News

Case study produces ASMR audio ads for Sport Clips, with Veritonic research

Posted on by Brad Hill

In a fascinating and experimental case study, haircutting shop Sport Clips leverage audio effectiveness research by Veritonic and audio design agency Play Audio Agency, to create ASMR audio spots. SMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) is an audio experience which stimulates tingling sensations in some people which travel down from the top of the head into the back. Audio elements often used in ASMR videos include whispering, tapping, and rustling. Click for an audio sample, and good luck continuing to work after listening. Continue Reading →

Audiochuck starts new podcast network; Jason Hoch to lead new company

Posted on by Brad Hill

Audiochuck, the podcast company formed by Crime Junkie entrepreneur and podcast personality Ashley Flowers, is forming a new business unit to develop new shows. That subsidiary is called WAVLAND, and will be led by long-time podcast executive Jason Hoch. Hoch was with HowStuffWorks for five years, first as Chief Content Officer, then as Head of New Initiatives. He was President, Podcasts at Imperative Entertainment, ending that stint last month. Continue Reading →

Interchangeable Ad Slots: Acast’s method of increasing inventory

Posted on by Brad Hill

Global podcast company Acast sent an interesting notice about a tech innovation called Interchangeable Ad Slots. The system takes advantage of Acast’s basic system setting which reserves each ad slot for one of two ad types: host reads, or pre-recorded brand commercials. The new technology can discern which type is reserved for a slot, and override that setting by selling and delivering the other type. Continue Reading →

Podcast offers reach, youth, and differentiation: Sounds Profitable / Signal Hill

Posted on by Brad Hill

A new podcast audience study from Sounds Profitable and a cluster of sponsors was presented by co-CEO Tom Webster yesterday. Called The Medium Moves the Message, the central learnings are that podcasting’s young audience is growing, is differentiated in their listening habits, and that advertising on podcasts delivers “net new consumers.” Click through for details, slides, and key takeaways. Continue Reading →

RIAA full-year 2022: Music subs leap upward, breaking through $10-billion U.S. revenue

Posted on by Brad Hill

“Streaming continued to account for a large majority of recorded music revenues in 2022.” Thus reports the first line in the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)’s full-year 2022 earnings report. All streaming platforms grew seven percent year-over-year, amounting to $13.3-billion. About 75% of that was subscription streaming revenue, which totalled to $10B. Click through for more, and detailed trend charts. Continue Reading →