The Obamas are heading to Spotify.
President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have scored a deal with Apple’s biggest rival in the music streaming business to create a series of exclusive podcasts.
Apple tried to recruit the Obamas to make original TV shows, films and documentaries for Apple TV+ last year. The company eventually lost out to Netflix. There’s no word on whether or not Apple made a bid for the Obama’s podcasts. Apple hasn’t done much in the podcast space recently though so it could have been a decent consolation prize.
Spotify reached a multiyear agreement with the Obamas’ production company, Higher Ground Productions. The couple will develop, produce and lend their voice to select podcasts, according to Variety. Podcasts will be available to both paid Spotify subscribers and users of its ad-supported tier.
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to amplify voices that are too often ignored or silenced altogether, and through Spotify, we can share those stories with the world,” said Michelle Obama in a statement. “Our hope is that through compelling, inspirational storytelling, Higher Ground Audio will not only produce engaging podcasts, but help people connect emotionally and open up their minds — and their hearts.”
There’s no word on which topics the podcasts will cover. Spotify wouldn’t say whether we can expect political commentary but said there will be a “diverse slate” of podcasts.
