Spotify ads: Are you using them the smart way?

If you plan to use Spotify ads in 2025, we’ve got your back. At Voice123, we help brands and agencies hire professional voice actors for Spotify ads and produce audio ads that convert. In this guide, we break down how to advertise on Spotify, what Spotify advertising looks like today, and how to think about the Spotify advertising cost when you start your projects. Here’s everything you need to know about Spotify ads!

Why should you use Spotify ads?

2025 saw 551 million monthly active users who used the platform for free. Spotify advertisements reach people at various times of the day, while they run, drive, study, or unwind. That’s gold for brand recall. And because campaigns are controlled by the Spotify ads Manager, you can quickly build an audience, set spending limits, and measure results without a steep learning curve.

Spotify ad formats and when to use them

• Audio Ads: These are your bread-and-butter Spotify ads and they’re great for broad reach and efficient frequency. Pair a 15–30s script with a companion image and CTA.
• Video Ads: These are designed for when the app is in view, so use eye-catching supers and a short VO to land your message fast.
• Podcast Ads: Align with topics your audience loves and use host-read or announcer-read creatives to feel authentic and blend with the episode.
• Sponsored Playlists / Branded Moments: These high-impact, contextual Spotify ads are excellent for launches and seasonal pushes.

How to advertise on Spotify in 6 steps

1) Create or access your Spotify Business account

You’ll use a Spotify business account to manage billing, users, or permissions, and you can set up campaigns in the Spotify ads manager. Keep naming conventions unique and descriptive so you can identify each report and what they mean.

2) Define the objective that matches your KPI

Are you after awareness, consideration, or conversions? Align your campaign objective to the metric you plan to optimize like completion rate (awareness), CTR (consideration), or landing-page conversions.

3) Build audiences that mirror your buyers

Leverage demographics, interests, genres, real-time terms that people are searching (e.g., “workout,” “focus”), and custom segments. Descriptive terms like: “new parents, morning commutes, parenting podcasts” is more meaningful than “adults 25–44.”

4) Select placements and format mixes

• Start with audio + companion for reach.
• Layer video if your brand needs a visual dent.
• Add podcast ads when contextual alignment matters (e.g., fintech on business shows).

5) Use a pro voice-over

Experiement with different tones and styles like conversational, warm authority, and high-energy. On Voice123, you can cast fast, give direction (“millennial, upbeat, 120–140 wpm”), and receive polished reads that meet technical specs.

6) Launch, measure, iterate

Watch frequency, completion rate, CTR, and post-click behavior. Adjust campaigns that aren’t working and double-down on the strategies that deliver the most ROI. If you opt for an agency, you can only work with Spotify-approved ones to ensure compliance with the platform’s guidelines and policies. 

What is the Spotify advertising cost?

The Spotify advertising cost is based on your audience size, format, country, timing, and demand. Start with a controlled daily budget, then scale what works. In practice, most teams learn fastest by:

1. Testing multiple audiences (behaviors, interests, lookalikes).
2. Splitting formats (audio vs. video vs. podcast).
3. Rotating voice-over styles (conversational, authoritative, playful) to find the winner.
4. Optimizing against completion rate and CTR—your leading indicators of return.

You don’t need massive spend to validate a message. A few hundred dollars per test cell can reveal which creative works best for your specific audience.

Voice over tips for Spotify Ads

• Hook in the first 3 seconds with a “you” benefit.
• 15 seconds ≈ 35–45 words; 30 seconds ≈ 65–75 words.
• Keep it simple. One message, one CTA.
• Match tone to context. “Focus” playlists suit calm Spotify ads and “workout songs” suit high-energy.
• For podcast ads, announcer-read gives brand polish; host-read gives trust. Test both to see what works best.
• Prioritize clean voice overs, complementary soundtracks, and a powerful message.
• Mix to broadcast standards so your Spotify advertisements sound consistent in earbuds and car speakers.
• Mention your brand name twice, once in the intro and again in the CTA to anchor recall.
• Make your CTA specific and intentional. “Tap to get 20% off today” beats “Learn more.”

Optimization levers in the Spotify ads manager

Targeting trims: Trim audiences that show low completion rates or poor CTR. Add exclusions for recent converters to keep frequency healthy.

Format trading: If video completion trails but audio rocks, shift budget. If podcast CPMs climb, cap spend and re-enter during lower-demand windows.

Creative rotation: Introduce a new Spotify ad variant every 7–14 days. Swap VO tone, opening hook, or offer—not everything at once—so you can learn precisely what moved the needle.

Measurement & lift: Pair platform metrics with site analytics. Track view-through conversions where possible; for podcast, use vanity URLs or offer codes to attribute lift.

Final Thoughts on Spotify ads

It’s time to upgrade how you plan Spotify ads. Start with simple tests, keep a tight read on Spotify advertising cost drivers, and let professional voice-overs carry your message with clarity and charm. When you’re ready to scale, cast in minutes on Voice123, shape scripts that sing, and build a repeatable framework for how to advertise on Spotify across audio and video!

FAQs on Spotify ads