This week, we’re seeing some exciting shifts across the podcasting landscape. Platforms are evolving, acquisitions are shaking up the industry, and new opportunities are emerging for creators and advertisers alike. As the digital audio space continues to grow, companies like Podimo are making bold moves with acquisitions to bolster their podcast advertising strategies. Meanwhile, Apple is facing challenges as its grip on the podcast market weakens, and platforms like Spotify and YouTube are gaining ground.

We’re also witnessing a rise in live podcast events, with Wondery leading the charge to bring fans closer to their favorite shows in more immersive ways. These developments show that the podcasting industry is not only growing but also becoming more dynamic, with new models for monetization and audience engagement.

As always, we’re here to keep you informed and on the pulse of the latest trends in the world of podcasting.

With gratitude,
Casey Adams
Founder, Listener.com

🎧 Podcasting News & Highlights

Discover the Latest Trends, Exclusive Interviews, and Industry Updates

Wondery Expands Live Podcasting Presence

Wondery is doubling down on live podcast events, offering fans more immersive experiences and creating new revenue streams. Recently, they hosted an event featuring their top show The Best One Yet, which was voted one of the best business podcasts by the Webby Awards. Building on the success of popular shows like Dr. Death and The Shrink Next Door, Wondery is pushing the boundaries of audience engagement, turning listeners into active participants. These live shows, often accompanied by meet-and-greets, exclusive merch, and sponsor activations, signal the increasing value of blending digital and real-world experiences in podcasting.
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Acast Partners with Initium Media to Expand in Chinese-Speaking Markets

Acast, the world’s largest independent podcast company, has partnered with Initium Media to expand its reach across Chinese-speaking communities in Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe. This collaboration will leverage Initium Media’s established brand and deep knowledge of the Chinese-speaking audience, enabling Acast to bring its advertisers and content creators into a rapidly growing market. Initium’s first news podcast, Initium Reports, has already shown promising engagement, and with Acast’s global platform, the potential for expansion into long-form audio journalism and investigative series is immense.
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Apple Podcasts Loses Market Share to Spotify and YouTube

Apple Podcasts has hit another new low. According to September numbers from Libsyn, the app now delivers only 45.9% of all downloads, a sharp decline from 66% this time last year. The rise of Spotify, YouTube, and other platforms offering exclusive deals and more user-friendly features has further shifted the landscape. As Apple struggles to innovate in a rapidly growing market, creators are finding new homes where engagement and monetization are more promising. This decline raises serious questions about Apple’s long-term strategy in the podcasting space and its ability to retain a leadership position as competition tightens.
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Triton Digital Partners with NZME to Transform Digital Audio in New Zealand

Triton Digital and NZME have joined forces to reshape the digital audio landscape in New Zealand. This strategic partnership aims to provide NZME with advanced tools for content distribution, audience measurement, and monetization across podcasting and digital audio. With Triton’s innovative technology and NZME’s stronghold in New Zealand media, the partnership is expected to drive growth for local content creators and enhance advertising opportunities. As the global digital audio space expands, this move ensures that New Zealand remains competitive and adaptive to the evolving demands of digital media consumption.
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PodcastOne Hires Jim Lally as Head of Business Development

PodcastOne, a subsidiary of LiveOne, has appointed Jim Lally as Head of Business Development. Lally, a veteran of the podcasting and media industry, brings extensive experience from his time at Libsyn Ads, WNYC Studios, and The New York Times, where he helped monetize major shows like Freakonomics and Radiolab. His role at PodcastOne will focus on strengthening relationships with advertisers, expanding sales, and exploring new growth opportunities for creators. This hire comes at a critical time for PodcastOne as it seeks to capitalize on its position within the podcasting industry, especially with talent-led shows.
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Podimo Acquires Danish Podcast Agency Podads

Podimo has announced the acquisition of Podads, a leading Danish podcast agency, to expand its podcast advertising capabilities. This acquisition allows Podimo to enhance its hybrid subscription and ad-supported podcast model, creating more opportunities for creators and businesses to grow their audiences and revenue. Podads will continue to operate independently under CEO Anne-Kathrine Pommergaard, while Podimo’s CEO, Morten Strunge, highlighted that the move will help attract larger advertisers and boost efficiency in the growing podcast ad market.
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📰 Press-Worthy Moments

Stay informed with the latest highlights and news making waves in the podcasting world.

Press-Worthy Moments

• Wondery doubles down on live podcasts to deepen audience engagement.

• Apple Podcasts continues to lose market share to competitors like Spotify and YouTube.

Follow us on Instagram @listener to stay up to date with all things podcasting news. Have news to share? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected] to get featured!

Partner Spotlight

We are thrilled to introduce our newest partner, Acast, the world’s largest podcast company. Acast connects nearly 125,000 podcasts with audiences globally, offering a diverse catalog of high-quality content.

About Acast

Since 2014, Acast has been creating the world’s most valuable podcast marketplace, building the technology that connects podcast creators, advertisers, and listeners. Its marketplace spans nearly 125,000 podcasts, 2,700 advertisers, and approximately 400 million monthly listens. Crucially, those listens are monetized wherever they happen - across any podcasting app or other listening platform.

The company operates worldwide and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. Acast is listed on the Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market (ACAST.ST).

For podcasters looking to grow and monetize their shows, we highly recommend checking out Acast. Their innovative technology and extensive reach make them an invaluable partner in the podcasting world. Learn more.

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With gratitude,

Casey Adams
Founder & CEO, Listener.com

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