BetterHelp spent $29M on podcast ads in Q2, and other insights in Magellan’s benchmark report

If there is a single metric worthy of a headline in Magellan AI’s just-released Podcast Advertising Benchmark Report, it is the three-month ad spend of top advertiser BetterHelp (an online counseling service). But there is much more. Click through for a selection of metrics, graphics, and the download link. Continue Reading

Analysis of programmatic podcast ads: Gender split, length, and other attributes

“What do programmatic audio ads sound like? That’s the question posed by audio intelligence company Veritonic and podcast network Acast, resulting in a graphic fact sheet. The study included ads in the Financial, Auto, Adult Beverage, and Insurance verticals. We learn about length, content, and success rate. Continue Reading

iHeartMedia forges partnership with LinkedIn for launching, resourcing, and promoting podcasts

iHeartMedia is breaking news about the audio behemoth’s new partnership with business-oriented social media platform LinkedIn. Broadly, the agreement intends to support creators produce, launch, and scale podcasts. From iHeart’s perspective, the goal is to pair its infrastructure and distribution… Continue Reading

YouTube podcast consumption is woven into user habits; many watch after listening (Veritonic)

In a fascinating burst of research from audio intelligence company Veritonic, we learn that podcast listeners use YouTube in a variety of ways, including as the source of second consumption — watching the video of a podcast they have already listened to. Click for an explanatory infographic, and Veritonic’s purpose in supplying this research. Continue Reading

“The Podcast Opportunity” reveals buy-side planning, requirements, and experiences (Sounds Profitable)

Sounds Profitable has released a data+interview report (The Podcast Opportunity) which explores buyer perceptions of podcast advertising. With a rich mix of survey data and qualitative interviews with agencies and brands, this project delivers a holistic understanding of podcast advertiser habits, preferences, and perceptions. Click for a sample of survey results, some quotes, and the download link. Continue Reading

AI set to take over podcasting; majority of listeners approve (Acast study)

Acast sent us a fascinating piece of survey work that questioned podcast listeners about their sentiment toward AI influencing podcasts in over 20 ways. The broad takeaway is approval by listeners for AI in the production process. That approval slants toward technical improvements, with lower levels of acceptance of content manipulations. Click for the interesting details. Continue Reading

Farewell to Stitcher as SiriusXM seeks to consolidate users

In a sad but arguably predictable action, Sirius XM announces it will shut down the Stitcher podcast app in August. Founded in 2008, Stitcher is a venerable brand in the renaissance of podcasting. Existing Stitcher registered users will be shifted to the Sirius XM platform. The decision might have a brand maintenance aspect as well. Click for details. Continue Reading

Legendary pod network TWiT signs with LibSyn/AdvertiseCast for DAI and programmatic

In a notable piece of dealmaking, LibSyn has acquired the podcast ad-monetization business for This Week in Tech (TWiT), one of the most venerable podcast networks. TWiT was founded by tech/podcast celebrity Leo Laporte in 2005, and was one of the world’s first all-tech podcast networks. AdvertiseCast will use its Automatic Ads solution to dynamically fill TWiT’s unsold inventory. Click for more detail.
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Audio sales company AdLarge opens a Labs program for podcast creators and networks

AdLarge, an independent ad sales company which connects all kinds of audio publishers with brands, and brands to audiences, has launched AdLarge Labs. The company describes the new venture as “a digital accelerator program to market, monetize, and maximize opportunities for podcast creators.” It is open to all creators and networks. Click for details and key to the waitlist. Continue Reading