Spotify Celebrates Podcast Innovation with Inaugural Podcast Awards
The world of audio storytelling is gaining further recognition as Spotify launches its first-ever “Spotify Podcast Awards” in France. The awards, announced Tuesday, March 17, 2026, aim to celebrate the creativity and impact of podcasts, a medium that has seen explosive growth in recent years. Three popular RTL podcasts – Entrez dans l’Histoire, Les Grosses Têtes, and Enquêtes criminelles – have been nominated across several categories, offering listeners a chance to vote for their favorites starting March 23rd.
This initiative underscores Spotify’s commitment to the podcasting space, building on its earlier investments, including the 2019 acquisition of Gimlet Media, a company then considered a leader in podcast production. As of the fourth quarter of 2025, Spotify boasts 751 million active users globally, an 11% increase year-over-year, demonstrating the platform’s expanding reach and influence in the audio market. The awards ceremony, to be held at the Grand Rex in Paris on April 8th, will bring together creators, industry professionals, and 400 dedicated fans.
RTL Podcasts Among the Nominees
RTL, a prominent French radio station, has secured nominations for three of its popular podcasts. Entrez dans l’Histoire (translated as “Enter History”) is recognized in both the “Reveal of the Year – Media” and “Show Actu” (News Show) categories. Les Grosses Têtes (“The Huge Heads”), a long-running talk show, is competing for the “Show of the Year – Talk Show” award. Rounding out RTL’s nominations is Enquêtes criminelles (“Criminal Investigations”), which is in the running for the “Show Crime and Horror” category. Listeners will be able to cast their votes directly through the Spotify platform beginning on March 23rd.
The Spotify Podcast Awards encompass eleven categories, each featuring five nominees. These categories include “Show of the Year” (further divided into Masculine, Feminine, Media, and Talk Show), “Video of the Year,” “Revelation Video,” “Show Crime and Horror,” “Show Pop Culture,” “Show Actu,” “Show Radar,” and “Coup de Cœur” (Editor’s Choice). The breadth of these categories reflects the diverse landscape of podcasting and the growing variety of content available to listeners.
A Wider Gaze at the Nominees
Beyond the RTL nominations, the awards showcase a wide range of talent, and content. In the “Show of the Year – Host Masculin” category, nominees include Guillaume Pley for “Legend,” Matthieu Stefani for “Generation Do It Yourself,” Hugo Décrypte for “Actus et Interviews,” McSkyz for “Histoires vraies et flippantes” (True and Scary Stories), and Zack Nani for “Zack en Roue Libre.” The “Show of the Year – Host Féminin” category features Bliss Stories, Sip & Gossip, Hot Girls Only, Le PodKatz, and Couch with Lena Situations.
Other notable nominees include Slate.fr’s “Transfert” and France Inter’s “Affaires Sensibles” alongside Entrez dans l’Histoire in the “Show of the Year – Media” category. The “Show of the Year – Talk Show” category pits “After Foot” (RMC) against Les Grosses Têtes, “Ça Commence Aujourd’hui” (France Télévisions), “La Dernière” (Radio Nova), and “4 Quarts d’Heure.” The “Show Vidéo” category highlights content from Radio Nova, Konbini, Zack Nani, Zebroloss, and Lena Situations. For emerging talent, the “Révélation vidéo” (Video Revelation) category recognizes Stundzow Gaming, Allô Ranelle, Liv, Chroniques Obscures, and Alice Underground.
Listeners interested in true crime will locate competition in the “Show Crime et horreur” category, with nominees including Chroniques Criminelles (TF1), Hondelatte Raconte (Europe 1), Histoires vraies et flippantes (McSkyz), Enquêtes Criminelles, and Flippe & Go Sleep. The “Show Pop Culture” category features MouseCast, Réalisé sans trucage, Absolument Fabuleuses, CKO, and Popcorn. For those seeking current events coverage, the “Show Actu” category includes Actus et Interviews, Entrez dans l’Histoire, L’Heure du Monde (Le Monde), C dans l’Air (France TV), and Code source (Le Parisien). Rounding out the categories, “Show Radar” recognizes Thread Horreur, 4 Quarts d’Heure, Alice Underground, Histoires d’Horreur, and Night Confessions, while “Coup de Cœur Spotify” highlights InPower, Les Histoires Sombres et Morbides, À bientôt de te revoir, Heure Miroir, and SAFE PACE.
The Evolving Podcast Landscape
The launch of the Spotify Podcast Awards coincides with the rebranding of the Paris Podcast Festival as the “Paris Play Festival – the festival of audio cultures,” scheduled to take place from November 19th to 22nd. The ceremony will be hosted by humorist and podcaster Pablo Mira, as reported by RTL. Pablo Mira is a familiar face to listeners of Les Grosses Têtes, having appeared on the show previously.
The rise of podcasts as a popular medium has been significant. Spotify’s move to create dedicated awards reflects this trend and aims to further elevate the creators and content within the podcasting ecosystem. The platform’s investment in podcasting, including acquisitions like Gimlet Media, demonstrates its long-term vision for the future of audio entertainment. With over 751 million active users, Spotify is uniquely positioned to champion the growth and innovation of podcasts worldwide.
The increasing popularity of podcasts can be attributed to their accessibility, diverse content offerings, and ability to cater to niche interests. Whether listeners are seeking in-depth news analysis, captivating storytelling, or lighthearted entertainment, podcasts provide a convenient and engaging way to consume audio content. The Spotify Podcast Awards are a testament to the medium’s growing influence and its potential to shape the future of entertainment.
Voting for the Spotify Podcast Awards opens on March 23rd, giving listeners the opportunity to support their favorite podcasts and recognize the talent behind them. The awards ceremony promises to be a celebration of audio creativity and a significant milestone in the evolution of the podcasting industry.
The winners will be announced on April 8th, marking a pivotal moment for the French podcasting community and highlighting the best in audio storytelling. Stay tuned for updates and be sure to cast your vote to support the podcasts you love.