In this episode, James Cridland, editor-in-chief of Podnews, is back with his bold predictions about where podcasting is headed — and how you can stay ahead of the curve.
We’re unpacking why downloads might not hold the top spot as the industry’s gold standard for much longer, YouTube’s growing role in podcast discovery (and its limitations), and how AI is adding convenience but not the creativity needed to stand out. James also explains the growing challenge of defining what a podcast really is as platforms like Spotify and YouTube continue to blur the lines.
Whether you're starting a new show or scaling an existing one, you'll walk away from this episode with the know-how you need to stay ahead of industry trends and stay focused on what truly matters: creating content that connects and converts. Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.
18:00 - Why IAB Downloads Might Soon Lose Their Gold Standard Status
19:11 - The Role (and Limits) of YouTube in Podcast Discovery
21:41 - What *Actually* Makes a Podcast a Podcast
24:06 - Are AI Tools Saving Time or Killing Creativity?
33:39 - Adapt or Get Left Behind: How to Capitalize on the Latest Trends in Podcasting
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