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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Music and Concerts devider Filipino creators on Spotify adapt as podcasting turns more visual, interactive

Filipino creators on Spotify adapt as podcasting turns more visual, interactive

Published Jul 31, 2025 11:09 am  |  Updated Jul 31, 2025 02:48 pm

At A Glance

  • The Philippines is in the top three APAC (Asia Pacific) video podcast markets for Spotify
Sam YG and DJ Chacha of “Lecheng Pag-ibig 'To," and Ashley Rivera and Hershey Neri of "Chicks 2 Go" (Photos from the podcasts' Facebook pages)
Sam YG and DJ Chacha of “Lecheng Pag-ibig 'To," and Ashley Rivera and Hershey Neri of "Chicks 2 Go" (Photos from the podcasts' Facebook pages)

Spotify revealed that the podcast landscape in the Philippines is evolving, with video transforming what was once a primarily audio-only medium. 

With video formats, podcasts are becoming richer experiences, and Filipino creators are rapidly adapting to the shift. 

On Spotify, the number of Filipino creators publishing video podcasts has grown nearly 4 times in the past year, fueled by listeners craving content that feels more real and expressive. 

The Philippines is in the top three APAC (Asia Pacific) video podcast markets for Spotify.

“More than just a feature, we’re seeing Filipino creators embrace video as a natural extension of the way they share stories. 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,” said Carl Zuzarte, head of Studios at Spotify Southeast Asia.

More Filipino creators are embracing video to bring their shows to life, with over half of the Philippines' top 20 podcasts now offering video content on Spotify. This is reflected in growing listener preference for video formats, with video podcast monthly listeners in the Philippines increasing by 35 percent. 

Sam YG of the podcast “Lecheng Pag-ibig 'To” together with DJ Chacha, said, “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.” 

Comedy duo Ashley Rivera and Hershey Neri of “Chicks 2 Go” said the video was part of the plan from day one. 

“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. 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,” said said Ashley. 

At “Lecheng Pag-ibig 'To,” fan messages and episode suggestions often shape the next episode. 

“People tell us what they want to hear next, and we listen,” said Sam. “We’ve even done episodes based on a listener’s comment or letter. That’s why we make it a point to thank them for the content inspiration through shout-outs. We want them to  know that we see them, and their input makes all the difference.”

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