Podtrac released a new set of data today exploring the most popular podcast topics. In both February 2019 and February 2018, the top three podcast categories were comedy, news and politics, and society and culture. Continue Reading
Google’s next smart home product appears to be a hub device. The new hardware will be called the Nest Hub Max, a smart display with a Nest camera and a 10-inch screen. The upcoming launch was leaked by accident in an update to the website for its Google Store. Continue Reading
Smart speakers have been rising in popularity since their debut, and new data from the International Data Corporation anticipates that the global market for smart home tech will grow 26.9% in 2019 to 832.7 million shipments. Nearly 1.6 billion devices are expected to ship in 2023. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s International Radio Trends is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: More on the split between the BBC and Google. April Fools on the airwaves. Continue Reading
Most music streaming services have a familiar set of options for subscription options, but Spotify is trying out something new. An individual can subscribe for $9.99 a month, the family tier gives access to up to six people for $14.99, and now it’s testing a middle ground. Spotify Duo is a subscription for just two people. Continue Reading
eMarketer predicted that Amazon Music be the fastest-growing service for audio streaming in 2019 and through 2023. According to its latest statistics, Amazon Music will reach 35 million monthly U.S. listeners this year thanks to a growth rate of 17.7%. Continue Reading
The BBC’s annual plan for 2019-2020 demonstrates a continued focus on local culture and creativity while embracing the ongoing digital shifts in the entertainment world. The UK broadcaster cited the popularity of audio and video streaming platforms, including Apple’s very recent announcements about television, and laid out how it plans to stay relevant in the competitive market for eyes and ears. Continue Reading
Kobalt announced that it secured gross collections of $494 million in its latest fiscal year. The total marks a 30% increase for the period ending June 30, 2018. It anticipates continued growth and projects the current year to end with gross collections of $600 million. Continue Reading
Mixcloud is expanding its fan-to-creator subscription service. The Mixcloud Select program offers audio creators a way to build dedicated fan bases and offer them perks as an additional revenue stream. Continue Reading
Pandora has partnered with Edison Research and Carat for an investigation into co-listening, when more than one person is tuned in to the same audio at the same place and time. The results mark a first analysis of this listening activity and its impact on streaming audio ad impressions. Continue Reading
Webcast listening in December was 8% higher than the year-ago period, while the three pureplay leaders maintained their November levels. This according to Triton Digital’s Top-20 Ranker, a monthly report based on Triton’s Webcast Metrics streaming measurement technology. Continue Reading
Westwood One released its 2019 Audioscape report, with an assessment of the latest trends and data in the audio industry. This year’s analysis focused on the impact of smart speakers and podcasts, and how their audiences differ from AM/FM radio. Continue Reading