Instreamatic launches near-instant contextualized audio variations for CTV ads

Google-backed AI marketing platform Instreamatic has introduced Contextual Video & CTV Ads — a product identifier which might at first glance camouflage this audio-centric innovation. This is about creating seemingly unlimited variations of the audio voiceover in video ads to accomplish seemingly unlimited contextualization. Continue Reading

Startup turns any webpage into a podcast, accelerating an AI trend

At a time when AI is facilitating content creation in audio and other media categories, an ingenious new startup called PodStash reduces creative friction to practically zero. Not a creative tool for turning original content into audio, the key purpose is to turn any Internet text page into audio. (Wikipedia is a good example.) We dig in, and chat with the founder. Continue Reading

Podcast company Realm acquires Pinna and Lipstick & Vinyl; leaps into new categories

In an eye-opening double acquisition, scripted podcast company Realm has acquired kids podcast network Pinna and podcast-plus-representation company Lipstick & Vinyl. In this grab, Realm instantly expands into unscripted shows with both companies, and gains more in-house podcast ad representation. Continue Reading

Spotify Q2 earnings: Podcast investment, AI, Premium pricing, SPAN, and more

Spotify released its Q2 earnings report yesterday. Company executives Daniel Ek (CEO) and Paul Vogal (CFO) answered investor questions. Topics ranged from the recently announced subscription rate for Premium members, to company over-investment in podcasting, the Spotify Podcast Ad Network (SPAN), and the use of artificial intelligence. Click for the rundown with quotes. Continue Reading

Analysis of programmatic podcast ads: Gender split, length, and other attributes

“What do programmatic audio ads sound like? That’s the question posed by audio intelligence company Veritonic and podcast network Acast, resulting in a graphic fact sheet. The study included ads in the Financial, Auto, Adult Beverage, and Insurance verticals. We learn about length, content, and success rate. Continue Reading

YouTube podcast consumption is woven into user habits; many watch after listening (Veritonic)

In a fascinating burst of research from audio intelligence company Veritonic, we learn that podcast listeners use YouTube in a variety of ways, including as the source of second consumption — watching the video of a podcast they have already listened to. Click for an explanatory infographic, and Veritonic’s purpose in supplying this research. Continue Reading

Legendary pod network TWiT signs with LibSyn/AdvertiseCast for DAI and programmatic

In a notable piece of dealmaking, LibSyn has acquired the podcast ad-monetization business for This Week in Tech (TWiT), one of the most venerable podcast networks. TWiT was founded by tech/podcast celebrity Leo Laporte in 2005, and was one of the world’s first all-tech podcast networks. AdvertiseCast will use its Automatic Ads solution to dynamically fill TWiT’s unsold inventory. Click for more detail.
Continue Reading