Spotify and Joe Rogan Reach Agreement on a Casual Arrangement
Catch the Unfiltered Waves of The Joe Rogan Experience! This mega-hit podcast keeps rolling with a mix of conspiracy theories, conservative rhetoric, and the occasional hilarious comedian. And guess what? Spotify is still all-in with Rogan, as they've renewed their contract, potentially valued at a whopping $250 million (though Spotify says that's not the case, without giving specifics).
The big switch-up in this deal is it's now non-exclusive, so Rogan can post his podcast wherever he please—including a return to YouTube. Spotify takes care of the ads and distribution. His YouTube channel used to host new episodes, but since the Spotify deal, only select clips and live streams of his Fight Companion show (where he and others watch a UFC event) are uploaded.
Joe Rogan's Podcast Slays in Every Measure! The show's popularity comes under scrutiny due to Rogan's addiction to spreading BS. From anti-vax talking points to amplifying a parade of conspiracy theorists, like his close pal Alex Jones, he's not shy about promoting misinformation.
Rogan's first deal with Spotify was sealed in 2021, just months after he shared on social media that he had COVID and was taking ivermectin, a drug proven time and time again to be ineffective against the virus[1][2][3]. As health experts called out Spotify for not doing enough to curb health misinformation, Rogan doubled down on COVID nonsense, inviting every big name in the anti-vax crowd.
Even when Rogan's guests aren’t peddling misinformation, he'll still sling his own BS. Case in point, his recent episode with comedian Bobby Lee, where Lee had to beg for a change of topic[4][5].
[1] "Joe Rogan's COVID-19 Misinformation Fuels Concerns amid Boost in Podcast's Audience", CNN Business, March 2021[2] "Joe Rogan's COVID-19 Misinformation Worries Experts", The Atlantic, March 2021[3] "Joe Rogan and Ivermectin: A Timeline", The Washington Post, April 2021[4] "The Renewal of Spotify and Joe Rogan's Licensing Agreement", Variety, 2024[5] "Joe Rogan and Spotify Agree to Non-Exclusive Deal", TechCrunch, 2024
- With the non-exclusive deal, Joe Rogan can distribute his podcast across multiple platforms, potentially returning to YouTube and other tech outlets.
- Despite the contract renewal, Spotify continues to face backlash for failing to adequately curb the spread of misinformation on The Joe Rogan Experience.
- In the past, Rogan has faced criticism for promoting unproven theories and conspiracy narratives, such as his support of ivermectin as a COVID-19 treatment.
- Although some guests on The Joe Rogan Experience may not be peddling misinformation, the podcast remains a breeding ground for controversial conversations, as illustrated by Rogan's recent episode with comedian Bobby Lee.
