Are you a woman with a great podcast idea?

They write, they produce, they host, they create. They are women. 

Most podcast charts across the world and in India prove that female creators are underrepresented in the industry despite the presence of very strong female voices. And Spotify wants to change that.

We want to provide a platform for women who are telling their own stories or changing the conversation altogether. 

In April this year, we launched AmplifiHer, a sustained initiative that includes women across music and podcasts inspiring upcoming talent through their own career paths and stories of success and failure. And now, we are launching Sound Up, a global program to support women who have and can redefine the world of podcasts. 

Sound Up, which is already available in 6 Spotify markets, is now opening up applications in India. This training program for aspiring podcasters with a great idea, is a deliberate effort to move towards equity for women in podcasting. We recognize that during this unprecedented time of a global pandemic, setting up a classroom environment entails challenges, so instead we have decided to split the Sound Up program into two parts. We will kick off the program with a virtual training program in 2021 to be followed by phase 2 in 2022. 

The virtual program will take place over 4 weeks with 10 participants shortlisted by Spotify, who will attend workshops that include a comprehensive introduction to the art of making a podcast. Participants will learn about the art of podcast creation, from initial ideation to storytelling, interviewing, editing, and producing from experts in the field. The virtual Sound Up will consist of scheduled live courses, recorded lessons, one-on-one meetings with the Spotify team and facilitators, and light homework assignments. 8 weeks after the completion of virtual classes, participants will submit a final trailer and pitch proposal for the opportunity to be selected to attend the subsequent Sound Up sessions in 2022. All candidates for the virtual program will be provided with a recorder, computer, headphones, and internet access. 

Applicants are also required to apply as individuals, rather than as shows/groups, and are required to be residents of India aged 18 years or older.

Who’s eligible: 

- Residents of India, over the age of 18, who identify as women
- An aspiring podcaster with a great idea (No prior experience needed)
- If selected, able to make themselves available to attend and participate in all:
4 weeks of virtual programming in 2021, as well as submit a trailer and a pitch proposal, and
training sessions in 2022

What does it cost:

The program is free. 

What does it include: 

2021: 4 weeks of part-time virtual training from October 4, 2021-October 29, 2021 - a mixture of live virtual classes, recorded videos, and assignments. This will be a commitment of 8-10 hours a week. All scheduled classes will be in the evenings to accommodate the workweek and the rest is flexible.

2022: Some of our cohort from 2021 will be selected by Spotify to join us for virtual and/or in-person training in 2022, including 1 week in-person of workshops, panels, and activities around podcasting, led by experts and professionals. 

Who owns the podcast idea: 

You will retain all applicable rights in your podcast idea and any content you’ve submitted as a part of your application or participation in the program. However, please note that there may be other entries or ideas that are similar to your idea, or there may be similar pre-existing or current creative concepts being worked on by Spotify, that have been created independently of your application.

When are applications due:

By July 26th 2021, 11:59 PM IST

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