Podnews Weekly Review

Spotify's financial results show impressive growth with a 12% rise in premium subscribers. The company has also pledged $100 million to podcast creators, enhancing its market presence. Their new trending charts feature podcasts based on rising popularity, not just total consumption. Meanwhile, strategic partnerships and integration with gaming are aimed at improving user experience. The evolving media landscape faces challenges from platforms like YouTube and Tencent Music while new innovations in audio tools are set to revolutionize the podcasting experience.

We speak with Stefano Fallaha from Podeo on podcasting in the Arab states, and Gotham Raj Anand from Hubhopper on Indian podcasting after YouTube. Plus, all the latest news from the podcast industry.We use chapters here, so skip through stories if you're a lightweight.Send James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

Maya Prohovnik, VP and Head of Podcast Products at Spotify, shares her insights on the platform's push into video podcasting, discussing the challenges and opportunities for creators. John Spurlock introduces the Standard Podcast Consumption (SPC), aimed at standardizing metrics across platforms to enhance data sharing for podcasters. They also delve into the impact of Spotify's innovations on audience engagement and the evolving expectations of podcast consumers, all while addressing the industry's growing need for transparency in metrics.

Emma shares exciting news about the upcoming Independent Podcast Forum on June 16th at 21 Soho in London—a full-day event designed specifically to combat what she calls "the lonely sport" of podcasting. For solo creators who can't always find understanding from non-podcasting friends and family, this gathering promises expert insights and invaluable peer connections. The forum emerged directly from attendee feedback at previous awards ceremonies, where creators consistently valued being surrounded by others who truly understand their unique challenges.Send James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

We chat with Emma Turner from the Independent Podcast Awards; and about the new definition of a podcast from Oxford Road.Send James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

The discussion dives into the rise of listener engagement in audio and video podcasting, emphasizing how platforms like YouTube are reshaping podcast discovery. Insights include Gen Z's preference for integrated formats and rising trends like vertical video. Petering into mixed sentiments about platforms like Apple, the dialogue stresses the importance of maintaining audio storytelling in a video-centric world. Plus, there are updates on monetization strategies and the new Gamut Podcast Network, all while celebrating milestones in the industry.

Audio UK is an industry body dedicated to advancing the UK audio sector through innovation, creator support, and driving sustainable growth for podcasts, radio, and audiobooks. We talk with Chloe Straw.Send James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

Edison Research Vice President Megan Lazovic joins us to unpack key findings from the Infinite Dial 2025 report and explore the growing phenomenon of podcast fandom.Send James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

We chat with Megan Lazovick from Edison Research, Chloe Straw from AudioUK, and Podcast Nation - and talk YouTubeSend James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net

A full interview with Matt on the future of Podcasting 2.0, and his view of Tom Webster's recent article.Send James & Sam a messageSupport the showConnect With Us: Email: weekly@podnews.net Fediverse: @james@bne.social and @samsethi@podcastindex.social Support us: www.buzzsprout.com/1538779/support Get Podnews: podnews.net