by Steve Goldstein
In this guest column, Steve Goldstein presents a much-needed thought piece which examines where the value lies in podcast subscriptions — for creators, for audiences, and for the global ecosystem. “We don’t yet know the value between podcast content and someone’s wallet.” Essential reading. Continue Reading
Spotify released a trio of announcements this morning. One predominates: Paid podcast subscriptions within Spotify. Continue Reading
by Matt Deegan
Guest columnist Matt Deegan (Folder Media) reports on Apple’s new announcements and product lineup for podcast creators, set to launch next month. Who does it work for, and who does it not work for? And what about Android users — the global smartphone majority? A clarifying and essential read. Continue Reading
In an announcement targeted mainly to podcast creators, Apple announced two upcoming features that will enable podcasters to earn subscription revenue, and organize channels of content to increase listening. While both those features widely exist elsewhere, SVP Eddie Cue calls it “the next chapter of podcasting.” New analytics are also in the offing. It all comes out in May. Continue Reading
Today global podcast platform Acast makes public Acast+, a suite of tools giving podcasts ways of offering subscriptions to their shows as aternatives (or additions) to ad-funded shows. With Acast+, podcasters can offer ad-free streams, exclusive content, early access and much more to paying subscribers. Continue Reading
by Steve Goldstein
In this guest column, Steve Goldstein ruminates on the possible podcast-industry-wide switch from “Subscribe” to “Follow.” He cheers Apple for announcing the switch, but wonders: “Have we seen the last of the term “subscribe” as it relates to podcasts?”
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Acast, the international podcast hosting platform and advertising marketplace, has acquired RadioPublic, the podcast network and tech innovator founded in 2016. It’s a partnership of values and technology affinity. Click through for details and context. Continue Reading
by Jeff Umbro
In this week’s column, The Podglomerate CEO Jeff Umbro rounds up recent earnings reports from Spotify, SiriusXM, The New York Times, and Amazon. (With stock charts.) A nice grab-bag of industry updates rounds out the issue. Oh, also a podcast recommendation. Continue Reading
by Matt Deegan
Guest columnist Matt Deegan (Folder Media) traces the evolution of direct subscription to all kinds of content, and speculates about new monetization methods. Next up for podcasts in 2021: a “battle of the models.” Continue Reading
by Matt Deegan
In his inaugural guest column in RAIN, Folder Media’s Matt Deegan describes the challenges, opportunities, and potential futures of audio in four categories: Heritage broadcast radio, digital linear channels, music services, and podcasts. It’s a terrific analysis and outlook for the upcoming new year. Continue Reading
The latest Sounds Profitable column by Bryan Barletta explores, demystifies, and evangelizes programmatic audio advertising. Along the way he offers a much-needed review of the VASt standard, and explains why audio publishers love programmatic. Continue Reading
RAIN is delighted to welcome guest columnist Bryan Barletta, who will share his popular Sounds Profitable weekly newsletter on Wednesdays. It is all about podcast ad-tech. In this one, a deep dive into the IABv2 measurement standard. Continue Reading