A weekly perspective on the business of audio, including podcasting, smart audio, streaming music, social audio, and everything else you stick in your earballs. Hosted by 20+ year audio veteran Tom Webster, SVP of Edison Research.
Today in the business of podcasting: social media clips pose potential cannibalization issue, Morrissey on saving the open web, podcasting exempt from UK "less healthy foods" advertising restrictions, marketers are squeamish about Q4, and how Nairobi is a Gen Z hotspot for Kenya's podcasting scene.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
This week in the business of podcasting: the industry mourns Todd Cochrane, what's happening at IAB Podcast Upfront, what Amazon's Wondery downscaling means for creative value, and how creatives are using CTV deals to increase sponsorship rates.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Today in the business of pdocasting: remembering Todd Cochrane, what creatives don't get about executives, Google's court filing suggests open web is in "rapid decline", what Amazon's turn away from narrative podcasting opens for the wider industry, and Locked On grows advertiser partnerships with Magellan AI.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: how Gen Z is shaping sports media, a look at YouTube's new culture and trends report, how transparency is influencing influencer sponsor pay, and On Air Fest/Work x Work announce a rebrand. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Let's take a moment to reflect.Written and narrated by Tom WebsterEdited by Bryan Barletta and Gavin GaddisAudio editing by Gavin GaddisFind the full article here on Sounds Profitable.
Today in the business of podcasting: the industry mourns the loss of Todd Cochrane, IAB announces Podcast Upfront plans, and a reflection on how gen-AI might impact media's profit capabilities. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: creators are leveraging their CTV channels for higher-value sponsorships, Washington State's new digital ad sales tax isn't fully formed yet, NYT is shutting down their Audio app and moving everything over to News, Brazil's podcasting "sleeping giant" is no longer asleep, and AdImpact's predictions for 2026 midterm election ad spend. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
This week in the business of podcasting: The Podcast Landscape 2025 report is here, big-name podcast live events prove lucrative, YouTube is at the top of the streaming pile for Nielsen's July version of the Media Distributor Gauge, and a look at podcasting's presence at Advertising Week NYC.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: a look at podcasting's presence at Advertising Week NYC, The Podcast Landscape 2025 is here, streaming investments are up but buyers drive a hard bagain, and the hidden costs of launching a YouTube presence. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: a lot of money is going to into creator marketing but not as much is making it to the creators, mainstream media is hungry for star podcast talent, and key findings from industry conversations at Podcast Movement Dallas. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: Podcast live shows are a real money-maker, the creator economy has some measurement roadbumps to clear, talent managers are finding they can't redline contracts for influencers as much, Edison's top 25 podcasts quarterly report is here, and YouTube tops TV watch chart for sixth month running on Nielsen Media Distributior Gauge. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
This week in the business of podcasting: The Emmys recognizing YouTube video podcasts as talk shows might save the Talk Show category, Tom Webster debuts data from The Podcast Landscape 2025, Chartable has an official death-date, and Spotify has a new messaging service in its app. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: Chartable has a death-date, two surprising facts about platform consumption, Australia has a new advertising benchmark study, YouTube takes Hype global, and a look at a kids' podcast that got demonetized. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: The Trade Desk redefines SSPs as resellers, an interview with Ozen.fm co-founder Rodrigo Tigre, Taylor Swift set a Guinness World Record with her podcast album debut, and an interview with Casuals host Katie Nolan.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Essential news for today in the business of podcasting: YouTube has been quietly sharpening contrast on random YouTube Shorts, Spotify launches an in-app messaging feature, Acast launches Ads Academy, and a roundup of some webinars happening this week. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: Spotify's increasing Premium rate, the changing landscape of paid search placement, YouTube podcast elegibility would be a ticket to rejuvinating talk show award categories, and what Black culture means to modern brands. SiriusXM's survey.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
This week in the business of podcasting: Sounds Profitable merges with Podcast Movement, podcast audiences want choice, a look at news podcast listener demographic changes, YouTube is making it easier for collaborator brand deals to give credit to everyone, and what podcasting left on the table during the Taylor Swift album announcement. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: The Podcast Standards Project shows how video can easily become a part of open RSS podcasting, Tom Webster debuts new audience data at Podcast Movement, and Signal Hill Insights has a new report on News podcast audiences. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: What likely depressed Spotify's ad business this past quarter, YouTube adds a collaborator-focused update to Shorts ads, and Wondercraft has a new conversation-based AI to quickly produce content. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: Sounds Profitable and Podcast Movement merge, Dentsu is opening a podcast network in India, and Billboard looks at the numbers for Taylor Swift's last podcast appearance. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
This week in the business of podcasting: Taylor Swift debuted her new album's name and artwork on a podcast, a look at the resiliency of audio storytelling, Tom Webster reflects on the "video is everything" media narrative, an update to The Podscape is here, and Oxford Road has a new report on the lift provided by running ads on YouTube podcasts.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: the new Podscape is now here, Jen Moss writes about the decline of audio storytelling being exaggerated, Tom Webster reflects on podcasting's flexibility in the video age, and The Hollywood Reporter has a special issue just for podcasting.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: Oxford Road has a new study on YouTube podcast ad lift, Taylor Swift's album announcement on a podcast is about to happen, marketers are finding podcasts ads rock (because they do), and the ad industry has an entry-level problem for college grads. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Despite what scary headlines may say, video and audio podcasting have a more symbiotic relationship than one might think. Written and narrated by Tom WebsterEdited by Bryan Barletta and Gavin GaddisAudio editing by Gavin GaddisFind the full article here on Sounds Profitable.
Today in the business of podcasting: sports podcasting has grown so much video podcasts are starting to look like independent TV studios, podcasting remains a bright spot of iHeartMedia's earnings calls, Taylor Swift uses a podcast to announce her new album, and Procter & Gamble uses an audio fiction podcast to promote a new version of Downy. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: Age of Audio to be screened in the Sounds Profitable lounge @ Podcast Movement, how B2B startups are using podcast ads to grow, regulatory bodies in the UK argue YouTube is so big its advertising should be regulated like a broadcaster, Seattle's audio drama scene is booming, and The Hill publishes an op-ed about how MeidasTouch Podcast is outpacing The Joe Rogan Experience. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
This week in the business of podcasting: Amazon announces restructuring of Wondery, Spotify adds Audiobooks Plus add-on to US market, a look at podcasting's ability to plus-up social media ad buys, and a look back at what might have went wrong with Meghan Markle's podcasting efforts. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: Tom Webster on how podcasts compliment social media marketing campaigns, video podcasting grows at Audioboom, and industry responses to Wondery's restructuring. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: a reminder of the Sounds Profitable job board, Spotify launches Audiobooks Plus in the US, Theo Von interviews Hank Hill, and podcast advertising's ability to drive fans to action. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
New data from Sounds Profitable about how podcasts influence action could also suggest a symbiotic relationship with social media.Written and narrated by Tom WebsterEdited by Bryan Barletta and Gavin GaddisAudio editing by Gavin GaddisFind the full article here on Sounds Profitable.
Today in the business of podcasting: Ofcom has new UK listenership numbers, Spotify is raising its price in overseas markets, reactions to Bloomberg's Wondery closure article, and Xiaomi unveils new open source AI voice model for cars and appliances. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: Wondery podcast studio is shutting down, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is shutting down, SiriusXM reports healthy podcast growth in Q2, and why most Americans were never particularly interested in Meghan Markle's podcasting efforts.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
This week in the business of podcasting: Sounds Profitable has a new study focusing on how podcast audiences drive action, Magellan AI has a chart of their top movers and shakers in the podcast ad world, Spotify wants fans to "Read like they Listen", audio fiction is becoming a strategic IP play for Hollywood talent, and Astronomer hired Maximum Effort to address the Coldplay situation.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: Magellan AI has their June top spenders report, how influencer marketing has evolved over H1, TikTok to track audiences after they click out of the app, and podcasts are becoming more of a strategic IP play for actors.Find links to every article mentioned by heading to The Download's section of SoundsProfitable.com, or clicking here to go straight to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: Sounds Profitable has published a new report called Driving to Action, Andreessen Horowitz is looking to pay $400k to build out a podcast network, how broadcasters are adapting to young sports fans' desire for instant clips and highlights, and a Fox affiliate in Grand Rapids is the latest Scripps TV station to assign designated neighborhood reporters. Find links to every article mentioned by heading to The Download's section of SoundsProfitable.com, or clicking here to go straight to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: Spotify promotes audiobook listening with music language, a Reddit thread on /r/podcasts strikes up conversations about egregious pre-rolls, why settle for likes when brands can foster love, and Google rebuffs Pew report claiming AI summary search results are causing a decrease in clicks to webpages. Find links to every article mentioned by heading to The Download's section of SoundsProfitable.com, or clicking here to go straight to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: Acast crosses milestone with the U.S. becoming their highest-contributing single podcast market, Maximum Effort produces a satirical comedy ad for Astronomer, and Adweek looks at the growth and hiring spree happening with smaller, indie ad agencies.Register now for our upcoming webinar!Find links to every article mentioned by going to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or click here to go direct to today's issue.
This week in the business of podcasting: Why Sharon Taylor argues podcasting is losing sight of its audio roots, what Tom Webster learned from the longest-running one-person show in Vegas, an interview with OpusClip's Louis Roberts, and what the death of TheLate Show means for podcasting. Find links to every article mentioned by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or clicking here to go straight to today's entry.
Today in the business of podcasting: a look at Spotify's "super-listeners", what Tom Webster learned from a magician that applies to podcasting, and the Just for Laughs festival is awarding a Podcast of the Year during this year's festival. Find links to every article mentioned by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or clicking here to go straight to today's entry.
Today in the business of podcasting: Apple details how they protect listener privacy in listening reports, Steve Goldsten writes on how podcasting has largely usurped the classic late-night talk show, Sharon Taylor argues why video podcasting narratives leave audio behind, and an interview with OpusClip's Louis Roberts. Find links to every article mentioned by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to head straight to today's entry.
Audience engagement is the true magic that makes shows stick, who better to learn from than actual magicians? Written and narrated by Tom WebsterEdited by Bryan Barletta and Gavin GaddisAudio editing by Gavin GaddisRegister for Sounds Profitable's next research webinar.Find the full article here on Sounds Profitable.
Today in the business of podcasting: what the death of The Late Show might say about linear TV in general, a look at Joe Budden's income streams, advertising awards race to tighten up generative AI guidelines after Cannes Lions, Spotify launches Audiobooks+ in European markets and Canada, and 6AM City seeks to automate local newsletter production with Good Daily's AI. Find links to every article mentioned by heading to The Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here for today's episode post.
Today in the business of podcasting: Apple Podcasts have new listener reports (and Dan Misener has a suggestion for a future one), The New York Times looks at the audience of multi-hour chat podcasts, an overlook at how public broadcasting is impacted by the Senate rescinding $1b in funding, Nicolle Wallce's MSNBC podcast now is aired on MSNBC proper, and Sounds Profitable won the 2025 Content Marketing Institute award for Best Data Storytelling.Find links to every article mentioned by heading to The Download's section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here for today's specific post.
This week in the business of podcasting.Audioboom has acquired AdeliciousSelling the health & fitness podcast mindsetContent creators shut out of the Emmys for a second year runningThe power of podcast search optimizationGoogle is indexing InstagramVideo podcasting and YouTube production is creating jobs in an otherwise hurting Hollywood.Find links to every article discussed by heading to the Download's section of SoundsProfitable.com, or clicking here to head straight to the post for today's episode.
Today in the business of podcasting: SiriusXM launches an ad-supported tier, Audioboom acquires Adelicious, how Kids & Family podcasts are perfect for the "nag factor", content creators once again left out of the Emmys, and Acast reports on a podcast campaign run for KFC in Australia. Find links to every article discussed by heading to the Download's section of SoundsProfitable.com, or clicking here to head straight to the post for today's episode.
Today in the business of podcasting: Google is now indexing Instagram, Ausha's Jennfer Han talks about a recent BBC Studios case study, Digiday looks at the creator industrial complex, and IAB Tech Lab is working on an intiative to monetize LLMs scraping content and give control back to publishers. Find links to every article discussed by heading to the Download's section of SoundsProfitable.com, or clicking here to head straight to the post for today's episode.
Today in the business of podcasting: Audioboom posts profit in Q2, CMOs seek stability and cutting out the middleman with content creator marketing, and the LA Times covers the burgeoning video production job market caused by the rise of YouTubers and video podcasting. Find links to every article discussed by heading to the Download's section of SoundsProfitable.com, or clicking here to head straight to the post for today's episode.
This week in the business of podcasting: There's preservationists who want to save the soul of podcasting, there's growth advocates that welcome the YouTubeifiaction of podcasts. Tom Webster argues both are right, and that binary might be hurting podcasting's ability to preserve its "soul." The Podcast Host and Alitu CEO Colin Gray talks about the sort-of surprise that was seeing Alitu on stream during Apple's WWDC presentation, as well as his experiences over 15 years of working in podcasting. YouTube is preparing a crackdown on mass-produced and repetitive video content with some wording updates to the guidelines that run their monetization program. Spotify has ensured pod.link's future by giving the company back to Nathan Gathright, the original developer. Find links to every article discussed by heading to the Download's section of SoundsProfitable.com, or clicking here to head straight to the post for today's episode.
Today in the business of podcasting: how podcasting can preserve its spark whiel growing into video, how Alityu ended up on screen at WWDC, YouTube's preparing to crack down on reuploaded/generated content, Jasmine Crockett addresses the need for media-savvy politicians for podcast appearances, and two major AI players working on their own browsers to challenge Google's search engine dominance. Find links to every article mentioned in the newsletter version of today's episode, which you can find right here in The Download's section of SoundsProfitable.com
Today in the business of podcasting: The Streaming Wars looks at how "watch hours" can be turned into a valuable metric, The Podcast Exchange announces it is filing a Notion of Intention in Canadian bankruptcy court, Signal Hill Insights looks at three common reasons host-read ads fall short, and WPP issues profit warning as Q2 perfomance falls below expectations. Links to every article covered can be found in today's issue of the newsletter, available here on SoundsProfitable.com
Preservationists fear video stealing podcasting's soul, growth advocates celebrate YouTube driving more to the medium. Thing is, they're both right.Written and narrated by Tom WebsterEdited by Bryan Barletta and Gavin GaddisAudio editing by Gavin GaddisFind the full article here on Sounds Profitable.
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