Paul Riismandel: What Is Brand Lift in Digital Audio and Podcasting?

In his first guest column at RAIN News, Paul Riismandel (Chief Insights Officer & Partner, Signal Hill Insights) offers a deep and detailed dig into the meaning and functions of “brand lift” — that oft-mentioned and much valued attribute of successful audio ad campaigns. “Brand lift lets performance marketers put a microscope on their ad copy and messaging,” Paul says — and he also itemizes important questions which get answered using brand lift studies. Much more — click to read.
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The popularity and politics of podcasts: Insights from Pew Research Center

From a large-scale survey (5,132 U.S. adults surveyed in December), the Pew Research Center has released results about the popularity of podcasts and the habits of listeners. It’s a big study with deep analysis provided by Pew. We cover key takeaways and a couple of nuances. Click for metrics, graphics, and a link to the full study. Continue Reading

YAP Media’s “new era of podcasting” (Podcast Upfront presentation)

YAP Media Founder and CEO Hala Taha kindly sent RAIN News the presentation deck she delivered at the IAB Podcast Upfront last week. YAP Media was founded around the Young and Profiting podcast, created and hosted by Taha. The YAP network has grown to 15 podcasts. The deck is notable for the range of data sources cited across 23 slides. Click for details, selected slides, and a download link. Continue Reading

James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: India tells mobile phone manufacturers to put FM tuners in; and the ‘live item tag’

by James Cridland

In his latest piece, guest columnist James Cridland starts in India, where the government has decreed that mobile phones must be equipped with FM reception. Then it’s onto BBC Local Radio, where station cuts are being called “scandalous.” An unusually long and deep column this week; click through to read the whole thing. Continue Reading

Google podcast search evolves, and demotes Google Podcasts for listening

In 2019 Google introduced direct podcast playback within Google search results that year. We thought it was a terrific innovation that could significantly grow the “ever listened to a podcast” population in research surveys. In Q1 of this year Google disappointingly (in our opinion) removed that feature from Google Search. We test how Google represents podcasts in mobile and desktop. Click for screenshots. Continue Reading