How to Submit Your Spotify Wrapped Video Message (2026)
Spotify has set November 13, 2026, as the cutoff for podcast creators to upload Wrapped video messages. Here are the specs, rules, and steps to get yours approved.
Charleston Smith
Founder, Vantr
Nov 7, 2026 · 9 min read
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Spotify for Creators and Megaphone have set Friday, November 13, 2026, as the hard cutoff date for show creators and podcasters to upload their 2026 Wrapped end-of-year video messages.
If your show qualifies, this video is delivered directly inside the personalized Wrapped recaps of your top listeners when the campaign goes live at the end of the year. For most podcasters, Wrapped week is the single highest-traffic period on the platform. Having a personal video message ready lets you speak face to face with the exact listeners who spent dozens of hours with your voice in their headphones.
As of November 7, 2026, you have less than a week to record, export, and submit your clip. Spotify enforces strict automated and manual review rules on Wrapped submissions. If your video includes background music, visible sponsor logos, or exceeds the 30-second cap, it will be rejected, and you risk missing the window entirely.
Here is everything you need to know about eligibility, video specifications, content restrictions, and submission workflows before the November 13 deadline.
Check Your Eligibility and Submission Window
Not every show hosted on or distributed to Spotify can upload a Wrapped message. According to Spotify's creator support documentation, your show must meet a specific minimum listening threshold:
- Consumption requirement: Your show must have accumulated at least 10 hours of consumption on Spotify within the last 30 days.
- Platform access: You must host or manage your show through Spotify for Creators (formerly Spotify for Podcasters) or Megaphone.
- Deadline: All uploads must be submitted by Friday, November 13, 2026. Spotify does not offer extensions after the portal closes.
- Music artists note: Music artists had an earlier deadline of November 6, 2026, managed through Spotify for Artists. The November 13 cutoff applies specifically to podcast creators, show hosts, and authors.
To check whether your show qualifies, log in to creators.spotify.com on desktop or open the latest version of the Spotify for Creators mobile app. If you meet the 10-hour threshold, you will see a banner on your Home dashboard or a prompt inside your Notifications tab reading "Upload a 2026 Wrapped end-of-year video". You can also access the upload portal directly at getreadyforwrapped.spotify.com.
If you log in and do not see the banner, ensure you are signed in with the primary Spotify account attached to your RSS feed. If your show is brand new or has fewer than 10 hours of Spotify listening over the past month, the submission feature will remain locked.
Technical Video Specs and Platform Rules
Spotify reviews every submitted video before it can be queued for listeners' feeds. Because Wrapped videos play as vertical story cards inside the mobile listening app, your file must meet rigid formatting specifications.
File Requirements
- Aspect ratio: Vertical 9:16 portrait format. Landscape videos cropped with black letterboxing bars will look poor and may fail automated review.
- Resolution: At least 720 by 1280 pixels (1080 by 1920 pixels is recommended for crisp mobile playback).
- Length: Between 3 seconds and 30 seconds. Spotify cuts off playback at exactly 30 seconds. Aim for 24 to 28 seconds to prevent your final sentence from getting cut off.
- File format: MP4 or MOV.
- Maximum file size: 100 MB.
- Audio: The video must include an active audio track. Silent videos are not permitted.
Content Prohibitions
Spotify automatically rejects clips that violate its standard Wrapped content policy. Do not include:
- Background music: Do not play theme music, royalty-free background tracks, or commercial songs. The video should contain only your speaking voice. Music creates licensing conflicts and clashes with the app audio.
- Brand logos and watermarks: Do not display commercial sponsor logos, Patreon badges, or third-party platform watermarks (such as TikTok or CapCut stamps).
- Heavy filters and text overlays: Keep the camera footage clean. Avoid heavy beauty filters, animated stickers, or giant burned-in text blocks.
- Profanity or explicit language: Keep your message general-audience friendly, even if your podcast feed is marked explicit.
- Direct product sales or sponsorships: You cannot read a sponsored ad roll, mention an advertiser promo code, or sell commercial products.
| Specification | Required Standard | Common Mistake to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Video Orientation | Vertical 9:16 | Horizontal video with black padding |
| Video Duration | 3 to 30 seconds | Exceeding 30 seconds (gets cut off) |
| File Size | 100 MB maximum | Uploading uncompressed ProRes files |
| Background Audio | Voice only | Adding podcast theme music or beats |
| Visual Styling | Clean, natural video | Heavy visual filters or TikTok watermarks |
| Brand Mentions | Show name only | Pitching sponsors or coupon codes |
How to Script an Engaging 30-Second Message
A 30-second video sounds brief, but when recorded without a script, creators often rush or ramble. The most effective Wrapped messages feel warm, personal, and focused on the listener.
A good guideline is to address one person rather than a crowd. Use words like "you" instead of "you guys" or "everyone listening". The fan watching this video was ranked among your top listeners, meaning your voice was part of their daily commute, chores, or workouts throughout 2026.
Here is a simple four-part structure that fits comfortably into a 25-second take:
- Part 1 (Seconds 0 to 6): Personal gratitude. Thank the listener directly for spending their year with your show.
- Part 2 (Seconds 6 to 14): Specific 2026 highlight. Mention one memorable moment, a favorite interview, or a community milestone from the past 12 months.
- Part 3 (Seconds 14 to 22): What is coming next. Tease a project, upcoming season, live show, or theme you have planned for 2027.
- Part 4 (Seconds 22 to 26): Closing. Wish them a great Wrapped and a happy new year.
Sample Script for Solo or Educational Shows
"Hey, thank you so much for having me in your headphones this year. Seeing that you had our show in your top rotation means the world to me. Recording our deep-dive episodes this past summer was my absolute favorite project of 2026. I am already working on a whole new series of investigations dropping early next year, and I cannot wait for you to hear them. Thank you for listening, and have a fantastic Spotify Wrapped!"
Sample Script for Co-Hosted or Interview Shows
"Hey, it is Sarah and Mark from The Morning Recap. We wanted to jump on here and say a huge thank you for spending your 2026 with us. Whether you listened while driving to work or doing the dishes, your support made our 100th episode this fall completely unforgettable. We have big guests and live dates coming in 2027. Thank you for listening, and happy Wrapped!"
Step-by-Step Upload Instructions
You can submit your video using either a desktop browser or the mobile app. Both routes submit the clip to the same review queue.
Submitting via Desktop (Spotify for Creators or Megaphone)
- Open your browser and go to creators.spotify.com or megaphone.spotify.com. Log in with your host credentials.
- Click on the Home tab and locate the 2026 Wrapped banner, or click the Notifications bell icon at the top of the screen.
- Click Upload now. The system will open the Wrapped submission interface.
- Choose the primary language spoken in your video. This helps Spotify provide accurate subtitles or matching for listeners.
- Click Select a file or drag and drop your exported MP4 or MOV file (under 100 MB) into the window.
- Preview the video in the player to make sure the audio is clear and synched properly.
- Agree to Spotify's platform rules and content policy terms.
- Click Submit.
Submitting via the Mobile App
- Update your Spotify for Creators app in the App Store or Google Play to ensure you are on the newest build.
- Open the app and log in.
- Look for the banner on your main dashboard, or tap the Add (+) button in the lower corner of the screen.
- Select the Wrapped submission prompt.
- Select the video file directly from your camera roll.
- Verify playback, check the language option, and tap Submit.
You can only have one active Wrapped video attached to your show. However, if you realize you made a mistake or want to improve your delivery, you can return to the dashboard and upload a replacement file anytime before the November 13 cutoff. The new file will overwrite your previous submission.
Technical Mistakes to Avoid Before You Hit Record
Because Spotify will not accept submissions after November 13, getting rejected during review can lock you out of Wrapped entirely. Review these recording guidelines before filming:
- Watch your headroom and eye level: When filming vertically, place your phone camera at eye level. Avoid excessive empty space above your head. Look directly at the camera lens rather than looking at yourself on the screen.
- Keep lighting front-facing: Position yourself facing a window or a soft light source. Backlighting makes vertical mobile video look grainy and shadowy, which degrades quality on high-resolution smartphone screens.
- Prioritize microphone proximity: Clear audio is critical. Record in a quiet room with minimal echo. If you have an external lavalier or podcast microphone, use it. If using your phone's built-in mic, stand no more than two feet away.
- Do not edit in background music: This is the most common reason creator messages get rejected. Many podcasters instinctively add their signature background theme music underneath their voice. Keep your Wrapped submission strictly voice-only.
- Avoid branded clothing and background clutter: If your shirt or studio wall features prominent corporate logos, blur them or wear plain clothing to prevent automated rejection flags.
Prepare Your Show Profile for the Wrapped Influx
Submitting your video message is only one part of getting ready for the end-of-year rush. When Wrapped goes live, listeners frequently share their recap cards across Instagram Stories, X, Threads, and group chats. That viral spike brings a wave of casual listeners back to your Spotify profile page.
Take 15 minutes before Wrapped launches to tidy up your presence on the platform:
- Update your show description: Ensure your summary clearly explains what your podcast covers in the first two sentences. Include your release cadence (such as "new episodes every Tuesday").
- Review your episode catalog titles: Clear, descriptive episode titles make it easier for new listeners to pick an entry point. Avoid vague titles like "Episode 42." Use topic-based descriptions.
- Pin a trailer or best-of episode: If you have an introductory trailer or an evergreen episode that showcases your show at its best, ensure it is clearly positioned for first-time visitors.
- Prepare social assets for Wrapped week: When your listeners start sharing their Wrapped cards tagging your show, be ready to reshare them. Preparing clean social media templates in mid-November ensures you can amplify your audience without scrambling when the recap drops.
Set aside 20 minutes today, grab your phone, record a clean 25-second message, and upload it before Friday, November 13. It is one of the easiest ways to thank the people who supported your work all year.
Sources
Checked on November 7, 2026.

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