The African on-demand streaming and download platform Mdundo was launched in Kenya in 2012. Today we learn that Mdundo has surpassed 1 million users, and has expanded to be a more international resource for African musicians and listeners. Continue Reading
Deezer has partnered with Audio.ad, a specialist in audio advertising for the Latin American and U.S. Hispanic audiences. This deal will see Deezer expanding its reach in Colombia, which is already a top market for the streaming service. Continue Reading
Shazam has entered a partnership that will add music video channels to its app. The multifaceted mobile company has teamed up with video engagement business Vadio for this effort to increase time spent in its app. When a user Shazams a song, they will now see a music video channel in addition to the track’s metadata. Continue Reading
The podcast category is developing into a mature business market. Money is flowing in. Media buyers are increasingly interested in the podcast opportunity, with its distinctive qualities. But there are over 300,000 podcasts. It’s a long tail of content. Two revenue paths are opening up for indie podcasts. Continue Reading
The Trade Desk is bringing its digital audio programmatic advertising to the Asia Pacific region, and Spotify is one of its first partners there. This launch means that advertisers can now buy digital audio inventory targeting the APAC audience. Continue Reading
Mark Ramsey notes the rapid adoption of Apple and Google dashboard systems in 2017 cars. Thee 2017 model year might be a tipping point; it certainly will continue the trend toward making the car a rolling version of your smartphone. What does it mean for media brands? Continue Reading
Acast announced that it is offering all its signed podcasters free access to Epidemic Sound and Hindenburg Journalist Pro. Epidemic Sound is a curated music library specifically for creative productions. Hindenburg is a suite of radio production and editing software. Continue Reading
Pandora has announced a rebrand, complete with a newly designed logo and slightly altered color palette. “As Pandora continues to evolve the most personal music experience, our new look embraces the dynamic range of sound and color, visualizing the energy and emotion that artists pour into the creation of music, and that we feel as listeners,” the online audio company said in a blog post. Continue Reading
Amazon has launched its new streaming music program. Carrying the name of Amazon Music Unlimited, the new service is muscling into the crowded territory with a unique integration with its existing home technology. The company was expected to have some interesting ties to its Amazon Echo voice-activated wireless speaker and it has delivered on that front. Continue Reading
At RAIN Summit Nashville last month, Eric Nuzum of Audible sat for an interview with RAIN President Brad Hill to discuss on-demand audio, podcasting, and Amazon-owned Audible’s new ventures. “My mission is to expand digital audio to people who aren’t listening yet,” said Nuzum. Full video here. Continue Reading
Podcast host Spreaker, a keen developer of tools for producers, has launched new embedded web players for placing podcast episodes on web pages. The announcement shows graphical possibilities within the players — “Don’t just tell listeners your story, show it to them, too!” says Spreaker. Continue Reading
Music Connect, a Nielsen product for clients who wish to see how music is distributed and consumed, has addedlocal market information to its streaming data set. Music Connect has always tracked radio airplay, streams, and social uptake of music. Continue Reading