Spotify is no longer just for your headphones. The world’s biggest audio streaming platform has officially launched its first-ever 24/7 television channel, and the best part? It’s completely free and available exclusively to Samsung Smart TV owners.
If you were expecting a 24-hour stream of music videos, think again. This strategic move is all about bringing the booming world of video podcasts to the biggest screen in your house.
Introducing ‘The Ringer from Spotify’
Spotify’s inaugural linear channel is called “The Ringer from Spotify,” and it’s a dedicated stream of premium video podcasts from the influential network founded by Bill Simmons.
Available on Samsung TV Plus—Samsung’s own free, ad-supported streaming service—this channel transforms the way you consume your favorite deep-dive discussions on pop culture, sports, and entertainment.
What to Expect on the Free Channel
The channel offers a curated, always-on loop of episodes from The Ringer’s impressive portfolio of over 50 shows, giving fans a “lean-back” TV viewing experience:
- The Rewatchables: Dive into timeless movie discussions where Bill Simmons and his crew dissect classic films like Back to the Future and Alien.
- Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay: Sharp insights and lively debates on news, politics, and culture.
- The Big Picture: In-depth reviews of the movies you need to see, along with award show analysis and movie drafts.
- The Ringer-Verse: Your ultimate hub for nerd culture, featuring deep dives into massive fictional universes like Star Wars, Marvel, and Game of Thrones.
This is a clever move from Spotify. By curating their most popular video podcasts into a 24/7 TV format, they’re not just moving content; they are adapting it for a traditional TV audience who is accustomed to “flipping” channels rather than choosing on-demand episodes.
A Major Win for Samsung TV Owners
This partnership is a significant value-add for anyone who owns a compatible Samsung Smart TV, Galaxy device, or Smart Monitor that supports Samsung TV Plus. You don’t need a premium Spotify subscription—or any subscription at all—to tune in.
For Samsung, securing an exclusive channel from a major content powerhouse like Spotify is a strong way to enhance the appeal of their Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) platform and pull in new viewers.
The Bigger Picture: Podcasting’s Video Future
The launch of a dedicated Spotify TV channel highlights a growing trend: the full-scale migration of podcasts into the video and connected TV space. While many of us still listen on our commute, a growing percentage of podcast consumption now happens in front of a smart TV.
By making this content easily available on a 24/7 linear channel, Spotify is further solidifying its position not just as an audio giant, but as a major player in the rapidly evolving video entertainment landscape.
