10 Podcast News To Stay Ahead of the Game (June 2023)
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Podcasting isn't just about hitting the record button. It's about keeping your content fresh, and understanding the ever-evolving industry. But who has the time to sift through the sea of information out there?
That's where we come in. Consider this your weekly power-up — a no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point rundown of the top 10 things you need to know this week to keep your podcast at the forefront.
Here's a taste of what's brewing in the podcast world:
- New Podcast Experiment Uploads 3x a Day
- Podcasts and Website Make Strategic Collaboration
- Study Shows Podcast Ads Can be Valuable to Listeners
- Spotify's “Strategic Realignment” or Layoffs: A Wake-Up Call
- Acast, eOne, and More Forge New Radio Podcast Venture
- Auphonic Drops New Auto-Generated Show Notes
- Streamlabs' Free Game-Changing Podcast Editing Tool
- Gen Z's Podcast Listening Habits
- The Most Popular Podcast Topics in the U.S.
- Magellan AI’s Multi-Channel Podcast Analytics
Now, let's dive into these points and uncover why they matter to you as a podcaster. It just might help you power-up your podcast game.
1. New Podcast Experiment Uploads 3x a Day
New York Public Radio is stepping into uncharted territory, launching a podcast that updates not once, not twice, but three times a day. It's the pulse of the city, delivered in audio form, right to your ears.
The podcast, aptly named "The Experiment: New York," will be a living, breathing chronicle of the city's recovery from the pandemic and other major events.
So, three times a day seem to much, right? It's a bold move, even audacious. But here's the thing: it challenges the norms of podcasting. It's a test of whether increased frequency can lead to higher engagement and loyalty. Imagine your listeners tuning in to your podcast as part of their morning, midday, and evening routines. It's a level of connection that's hard to achieve with a weekly or even daily podcast.
But there's a flip side. Could this frequency lead to listener fatigue? That's what makes this experiment so intriguing; it could very well shape a new podcasting trend.
2. Podcasts and Website Make Strategic Collaboration
Evergreen Podcasts and Podium Life are joining forces. It's a flare shot into the sky, signaling new, stronger competition in the realm of sports-related content.
Who would've known a partnership with a website would be a smart move?
Evergreen Podcasts is one of the fastest-growing podcast networks in the US. Partnering with Podium Life, a motosports website, means they can bring in more racing content to fans across its Pit Pass Motorsports podcasts.
"Podium Life is the only site devoted to highlighting motorsport's rich culture, diverse gear and enviable lifestyle," said Daniel Incandela, Chief Executive Officer, Podium Life. "Building a relationship with Pit Pass Motorsports allows us to bring in more media and the popularity of podcasts."
Podium Life content will now be available on pitpassmotorsports.com, while the new episodes of all the Pit Pass Motorsports podcasts are now available on podiumlife.com.
3. Study Shows Podcast Ads Can be Valuable to Listeners
The value of podcast advertising goes both ways. It can benefit your sponsors, but it can also benefit your listeners. How? By introducing them to products or services that they'll love.
In fact, 46% have purchased a product by hearing an advertisement on a podcast (2023 Q1 statistics).
Podcast advertising, folks. It's not just about padding your pockets. Sure, monetization is a sweet perk, but there's more to it than that. Edison Research's latest insight reveals that podcast ads can significantly drive consumer behavior. That's right, your ad spots can actually influence your listeners' actions.
Now, let's get a bit more specific. According to the study, podcast listeners are not just passive consumers. They're engaged, they're attentive, and they're ready to take action. This means that a well-placed, well-chosen ad can lead to real results. We're talking website visits, product purchases, brand awareness—the works.
So, choose your sponsors wisely. Make sure their offerings align with your content and your audience. Because a good ad isn't just profitable—it's also valuable.
4. Spotify's Strategic Realignment: A Wake-Up Call for Podcasters
In a surprising turn of events, Spotify is undergoing a "strategic realignment" of its podcast division, leading to the layoff of about 200 employees. This move is a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the podcasting industry. Even giants like Spotify are not immune to restructuring and layoffs.
The layoffs represent about 2% of Spotify's worldwide workforce and follow a 6% cut in overall headcount earlier this year.
Despite these cuts, Spotify remains committed to original programming and will merge its Parcast and Gimlet groups into a "renewed Spotify Studios operation."
What does this mean for you as a podcaster? It's a reminder that the podcasting landscape is continually evolving.
5. Acast, eOne, and More Forge New Radio Podcast Venture
Acast's recent announcement of a partnership with eOne, LAist, and 89.3 KPCC for a new radio podcast series, "Night Raid," is a masterclass in strategic collaboration.
This alliance not only brings together diverse talents and resources but also promises to deliver a unique blend of content that could potentially captivate a broad audience base.
This is next-level collaboration — allowing for the pooling of resources, both tangible and intangible. This could mean shared financial investment, but it also includes shared expertise, creative ideas, and audience reach.
In the case of "Night Raid," Acast's expertise in podcast hosting and distribution, combined with the storytelling prowess of eOne, LAist, and 89.3 KPCC, is set to create a podcast series that could redefine the boundaries of radio podcasting.
6. Auphonic Drops New Auto-Generated Show Notes
Auphonic has introduced a new feature that can auto-generate show notes, summaries, and chapters from recordings. This is a game-changer for busy podcasters. Detailed show notes can enhance your podcast's SEO and provide added value for your listeners, but they can be time-consuming to create.
Let's face it, as a podcaster, you're juggling a lot. Between recording, editing, promoting, and managing your show, time is a precious commodity. By automatically generating show notes, summaries, and chapters, it takes one more task off your plate.
But the benefits of this feature extend beyond time-saving. Detailed show notes can significantly enhance your podcast's discoverability. They provide search engines with more text to crawl, improving your SEO and helping potential listeners find your show.
NOTE: Here’s another AI tool that generate shownotes in a snap. And yep, also free. But this one takes it further by creating audiograms and videograms automagically for your podcast.
7. Streamlabs' Free Game-Changing Podcast Editing Tool
Streamlabs has launched a new podcast editor that's not just user-friendly, but also free to use.
It's designed to simplify the podcast editing process, offering a range of features that can help you produce high-quality audio content. From trimming and cutting to adding sound effects and adjusting audio levels, this tool has got you covered.
As a podcaster, you're well aware that good editing can make or break your show. It's not just about removing the "umms" and "ahhs" or awkward pauses. It's about pacing, clarity, and creating a seamless listening experience. It's about making sure your message comes across as intended, without any distractions. With Streamlabs' podcast editor, you can do all this and more. You can ensure your podcast sounds professional, engaging, and worth every second of your listeners' time.
Give Streamlabs' podcast editor a try. It might just be the game-changer you've been looking for.
8. Gen Z's Podcast Listening Habits
Gen Zs listen to podcasts more than you think. In fact, 73% of Gen Z monthly podcast listeners began listening before the age of 18.
Here’s some deeper insights to understanding the listening habits of this demographic:
Social Media is King
Gen Z is finding their podcasts on social media. Gone are the days when word of mouth or a simple Google search would do the trick. Now, if you're not making waves on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok, you're practically invisible to this crowd.
Podcast Ads Aren't Just Noise
Here's where it gets interesting. Gen Z isn't just mindlessly scrolling past your podcast ads. No, they're engaging, they're clicking, and they're buying.
Authenticity is Non-Negotiable
Gen Z has a sixth sense for sniffing out inauthenticity. They don't just want to hear ads; they want to hear stories. They want to feel a connection. They want to support brands that align with their values. So, when you're crafting those ad scripts, remember to keep it real.
9. The Most Popular Podcast Topics in the US
Podcast listeners are drawn to a variety of topics, but some genres stand out.
According to Pew Research Center, true crime holds the crown. It's the thrill of real-world drama and mystery that keeps listeners hooked. But it's not all about crime and suspense. News, politics, and entertainment podcasts also have a strong following, satisfying our need for current insights and lighter, enjoyable content.
While these trends are worth noting, they shouldn't overshadow your unique voice. Your podcast should reflect your interests and expertise. As previously mentioned, authenticity is STILL key. It's what sets your podcast apart in a saturated market.
So, whether your passion lies in cooking, entrepreneurship, or even underwater basket weaving, there's an audience waiting for you. Remember, trends may shift, but genuine passion stands the test of time.
10. Magellan AI’s Multi-Channel Podcast Analytics
Magellan AI, your new secret weapon.
This leading podcast media planning and measurement platform has just announced a game-changing feature: the ability to measure the performance of streaming audio campaigns right alongside podcasts.
Why is this a big deal? Well, imagine being able to glance at your dashboard and instantly see the performance of your entire campaign setup. No more juggling multiple platforms or wrestling with complex data. With Magellan AI, you can conveniently optimize your campaigns to secure the results you're after.
As Cameron Hendrix, CEO and co-founder of Magellan AI, points out, "Our advertising clients are increasingly moving into multi-channel audio advertising." With more ways to buy and sell audio than ever before, having a platform that lets you measure all your audio media in one place is a game-changer.
So, what's the bottom line? Data-driven decision making is the future of podcasting. If you're not already using a measurement tool, now might be the time to start. With Magellan AI, you're not just keeping up with the podcasting world — you're literally staying one step ahead.
Wrapping Up
There you have it, the top 10 things you need to know this week to power up your podcast. Remember, as a podcaster, you're not just a content creator. You're a researcher, a marketer, a sound engineer, and more.
Stay informed, stay passionate, and keep pushing the boundaries of what your podcast can be.