This Week in Podcasting: We’re capturing the pulse of an industry that’s officially gone mainstream. Podcasting isn’t just part of the conversation anymore—it’s shaping it, with creators leading the charge and industry heavyweights reporting impressive growth. From ad revenue milestones to bold moves in content and brand strategy, this week’s stories highlight how podcasting is redefining media.

Dive in to discover what’s making waves and how podcasting continues to set new standards across the entertainment landscape.

With gratitude,
Casey Adams, Founder of Listener.com

Acast Drives Profitable Growth in Q3 2024

Acast’s Q3 2024 report reflects the impressive momentum toward profitable growth in the podcasting space. With net sales reaching SEK 475.4 million—a 12% year-over-year increase—their largest gains came from North America, which saw a remarkable 29% growth as strategic investments in the region pay off. Acast reported an EBITDA of SEK 16.2 million, moving closer to positive annual EBITDA, while Average Revenue Per Listen (ARPL) rose by 31% to SEK 0.43, further supporting revenue opportunities for creators. Recent enhancements, such as adding midroll ad markers, have expanded ad inventory, giving podcasters more ways to boost their earnings.

Podchaser’s Collections+ also played a significant role, driving a 24% increase in ad revenue opportunities for creators and adding over 4,000 shows across new sales categories. Nearly half of brand-driven audio ad buys this year have leveraged Collections+, reinforcing its effectiveness in connecting brands with engaged podcast audiences. Globally, Acast’s growth continued with gains across Europe and other key regions, demonstrating a balanced expansion. With a focus on sustainable growth and creator empowerment, Acast is building partnerships and innovative solutions that drive value across the podcasting ecosystem.

Creators vs. Hollywood: Max Cutler Weighs In on the Future of Entertainment

In his latest LinkedIn article, Max Cutler explores how creators, especially in the podcasting world, are redefining the entertainment landscape, challenging Hollywood’s traditional influence. Podcasts have moved beyond simply reflecting culture—they’re actively shaping it. With the rise of video content, even political figures like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are turning to podcasts to reach voters directly. As Ashley Carman recently reported, monthly podcast listenership has doubled since 2016, now reaching an estimated 135 million. The unique trust podcast listeners have with hosts is powerful; a Deloitte study found that 75% of listeners trust hosts more than traditional media, a connection that significantly boosts engagement.

With improvements in audio ad tech and measurement tools, we anticipate that traditional podcast monetization will continue to grow, but the most rapid audience expansion may stem from video-driven content.

Platform Media Acquires Majority Stake in 'The Good, The Bad & The Rugby'

Platform Media has acquired a majority stake in The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, the world’s largest rugby podcast. Founded by rugby legends Mike Tindall and James Haskell, alongside presenter Alex Payne, the show has gained over a million followers and has become a media brand spanning audio, video, and social. This partnership with Platform Media aims to propel the brand to even greater heights, leveraging its global recognition to bring more content and community to rugby fans worldwide.

SiriusXM Reports Strong Podcast Ad Revenue Growth in Q3 2024

SiriusXM’s latest financial results show a robust 6% increase in podcast advertising revenue from the previous quarter, signaling the growing demand for podcast content among advertisers and listeners alike. This quarter’s performance highlights SiriusXM’s success in incorporating podcasting into its broader audio entertainment portfolio, where podcasting is becoming a significant revenue driver. With a wide range of podcasting brands under its umbrella, SiriusXM continues to strengthen its position in the evolving audio landscape by aligning content with audience preferences, allowing advertisers to reach engaged listeners through targeted podcast ads.

Stitcher Rebrands as SiriusXM Podcasts

Stitcher, acquired by SiriusXM in 2020, has now officially rebranded as SiriusXM Podcasts across all social platforms and channels. This rebrand reflects SiriusXM’s move to unify its podcasting assets under one name, bringing all content together to offer listeners a seamless, integrated experience. Stitcher’s acquisition helped SiriusXM become a more substantial player in the podcasting industry, and this official rebrand symbolizes SiriusXM’s ongoing investment in podcasting. By consolidating its podcasting brands, SiriusXM is streamlining access to popular shows and expanding its influence in a fast-growing market, making it easier for audiences to discover and enjoy content across the entire platform.

• Running app, RUNNA, hosted a podcast pop-up during the NYC Marathon

• Sounds Profitable announces: The Podscape End-of-Year Update

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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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