MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Philippine podcasting scene is undergoing a seismic shift as creators lean into the power of video to redefine how they connect with audiences. Once dominated by audio, the medium is quickly evolving into a more visual, expressive and immersive experience particularly on Spotify, where Filipino creators are leading the charge. Over the past year, the number of local podcasters publishing video episodes on the platform has grown nearly fourfold.
With this rise, the Philippines now ranks among Spotify’s top three video podcast markets in Asia Pacific. The momentum points to a growing appetite for content that feels authentic, immediate and emotionally resonant – an experience video enhances by letting listeners see as well as hear their favorite creators.
“More than just a feature, we’re seeing Filipino creators embrace video as a natural extension of the way they share stories,” says Carl Zuzarte, Head of Studios at Spotify Southeast Asia. “At Spotify, we’re investing in giving them the tools to innovate and connect in more meaningful ways, so their content doesn’t just grow in reach, but resonates even more deeply with their communities.”
More than half of the Philippines’ top 20 podcasts now offer video content on Spotify. This isn’t just a format shift, it’s a storytelling evolution. From subtle eye-rolls during spicy debates to the contagious laughter of hosts mid conversation, video allows audiences to absorb more than words. It’s a layered experience that pulls listeners deeper into the stories being shared.
Monthly video podcast listenership in the country has surged by 35%, signaling a strong audience preference for this enhanced format.
For longtime collaborators Sam YG and DJ Chacha, video was a game changer for their show Lecheng Pag-ibig ‘To. Renowned for their brutally honest takes on love and relationships, the addition of video brought a whole new level of engagement.
“Video makes everything feel more alive and helps us be even more animated in our storytelling. Now, people don’t have to imagine our stories. They can actually see how shocked or excited we are when we tell our stories — and it turned our podcast into a whole show in itself,” said Sam.
For comedy duo Ashley Rivera and Hershey Neri, video was part of the plan from day one. Their show Chicks 2 Go thrives on visuals: expressive storytelling, themed episodes and even unexpected dog cameos. “As visual creators, video has always been a creative outlet for us to explore new storytelling. That’s why when we created Chicks 2 Go, we knew that video would make our podcast more fun to watch and feel more personal,” said Ashley. “Since then, video has become more than just a format for us. It helps us connect better, and makes our listeners feel like they’re right there with us.”
The shift to video is not just about visuals; it also reflects a broader move toward interactivity. Spotify’s seamless format-switching between video and audio gives listeners control over how and when they engage. Whether watching a dramatic episode unfold on-screen or listening on-the-go, fans are shaping their own podcast journeys.
More importantly, audiences are no longer passive consumers – they’re collaborators. With features like polls and comments, Spotify enables listeners to influence content directly.
For more information, check out updates on For The Record: Podcasts.
