Understanding engagement metrics on Spotify

Spotify for Creators offers a range of metrics to help you understand how people engage with your show, both on and off Spotify.

• Go to the Analytics tab to check your total metrics
• Go to Episode/Podcast tab and select an episode to see how that episode is performing

Definitions of these metrics and where to find them in Spotify for Creators are below.

For more details on your monetization metrics, check out your Spotify Partner Program monetization analytics and Subscriptions analytics.

• Plays

  The number of times that someone actively watched or listened to your show on Spotify.

  A play is counted once per user per session. If someone plays an episode, pauses it, then resumes playing, we count that as one play.

  Plays are the best way to understand how your episodes are performing.

  We show your episodes' play counts to listeners on the Spotify app when you reach certain milestone.

  You can't hide your play counts - displaying episode play counts helps listeners decide what to watch or listen to.

  
  Where to find it Spotify for Creators:

  • Analytics tab > Overview
  • Episode/Podcast tab
  • Episode/Podcast tab > select an episode > Analytics

• Impressions

  The number of times someone saw your show or episode on Spotify in the last 30 days.

  An impression is counted when your content appeared on someone's screen. We determine this number by looking at multiple signals to capture the person's intent.

  Impressions can help you understand your show's reach, but they don't reflect whether people clicked or played.

  
  Where to find it in Spotify for Creators:

  • Analytics tab > Discovery
  • Episode/Podcast tab > select an episode > Analytics > Discovery

• Consumption hours

  The total number of hours people have spent watching or listening to your episodes on Spotify.

  You can also see your consumption hours per person — the average number of hours each person spends watching or listening to your episodes on Spotify.

  Your consumption hours can help you understand how engaged your audience is with your show.

  
  Where to find it in Spotify for Creators:

  • Analytics tab
  • Episode/Podcast tab > select an episode > Analytics

• Streams (Spotify only)

  The number of times someone watched or listened to your show on Spotify for at least 60 seconds.

  Streams is the closest equivalent to downloads on other podcast platforms.

  Your stream count may be different to your play count. Plays look at signals that suggest the person's intent, and reflects the number of times your audience have actively watched or listened.

  Your stream count factors into Spotify Partner Program eligibility, and is the best to use for consistent advertising measurement across podcast platforms.

  
  Where to find it in Spotify for Creators:

  • Analytics tab > export CSV
  • Episode/Podcast tab > select an episode > Analytics > export CSV

  Note: Spotify Partner Program creators can also find stream data on the Monetize tab.

• Streams and downloads (all listening platforms)

  Note: Only available if you host your show with Spotify for Creators.

  The number of times people downloaded or streamed any of your episodes for at least 60 seconds across all listening platforms.

  
  Where to find it in Spotify for Creators:

  • Analytics tab
  • Episode/Podcast tab > select an episode > Analytics

• Followers

  The number of people who started following your show on Spotify.

  When people follow you, your show is added to their library and they get notified every time you release a new episode.

  
  Where to find it in Spotify for Creators:

  • Analytics tab

Note: In May 2025, we streamlined the analytics experience and removed the Starts metric. Plays and impression data provides a more accurate representation of your reach and overall performance on Spotify.