Brand safety, identity, the future: AdsWizz “State of Audio Technology 2023”

Audio adtech giant and SXM Media subsidiary AdsWizz has released a deep and detailed guide to technology tools in digital audio advertising, matched to advertiser expectations and future needs. It is a formidable whitepaper, casting a knowledge net over the industry punctuated by company-specific technologies, products, and solutions. Click for an overview and an essential download link. Continue Reading

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

Podcast network Goalhanger goes with Spotify-Megaphone for host-read and DAI advertising

Spotify is reporting that its podtech subsidiary Megaphone has acquired a new client in the Goalhanger podcast network. Goalhanger published non-fiction shows with a focus on history. The network’s website displays eight titles. Goalhanger self-identifies as “the UK’s largest independent podcast company.” Continue Reading

Instreamatic enhances its Contextual Audio Ads product with celebrity voices

Calling it “groundbreaking technology,” AI audio advertising platform Instreamatic is promoting its Contextual Audio Ads product. Today’s PR promotes two key features. Using AI, a near-infinite number of customization can be made for accurate targeting. Also, AI-cloned celebrity voices are available. Click for details and Instreamatic’s video demonstration. Continue Reading

“Synthetic Stories” — an AI-generated podcast launches and makes us think of AI audiobooks.

Synthetic Stories is a new podcast, and the first podcast (as far as we know) produced entirely by Artificial Intelligence (AI). That includes the script, the sound design, the music composition, the artwork, the voice performance, and the promotional materials accompanying the release. The presentation reminds us of synthetically produced audiobooks; we check on Apple’s progress with that. All these example are persuasive … a threat to performers, and a potential cost-cutting option to producers. Continue Reading

Spotify adds AI-powered DJ to music listening

If broadcast radio felt disgruntled by on-demand listening apps before, now there is a new offense: Spotify has introduced a DJ feature which uses a synthetic voice to create a radio-like presentation of the user’s saved music. It is called AI DJ, and the tool uses generative artificial intelligence to intro and extro a mix of tracks from the user’s library. Click for a launch video. Continue Reading

Buzzsprout starts podcaster advertising program at $20 CPM; 70/30 revenue split

Buzzsprout is creating buzz (sorry) for its new podcaster advertising program, Buzzsprout Ads, which allows podcasters to purchase midroll spots in Buzzsprout-hosted podcasts. The promotion is absent of details pertinent to Buzzsprout shows which will receive the ads. But by digging into the Buzzsprout Facebook community we were able to piece together the entire picture. Continue Reading