Spotify

Google podcast search evolves, and demotes Google Podcasts for listening

Posted on by Brad Hill

In 2019 Google introduced direct podcast playback within Google search results that year. We thought it was a terrific innovation that could significantly grow the “ever listened to a podcast” population in research surveys. In Q1 of this year Google disappointingly (in our opinion) removed that feature from Google Search. We test how Google represents podcasts in mobile and desktop. Click for screenshots. Continue Reading →

Instreamatic enhances its Contextual Audio Ads product with celebrity voices

Posted on by Brad Hill

Calling it “groundbreaking technology,” AI audio advertising platform Instreamatic is promoting its Contextual Audio Ads product. Today’s PR promotes two key features. Using AI, a near-infinite number of customization can be made for accurate targeting. Also, AI-cloned celebrity voices are available. Click for details and Instreamatic’s video demonstration. Continue Reading →

Spotify launches “broadcast-to-podcast,” connecting two of its acquisitions

Posted on by Brad Hill

Spotify notified us of a new venture and technology accomplishment — called “broadcast-to-podcast,” it enables radio broadcasters a specialized tool that makes it simple to turn their existing audio content into on-demand podcast content. This repurposing is accomplished with two of Spotify’s acquisitions: Australia-based Whooshkaa and U.S.-based Megaphone. Click for lots of detail. Continue Reading →

NPR podcasts are now part of Spotify’s SPAN marketplace, keeping the distinctive NPR promo sound

Posted on by Brad Hill

In an announcement timed  to coincide with last week’s Podcast Movement Evolutions conference, NPR has joined the Spotify Audience Network (SPAN), adding one of the world’s most listened-to catalogs to the streaming giant’s podcast monetization platform. It is the first time NPR has gone beyond its direct-sold advertising to work with a partner. Spotify will monetize unsold inventory, NPR told RAIN, and retain NPR’s trademark sponsorship sound. Click for more detail. Continue Reading →

Podcast Movement Evolutions: Awards, announcements, and hard-core learnings in Vegas

Posted on by Brad Hill

Podcast Movement Evolutions, the business-oriented variation of the creator-focused Podcast Movement conferences, was held at the Westgate Conference Center in Las Vegas this week. A somewhat more intimate experience than Podcast Movement, Evolutions offered several knowledge tracks featuring keynotes, interviews, and panel discussions along with numerous networking opportunities during three and a half days. There were announcements, too. Continue Reading →

Spotify adds AI-powered DJ to music listening

Posted on by Brad Hill

If broadcast radio felt disgruntled by on-demand listening apps before, now there is a new offense: Spotify has introduced a DJ feature which uses a synthetic voice to create a radio-like presentation of the user’s saved music. It is called AI DJ, and the tool uses generative artificial intelligence to intro and extro a mix of tracks from the user’s library. Click for a launch video. Continue Reading →