Listen up world
Are you an anspiring podcaster with a great idea?
We’re looking to amplify the voices of storytellers from underrepresented backgrounds here in Germany.
Sound Up was launched to find, train and develop the next generation of diverse creators. We want to make space for the not-your-usual storytellers in Germany to step into the studio and share their stories with the world. You don’t need to have worked in audio before or even created a podcast in the past. What matters is your passion for the medium and the drive to turn your ideas into awesome content.
Active events
There are no active events at the moment. Stay tuned to be the first to know about new events.
About the program
Launched in 2018, Sound Up has grown from a local initiative into a global program – reaching hundreds of aspiring creators around the world. Four years on and we’re still expanding and improving, continuously reshaping the program to suit the needs of storytellers in each new location.
What to expect
Up to ten aspiring creators join us for each program event. In the first phase, you’ll immerse yourself in the art of podcast creation with mentorship and guidance from the Spotify team and our partners in the industry. From ideation and storytelling to interviewing, editing and producing, you’ll learn what it takes to make great content and workshop your ideas into shape. If we like what we hear, we’ll invite you to complete the final phase – producing the pilot episode of your podcast. There’s every chance it could become a Spotify Original show.
Who are we looking for?
Our program is open to storytellers who have historically not had access to the resources and opportunities present in the growing audio and podcasting space. If you’re an aspiring podcaster from an underrepresented background and you live in Germany, we want to hear from you. Bring us your idea for a great podcast. And we’ll take it from there.
Meet the experts
Get to know the experts you'll be working with that partner with Sound Up.
Jasmin Bauomy
Jasmin is a storytelling expert and use her personal and unambiguous approach in her multimedia journalism and consulting work. Her goal is to amplify the voices of those who experience and shape our times.
Gizem Adiyaman
Berlin born and raised DJ, podcaster and political educator. Together with her best friend they host the Spotify original podcast Realitäter*innen which gives marginalised identities with a platform to shed light on taboo topics.
Azadê Peşmen
She is a journalist, moderator and one half of Qzeng Productions , prefers to research and report on security policy, pop culture and social movements. If possible, it does so from abroad, for public and commercial platforms.
"How to Podcast"
Du träumst von einem eigenen Podcast – oder hast schon einen und willst ihn auf das nächste Level heben? Bei “How to Podcast” lernst du alles, um richtig durchstarten zu können. Und das nicht von irgendwem, sondern von den Besten der Besten!
Das Besondere: Die sechs Folgen sind nicht nur als klassischer Podcast zum Anhören verfügbar, sondern auch als Video-Version, die du direkt in der Spotify-App schauen kannst. Alle Folgen sind ab dem 20. April 2023 verfügbar.
"How to Podcast"
“How to Podcast” wird präsentiert von Sound Up, dem internationalen Programm von Spotify, um Stimmen und Geschichten zu fördern, die in der Podcast-Landschaft unterrepräsentiert sind.
“How to Video Podcast” mit Afterhour Unzensiert
Cenkgo und July geben dir in dieser Folge einen Einblick in ihre Arbeit, wie sie dazu gekommen sind, einen Video-Podcast zu machen, was ihre Dos and Don'ts sind und welches Equipment sie immer dabei haben.
“How to Tell a Story” mit Khesrau Behroz
Khesrau Behroz, Host des preisgekrönten Podcasts “Cui Bono”, verrät, wie man gute Geschichten findet und sie auditiv erzählt. Außerdem: Wie schreibt man ein Drehbuch für einen Podcast? Und wie nutzt man Musik und Sound Design?
“How to Interview” mit Salwa Houmsi
Interview-Podcasts sind nicht nur bei Podcast-Macher*innen beliebt, sondern auch beim Publikum. Ein gutes Interview zu führen ist allerdings schwerer, als viele denken. Eine, die jedes Interview-Genre schon durchgespielt hat, ist Salwa Houmsi, Moderatorin und Journalistin.
“How to Build a Community” mit Gizem Adiyaman
Wie man durch Social Media eine Community aufbaut und dabei authentisch bleibt, lernt ihr von DJ Gizem Adiyaman.
“How to Monetize” mit BBQ - Der Black Brown Queere Podcast
Wie kann ich mit meinem Podcast Geld verdienen, um meine Arbeit zu finanzieren? Zuher Jazmati und Dominik Djialeu haben schon verschiedene Optionen ausprobiert, ihren Podcast “BBQ – Der Black Brown Queere Podcast” zu monetarisieren.
“How to Get Started” mit dem Spotify Podcast Team
Wer könnte dir all deine Fragen zu Podcasts auf Spotify besser beantworten als die Leute, die dort arbeiten? Das Spotify Podcast-Team verrät, wie gute Titel, Shownotes und Trailer aussehen, wie oft dein Podcast erscheinen sollte und welche Kategorien am beliebtesten sind.
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Discover more about Sound Up from around the world at For the record news section.
Sound Up newsFresh from the charts
Listen to the top shows created by our alumni and loved by our listeners.
Good to know
Before you hit apply there are a few things we’d like to share.
To apply you must live in the Germany and be over the age of 18.
We are looking for storytellers from underrepresented backgrounds.
The program is free and you don’t need your own kit - we’ll take care of it.
We’ll cover any expenses related to travel and housing for the duration of the program.
No experience is needed. We’ve built this program to find and elevate new creators.