Spotify was/is more than a middleman. They acquired multiple publishing tools (Megaphone and Anchor), analytics (Chartable, Podsight) entire studios like Gimlet

Spotify was/is more than a middleman. They acquired multiple publishing tools (Megaphone and Anchor), analytics (Chartable, Podsight) entire studios like Gimlet and had a huge network for both advertisers and paid subscribers. They were trying to acquire their way into becoming YouTube for podcasting. I think the biggest hindrance is that podcasting still isn't social the way video is.