LOS ANGELES — Spotify is significantly expanding its podcasting infrastructure in Los Angeles, opening a new, 11,000-square-foot studio in Hollywood’s Sycamore district on . This new facility, dubbed Spotify Sycamore Studios, represents a strategic shift towards video-first podcast production and a substantial investment in the evolving podcasting landscape.
The move comes as podcasting transitions from a primarily audio medium to one increasingly focused on visual content. According to Roman Wasenmüller, Spotify’s vice president of podcast and video, the company recognized the need to revamp and expand its facilities to meet this growing demand. Spotify’s original Los Angeles studio, established in the Arts District in 2021, was designed for an audio-centric podcasting world. The Arts District studios will continue to focus on audio content, while Sycamore Studios will cater specifically to video podcasts.
Sycamore Studios features five distinct studio areas designed to accommodate a range of production needs, from intimate interview settings to larger spaces suitable for groups. Unlike many rental studios in the Los Angeles area, Spotify’s new facility will be fully staffed by Spotify employees, providing on-site production support for creators. This dedicated support is intended to streamline the production process and ensure high-quality output.
The opening of Sycamore Studios is part of a broader expansion of Spotify’s global network of creator studios, which already includes locations in Los Angeles’s Arts District, New York, Stockholm, and London. This global footprint underscores Spotify’s commitment to supporting podcast creators worldwide.
A key tenant of the new Hollywood studio will be The Ringer, Spotify’s media brand focused on sports and pop culture. Several of The Ringer’s video podcasts are slated to begin streaming on Netflix starting in early . Sycamore Studios will serve as a home base for podcasts including The Rewatchables, The Ringer-Verse, and The Hottest Take, among others.
Access to Spotify Sycamore Studios is invitation-only, reserved for video creators within the Spotify Partner Program based on availability and production requirements. This selective access model suggests Spotify intends to prioritize creators who are actively investing in video podcasting and aligning with the platform’s strategic direction.
The location within Hollywood’s Sycamore media district places Spotify in close proximity to other major players in the entertainment industry, including Roc Nation, SiriusXM, and Sony Music. This strategic positioning is intended to foster collaboration and further integrate Spotify into the broader media ecosystem.
Bill Simmons, Founder of The Ringer and Head of Talk Strategy at Spotify, emphasized the importance of providing creators with the resources they need to innovate. Ambitious shows need spaces that support big ideas,
Simmons said. These studios give teams room to experiment and keep pushing what’s possible. It’s our latest investment in creators, and having this additional home base in LA is vital for the next chapter of our storytelling.
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Spotify’s investment in Sycamore Studios reflects a broader industry trend recognizing the growing importance of video in podcasting. The studio is designed with flexible recording rooms, multi-camera video setups, and on-site production support—offering a modern, high-quality space where ideas can come to life,
according to Spotify’s announcement. This focus on video capabilities signals a belief that visual elements will be crucial for attracting and engaging audiences in the future of podcasting.
The timing of the studio’s opening coincides with a landmark moment for the podcasting industry: the Golden Globes’ first-ever recognition of podcasts. Spotify marked this occasion with several initiatives, including expanded access to the Spotify Partner Program and new tools for creators to manage sponsorships and distribute video content. The launch of Sycamore Studios is presented as a key component of these efforts to support and elevate the podcasting medium.
