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United & Spotify Debut First In-Flight Video Podcast Channel
UNITED has expanded its content partnership with SPOTIFY to launch the airline industry’s first in-flight video podcast feature. The rollout is now live on more than 130,000 seatback screens across 680 aircraft, reported PODCAST NEWS DAILY.
The partnership marks the first time SPOTIFY has introduced video podcasts and audiobooks onboard any airline. It appears as a dedicated category on UNITED’s in-flight entertainment system, replacing the “audio” tab with new channels labeled Podcasts, Video Podcasts, Audiobooks, and Playlists.
UNITED customers can access more than 65 titles, including shows like GOOD HANG WITH AMY POEHLER, THE DAVE CHANG SHOW, and THE COMMENT SECTION WITH DREW AFUALO.
UNITED MileagePlus CEO RICHARD NUNN said, “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.”
SPOTIFY VP/Business Development IAN GELLER added, “As a frequent UNITED flyer myself, it’s incredibly exciting to see SPOTIFY now available on the world’s largest airline.”
“At SPOTIFY, we’re dedicated to being everywhere our users are, giving creators opportunities to reach new platforms and engage different audiences. I’m especially looking forward to bringing an even more personalized app streaming experience to seatbacks next year.”
The collaboration also allows travelers on STARLINK-equipped UNITED aircraft to stream SPOTIFY content gate-to-gate using their personal devices. Users can log into their UNITED MileagePlus account, agree to the STARLINK terms, and then stream content directly through the SPOTIFY app.
Beginning next year, UNITED will enable passengers to log into their personal SPOTIFY accounts through the seatback screen. This integration will allow users to continue playback of music, podcasts, and audiobooks where they last left off on their own devices.