Vox Media gets creative with new podcast ads for HBO’s Silicon Valley

Vox Media is exploring new options for creative advertising in podcasts. Three of the media company’s shows will have ad breaks where Kara Swisher, co-founder of Recode and host of the Recode/Decode podcast, interviews a character from the HBO comedy Silicon Valley. The interview with actor Chris Diamantopoulos (in character as tech investor Russ Hanneman) covers the current cryptocurrency plotline of the show. The spot will air on Recode/Decode, Recode Media, and Vergecast. Although the interview sounds like a rather typical tech podcast segment, it is bookended with statements that it is sponsored by HBO.

“As advertisers, we’re attracted to podcasting due to the undivided attention of its consumers,” Dana Flax, HBO’s director of digital and social media, told Variety by email. “As storytellers, we love the ability to extend the ‘Silicon Valley’ narratives into the real world and surprise and delight our fans.”

“The idea of short-form customized audio content that lives within the show is new and novel,” added Evan Lang, vice president of revenue and partnerships for Vox Media’s audio division.

The format shows the potential yet to be unlocked by smart partnerships between podcasters and advertisers. Podcasting continues to grow in popularity, with the Infinite Dial 2018 reports for the United States, Canada, and Australia all showing audiences on the rise. With the vast amounts of purchasing power up for grabs with those audiences, we can expect to see more savvy brands looking to build those smart partnerships in the podcast space.

Anna Washenko

Related Posts

Spotify Q1: 1B Euros; total revenue +20%; 615 monthly users

Spotify’s Q1 earnings report provides clear bragging points for Spotify. Click for details and a financial data graphic.

Steve Goldstein: Navigating The Real Risks Of AI-Audio

by Steve Goldstein

In this latest guest column from podcast consultant and public speaker Steve Goldstein, Steve offers assessments of AI’s role in podcast production — including the host chair. The bottom line is to use AI cautiously, and Steve provides general guidelines. “As cliché as it might sound, don’t lose sight of what makes podcasts truly resonant and meaningful: their authenticity.” This is an important read.

You Missed

Spotify Q1: 1B Euros; total revenue +20%; 615 monthly users

Steve Goldstein: Navigating The Real Risks Of AI-Audio

Steve Goldstein: Navigating The Real Risks Of AI-Audio

Audacy Sports launches today, solving a “clunky” problem and better serving advertisers

Audacy Sports launches today, solving a “clunky” problem and better serving advertisers

RAIN Notes: Wednesday, April 24

RAIN Notes: Wednesday, April 24

Acast annual report: Defending and defining the podcast ad market

Acast annual report: Defending and defining the podcast ad market

Spotify exits the IAB; podcasting particularly affected; a signal of extraordinay self-sufficiency

Spotify exits the IAB; podcasting particularly affected; a signal of extraordinay self-sufficiency
Enjoy great online radio at AccuRadio!