In this episode, we sit down with Jordan Newman, Spotify’s Head of Content Partnerships, to break down the massive updates to the Spotify Partner Program. From lowered eligibility thresholds to video consumption payments that are beating advertising rates, Jordan explains how creators can stabilize their income in 2026.

Plus, we dive into Adam Mosseri’s controversial take on why the "aesthetic" Instagram feed is dead and how AI is forcing a return to raw authenticity.

It's 2026, so lean in and let's go.

What you’ll learn:

-- How to qualify for Spotify’s expanded monetization program.

-- Why Spotify's "consumption-based" payouts are higher than traditional ads.

-- The truth about the "AI vs. Authenticity" debate on social media.

-- New tools for managing baked-in sponsorships on Spotify.

00:00 Teaser

00:26 It's 2026!

01:44 Stranger Things Theatrical Release

04:40 Is Hollywood Dying?

06:33 The End of the Perfect Feed

09:21 AI vs. Authenticity

13:41 Jordan Newman Interview

14:40 Spotify Partner Program Updates

16:57 New Eligibility Thresholds

18:15 How Consumption Payments Work

21:05 Solving Baked-In Ads

22:02 Breaking the Walled Garden

24:16 Spotify’s New Video Studio

25:38 Are Spotify RPMs Higher?

30:04 Video vs. Audio Advertising

35:06 Golden Globes Predictions

39:06 MrBeast x Starbucks

Creator Upload is your creator economy podcast, hosted by Lauren Schnipper and Joshua Cohen.

Follow Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schnipper/

Follow Josh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuajcohen/

Original music by London Bridge: https://www.instagram.com/londonbridgemusic/

Edited and produced by Adam Conner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamonbrand