RAIN Notes: Thursday, June 8
Month: June 2023
Acast/Podchaser uses AI to help advertisers target podcast campaigns
Podchaser, an Acast subsidiary, announces the launch of a new technology which can assist hosting providers, ad platforms, and other marketplaces to enhance ad targeting. The offering is called Collections+, and reportedly uses AI to sort podcasts into verticals useful to advertisers and marketers. The product expands the number and range of podcasts which can be effectively targeted by advertisers. Continue Reading
YouTube stars in weighty Cumulus/Signal Hill podcast study
In this substantial piece of work, conducted by MARU/Matchbox in April, the focus is on profiling heavy podcast consumers who listen weekly. The survey questions how they listen, their preferred platforms, how video fits in, and their attitudes toward podcast advertising. The result is a rich, multi-faced, detailed portrait of the podcast consumer market. Click for highlights and the study link. Continue Reading
May podcast launches reach new low; fewer abandoned podcasts
We see an interesting trend developing in the podcast metrics published by Listen Notes. On one hand, we note that the month of May saw the lowest new podcast production in a year. At the same time, abandoned podcasts are low in number, indicating stability in the creative market. Continue Reading
Spotify to merge Parcast and Gimlet in podcast reorg; 200 layoffs to ensue
“Our continued success in growing the podcast ecosystem is predicated on the necessity that the Spotify Machine is always in motion.” –Sahar Elhabashi, VP and Head of Content Business, Spotify Spotify is planning employment terminations for 200 people in… Continue Reading
Seven audio announcements at Apple’s WWDC: Easier music sharing and don’t say “Hey”
We scoured reports of Apple’s keynote to its Worldwide Developers conference, looking for audio-related features in iOS 17, Apple’s mobile operating system which will be released in the fall. Click through for seven new features. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s International Radio Trends: AM given reprieve; Long Wave to go away; radio on TV
by James Cridland
In his latest piece, guest columnist James Cridland reports on the recent about-face by Ford Motor Company in the U.S., which spares AM radio from being removed in its cars. Not so lucky for British AM, though, where “the BBC says that 5 Live will be off AM by Dec 2027; they’ve been slowly turning off BBC Local Radio’s AM transmitters too.” And, as always, global observations and commentary. Continue Reading
The “ever-elusive” Gen Z — podcast listening on the rise; friendly to ads
SXM Media, sponsor of an Edison Research study of Gen Z podcast listening, has spilled a substantial amount of information in advance of the official webinar presentation on June 15. The premise is that Gen Z is an elusive population group with unique characteristics, and that Gen Z’ers are eager and attentive podcast consumers. A surprising wealth of data are previewed. Click for details and a link to more. Continue Reading
Better podcast ROI data a leading trend: State of Podcast Agencies Report
In a new survey report produced by CoHost with Quill Inc., we learn that developing better podcast ROI metrics is the most predicted five-year trend. The survey queried 46 podcast agencies about their resources, methods, and challenges. There is much more to this meaty report, including reams of quotations. Click through for key takeaways, graphics, and more. Continue Reading
RAIN Notes: Thursday, June 1
— Seeking Participation (Veritonic)
— TikTok Music (MBW)
— Significance (Signal Hill Insights)
2023 Quill Podcasting bestows 19 awards in annual program; “Ditch the Suits” wins top prize
In the results of Quill Podcasting’s annual awards, we find winners across several show categories, plus bestowals for best branded podcast (in four sub-categories), best agency, hosting, ad platform, PR company, innovation, and advertising. Click for info. Continue Reading
Podcast ad rates dip in June after 3 rising months (Libsyn/AdvertiseCast)
The average cost per thousand (CPM) for podcast ads moved downward in June, across all measures of audience size, and the average of them. This according to AdvertiseCast’s monthly tracker, where average CPM for all audience size buckets (1,000 to 100,000+) settled in at $23.03, lowering from the May average of $23.47. Click through for the long trend chart. Continue Reading