding and new role allocations will still center on podcasts but will promote video-based podcasts instead.
The Spotify layoffs at its podcast divisions are small but of significant note for the employees affected. (Image: Pexels)
Spotify Layoffs at Podcast Studio Confirmed—a Small but Noticeable Shift in Priorities
The podcast division layoffs for 2025 were announced internally on Tuesday, and they represent a 5% reduction across the two divisions previously mentioned. This shift will not bring on the cancellation of any shows so fans can rest easy, but for employees, this news is still upsetting. Spotify has not yet held a company-wide meeting on the changes but it is expected to arrive shortly to inform workers of the change.
This is the first round of cuts witnessed in these specific units since 2023 when Spotify’s downsizing in its podcasts division occurred on a much larger scale. Around 200 podcast staff were affected by the switch, which was a prelude to the 1,500 employees who were let go across the organization later in the year.
Spotify’s decision to conduct layoffs at its podcast studio does not indicate its withdrawal from its goals to build up its podcast services but instead aligns with its purpose of narrowing in on a different angle to podcasts—video-supported content. In the company’s Q1 earnings call earlier in April, CEO Dan Ek clarified that the company wasn’t looking at a complete “pivot” to video but was instead responding to creators’ demands and strategies to build engagement.
Affected Employees Respond to the Podcast Division Layoffs in 2025
Among the employees laid off at the streaming platform, there are a few familiar names and faces to be found. Spotify cut Claire McNear, a senior staff writer, who took to Twitter/X to share her thoughts on the layoffs. “time for an unfortunate media rite of passage: after 9 years at The Ringer, I was laid off this week. I’m gutted to leave, but grateful for my time there, the many wonderful folks I worked with over the years, and all the stories I got to tell.”
The replies were filled with friends and fans who shared in her regret and expressed support for her work at the studios over the years. McNear also replied to the post with the mention of being a “free agent,” hinting that parties interested in working with her should reach out.
Audio producer Jonathan Kermah was also affected by the Spotify layoffs at the podcast studio and shared his thoughts on Twitter/X as well, “It hurts me to say that yesterday I was laid off from the Ringer after five years with the company. At 21 years old I was blessed with the opportunity to be an intern at my favorite website in the world doing work that I love. Who knew that it would turn into a five-year journey.” He also shared some highlights from his career during his time at Spotify, showcasing the legacy he was leaving behind.
Spotify Is Expanding and This Could Create New Roles Soon
From the employee posts, it is apparent that the employees enjoyed their association with Spotify and are disappointed to see their connection with the company severed. This is unsurprising as Spotify has often been referred to as a great place to work, especially considering its continued stance on flexible work opportunities. This stance, in particular, has made Spotify a desirable place to work, with numerous opportunities available for both creative and technical roles within the organization, making it all the more appealing.
Unlike the larger trend of AI-centered cuts, the Spotify layoffs in the podcast studio divisions are not due to an overemphasis on artificial intelligence. This is not to say that the company hasn’t invested in AI at all. The company’s collaboration with Google’s Gemini tool has been a big talking point in the past, but for now, the company is not doing away with its workforce entirely to prioritize AI.
There has been talk of Spotify expanding its studio space across more locations in Los Angeles, which could eventually mean more employment opportunities. Bill Simmons expressed his desire to take up more long-form content in his work with the company, and it’s likely that we’ll see more similar projects arrive in the coming months.
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