Spotify to Acquire Parcast, Podcasting Network Behind Cults & Serial Killers

Spotify announced plans on Tuesday to acquire Parcast, the podcast network behind Cults, Mythology and other highly scripted infotainment programs. Terms of the deal, which is expected to close soon, have not been disclosed.

The deal is the latest move in Spotify's push into podcasting, following the February acquisitions of both Gimlet Media (Homecoming and Reply All) and Anchor, a provider of podcasting-related tools.   

Founded in 2016, Parcast specializes in topic-driven podcasts with specific themes that typically double as the show's title, such as Female Criminals, Extraterrestrial and Hostage. Parcast's most popular shows on the Apple Podcasts charts include Unsolved Murders: True Crime Stories (No. 112), Crimes of Passion (No. 127), Serial Killers (No. 151) and Survival (No. 178).

In all, Parcast currently produces 18 podcasts, with an additional 20 new shows slated to launch this year.

"The addition of Parcast to our growing roster of podcast content will advance our goal of becoming the world’s leading audio platform," said Dawn Ostroff, Spotify chief content officer. "Crime and mystery podcasts are a top genre for our users and Parcast has had significant success creating hit series while building a loyal and growing fan base. We’re excited to welcome the Parcast team to Spotify and we look forward to supercharging their growth."

Added Max Cutler, Parcast's founder and president: In three years, we have created a production house that has grown exponentially and hit a chord with mystery and true-crime fans, especially women, across all 50 states and around the world... Alongside Spotify, our ability to scale, grow and amplify the unique and tailored brand of content we create is full of fantastic possibilities."