How the CRTC's Approach to Online Streaming Affects Canadian Podcasters

Bill C-11, the Online Streaming Act, which received Royal Assent in 2023, extended the CRTC's

regulatory scope to include online streaming services. The practical implications for independent

Canadian podcasters have been evolving as the CRTC develops its specific implementation

framework.

The Current State: As of 2025, the CRTC's focus under the new framework has primarily been on

large commercial platforms (Spotify, YouTube, Netflix, Apple) rather than individual independent

podcasters. The regulatory threshold for compliance obligations has generally been set at platforms

with significant Canadian revenue — most individual creators are well below any threshold that

would trigger direct compliance obligations.

What This Means Practically For Most Podcasters: For the vast majority of Canadian podcast

creators, the direct regulatory impact of Bill C-11 is minimal. You don't need to register with the

CRTC. You don't need to file Canadian content disclosures. The practical changes have primarily

been at the platform level — platforms operating in Canada face obligations to promote Canadian

content.

The Potential Opportunity: The CRTC's requirements that major platforms promote Canadian

content could benefit Canadian podcasters who register with platforms as Canadian content

producers. Spotify and YouTube's algorithms may give additional visibility to certified Canadian

content in Canadian markets to meet their regulatory obligations.

Staying Current: The regulatory situation is actively developing. The CRTC is issuing ongoing

orders and guidance as it implements the new framework. Podcasters with significant commercial

operations in Canada — particularly those operating at the scale of a production company — should

monitor CRTC developments and consult with a communications lawyer for clarity on their specific

situation.