SoundCloud announced some updated figures for its online audio platform. The company’s library now exceeds 135 million unique tracks. There are also more than 1 million albums now on SoundCloud, thanks to the newly launched feature that lets members present their work in the traditional format instead of as a playlist of individual tracks. Continue Reading
MusicWatch investigated the role of playlists in listener habits and behaviors. The company compiled 500 online interviews with users of Spotify or Apple Music. According to the results, 90% of music streamers have listened to or created a playlist. Continue Reading
Texas A&M and DMR/Interactive have announced a new project called The Download on Podcasting. The campaign will examine the podcasting space during the 2016-2017 academic year, and will be released as a series over the coming year. Continue Reading
WideOrbit has announced that radio group Townsquare Media has commited to a suite of WideOrbit digital platform products across Townsquare’s array of 310 radio stations. Townsquare is the third-largest radio group in the U.S., operating in 66 markets. The deal completes a multiyear Townsquare effort to consolidate its digital operations. Continue Reading
Mixcloud announced that it has reached a milestone of 1 million curators. The online radio service collects uploads of radio shows, DJ mixes, and podcasts from that million-strong audience. Continue Reading
Amazon has been showing interest in launching a standalone streaming music service for months, but according to the latest reports, the tech giant won’t be happy with just one. Amazon appears to be considering two services: one that would match the industry standard of unlimited on-demand access for $10 a month; the other would be half the price and would only work on the company’s Echo home speaker hardware. Continue Reading
How do consumers listen to podcasts? When do they start, stop, abandon, complete their shows? In particular, do they hear the ads? How is advertising effectiveness verified? When those questions can be answered, advertiser buy-in to podcasting will increase. “API Listening” is one key to the future, and an industry buzzword in the present. Continue Reading
After much anticipation, Frank Ocean has released his new album. The project is titled Blonde, although previous reports pegged the name as Boys Don’t Cry. The arrival of a new Apple Music exclusive is getting to be dime-a-dozen news, but Ocean’s new project does have a few key takeaways. Continue Reading
Tyler Goldman has departed Deezer. The streaming company has not issued any formal comment yet about the exit or who will step in to oversee operations in the region. Continue Reading
Undeterred by the uphill battle and recent closures in the space, there’s another new player in the crossovers of music, social media, and mobile. The company is called Rednote. It’s a messaging app where users can share music clips, currently slated for launch this fall. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Forecasts for the future of AM radio. Considering Norway’s approach to a DAB+ transition. Much more. Continue Reading
Samsung announced that it is closing down the Milk Music streaming service. The platform will shutter on Sept. 22 this year. This marks the end of a rather tumultuous life-span for the Samsung music project. Continue Reading