Luminary launches Alexa skill, including support for subscription by voice

Luminary is launching an Alexa skill for its podcast platform. Paying listeners can use voice commands with Alexa to control playback, such as picking up with an episode from mobile listening, or to ask for podcast recommendations. In addition, listeners can use Alexa commands to either start a free trial or to begin subscribing to the service.

Luminary debuted this year, with backing of about $100 million and pitching itself as “the Netflix of podcasts.” That meant a subscription platform for listeners to access ad-free content, including exclusive original programming. The service had a rocky launch, including losing its chief strategy officer. However, it found a new CEO and a new round of $30 million in October to continue its push into the growing podcast sector.