Spotify’s Audiobooks and Video Podcasts Take to the Skies for the First Time with United Airlines
Originally published on APEX
All photos via United Airlines
Audio streaming giant Spotify and United Airlines have announced a strategic partnership that will bring Spotify’s streaming services to United’s in-flight entertainment (IFE) screens.
Spotify’s Streaming Library Comes to the Sky
As of June 5, passengers aboard United’s fleet of 680 aircraft equipped with modern 4K, Bluetooth-enabled seatback screens (more than 130,000 seatback screens) can access more than 450 hours of Spotify-curated content. This includes a diverse selection of music playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks. Notable offerings include Good Hang with Amy Poehler, The Dave Chang Show, and The Comment Section with Drew Afualo. The partnership marks a first for Spotify, as it debuts its audiobooks and video podcasts onboard an airline.
MileagePlus CEO Richard Nunn explained, “Spotify has a huge audience and people love their content. And now our customers can enjoy it all in a simple and easy way at 35,000 feet. Together, we’re giving millions of customers an entirely new way to experience and explore premium content from the world’s most popular artists, authors, and podcasters, all while flying with the latest technology in the sky.”
Passengers will be able to access the content through the dedicated “Spotify” category on United’s in-flight entertainment home menu, replacing the previous “Audio” section. Subcategories include channels for playlists, video podcasts, podcasts, and audiobooks, allowing passengers to navigate and select content that suits their preferences easily.
Accessing Personalized Spotify Content via Starlink
United’s investment in high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi further enhances the partnership. On Starlink-equipped aircraft, passengers can stream Spotify content on their devices from gate to gate for free, without interruption. To access it, passengers will need to log in to their MileagePlus account and accept the terms for using Starlink. Then, once connected, passengers can open the Spotify app and enjoy their favorite content just as they would on the ground.
Looking ahead, United plans to offer more personalized services starting next year. From 2026, passengers will be able to log in to their personal Spotify accounts directly through the IFE screen. This will enable passengers to access their curated playlists, saved podcasts, and audiobooks, providing a seamless transition between on-ground and in-flight listening and enhancing the overall travel experience.
Spotify VP of Business Development Ian Geller commented, “We work hard every day at Spotify to deliver ubiquity, giving creators opportunities to reach new platforms and audiences. I couldn’t be more excited to add an even more personalized app-streaming experience to the seatback next year.”
Streaming IFE: Airlines Embrace Spotify, Apple & YouTube
As airlines compete to differentiate their in-flight services, many are turning to streaming partnerships to enhance their IFE offerings and meet rising passenger expectations. United’s collaboration with Spotify is part of a broader trend across the aviation industry to embed popular digital platforms into the onboard experience.
In January 2019, American Airlines partnered with Apple Music, allowing passengers to access their Apple Music account and stream over 100 million songs and 30,000 playlists throughout their flights. As a result, passengers can stream Apple Music content for free on Viasat-equipped aircraft. The airline has also teamed with Audible and Skillshare. With Audible, passengers on American can access a selection of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals for free throughout their flight. The partnership with Skillshare enables passengers to access classes in various subjects, including writing, photography, illustration, and more.
Delta Air Lines has similarly embraced the streaming model. Through a partnership with YouTube, Delta offers SkyMiles members access to a broad array of YouTube content, including videos, music, and podcasts during their flight. The collaboration is part of the Delta Sync experience, which is designed to provide passengers with personalized entertainment and seamless connectivity.
United’s partnership with Spotify signals a new chapter in the way airlines respond to digital consumption trends. With connectivity improving and passenger expectations rising, collaborations with streaming companies will play a central role in the future in-flight experience.
