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Tag: podcast

  • Spotify Raising Prices for Some Users

    Spotify Raising Prices for Some Users

    On the heals of its announcement about podcast subscriptions, Spotify is notifying some users they will have to pay more.

    Spotify has Apple squarely in its sights with its announcement it would offer podcast subscriptions to compete with Apple’s Podcast announcements at its Spring Loaded event. Unlike Apple’s subscription service, Spotify will not take a cut from the subscription fee, giving the entire amount to the podcaster.

    Unfortunately, it appears Spotify will be raising prices, according to The Verge. In the US, Spotify Family will increase from $14.99 to $15.99 a month, while Duo, Premium and Student plans will remain the same price.

    In the UK, however, the price hike is more dramatic. Spotify Student will go from £4.99 to £5.99 a month, while Duo will go from £12.99 to £13.99. Spotify Family will go from £14.99 to £16.99 a month.

    “We offer a variety of subscription plans tailored to our users’ needs, and we occasionally update our prices to reflect local macroeconomic factors and meet market demands while offering an unparalleled service,” a Spotify spokesperson told The Verge.

  • Bad News For Spotify As Citi Says Podcast Bet Not Paying Off

    Bad News For Spotify As Citi Says Podcast Bet Not Paying Off

    Citi analysts don’t believe Spotify’s big podcasting bet is paying off, according to a note they sent to investors.

    Spotify has invested heavily in the podcast market, acquiring companies Anchor, Gimlet Media and Parcast. The company has also inked high profile, exclusive deals, such as for The Joe Rogan Experience. Spotify obviously is concerned with diversifying its business from its core streaming music service, especially given the pressure it is facing from Apple, Pandora and others.

    The only problem? Citi analysts don’t believe Spotify’s efforts are paying off, according to CNBC.

    “The cadence of Premium gross additions (through 3Q20) and app download data (through 4Q20) do not show any material benefit from recent podcast investments (that began in 2019),” the analysts wrote.

    Citi has downgraded Spotify from neutral to sell, leading to a drop of 6.5% of the company’s stock.

  • Twitter Buys Breaker, the Social Podcasting App

    Twitter Buys Breaker, the Social Podcasting App

    Twitter has bought Breaker, bringing the social podcasting app in-house at a time when podcasting is more popular than ever.

    Breaker helped change the podcasting industry by making it a more social experience. Rather than simply listening to a podcast, Breaker allowed its users to connect with other users to discover new podcasts, as well as provide feedback on episodes.

    CTO Leah Culver said the company was purchased to help work on Twitter Spaces.

    The company’s apps and services will shut down on January 15. Until then, users can transfer their subscriptions by exporting to an “OPML file from Breaker and open that file in another app.”

    Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

  • SiriusXM Moves Deeper Into Podcasting – Completes Stitcher Deal

    SiriusXM Moves Deeper Into Podcasting – Completes Stitcher Deal

    SiriusXM announced that it has completed its acquisition of Stitcher, moving the company deeper into the fast-growing podcasting world.

    The company says that this acquisition of podcasting pioneer Stitcher strengthens SiriusXM’s position in this fast-growing area. “By combining Stitcher’s leading programming and advertising networks with SiriusXM’s existing suite of hosting and ad technology tools, the Company expands its pre-eminent position in digital audio advertising while generating new ways for creators to find and connect with a broader audience,” says a company spokesperson.

    “We are deepening our position in podcasting, the fastest-growing sector in digital audio, and with completion of this transaction, our vision is taking shape,” said SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer. “With Stitcher and its varied assets, we are now a one-stop-shop able to meet the needs of podcast creators, publishers, and advertisers, while also providing listeners with access to great shows, series, and programming.”

    Meyer added, “On behalf of everyone at SiriusXM, we are thrilled to welcome Erik, Sarah, and all of the other talented Stitcher employees to our team. We look forward to working with them as we continue delivering the best listening experiences in audio entertainment and enhancing stockholder value.”

    With the transaction now closed, SiriusXM says it is positioned to continue driving growth by:

    • Reaching more than 150 million listeners across its combined properties, the largest addressable audience in North America across all categories of digital audio – music, sports, talk, and podcasts;
    • Further extending the reach of SiriusXM in digital audio advertising through the SiriusXM and Pandora owned-and-operated digital platforms, combined with the company’s exclusive ad sales arrangement with SoundCloud for the U.S., and the Stitcher and Midroll networks;
    • Helping solve some of the critical challenges in podcast advertising through precision targeting, ad efficiency, and improved measurement capabilities via a streamlined ad marketplace;
    • Combining the largest digital audio salesforce with a leading podcast ad network; and
    • Attracting more creators to its podcasting platform with enhanced production, marketing, and distribution capabilities that drive further listening, engagement, and monetization.
  • Spotify Scores Joe Rogan Experience Exclusive

    Spotify Scores Joe Rogan Experience Exclusive

    Spotify has scored a major win over competitors, securing an exclusive deal with Joe Rogan.

    The Joe Rogan Experience is one of the most popular podcasts on the planet, with millions of listeners per episode. The podcast also attracts a bevy of high-profile guests.

    In making the announcement on Instagram, Rogan emphasized that this was just a licensing deal, and that Spotify would have no creative control.

    “Starting on September 1 the podcast will be available on Spotify as well as all platforms, and then at the end of the year it will move exclusively to Spotify, including the video version,” wrote Rogan.

    “It will remain FREE, and it will be the exact same show. It’s just a licensing deal, so Spotify won’t have any creative control over the show. They want me to just continue doing it the way I’m doing it right now.

    “We will still have clips up on YouTube but full versions of the show will only be on Spotify after the end of the year.

    “I’m excited to have the support of the largest audio platform in the world and I hope you folks are there when we make the switch!”

    Spotify has been trying to branch out and show it’s more than a music service. This deal is a big step in that direction.

     

  • Why Your Brand Should Consider Podcasting in 2018

    Why Your Brand Should Consider Podcasting in 2018

    Companies who want to succeed online in 2018 need to have a firm digital marketing strategy. Luckily, there are a number of strategies and tools open for marketers, like blogging, content marketing, email marketing, social media, and paid search.

    Another prime vehicle for content marketing today is the podcast. Besides providing relevant information about your brand or product, podcasts come in an easily digestible content format and doesn’t need a customer’s undivided attention, unlike text-based or video content.

    There are several reasons why your brand should consider delving into podcasts this year. Consider the following:

    It’s Easy to DevelopImage result for podcasting statistics 2018

    Making a podcast is relatively easy. You basically just need a high-quality microphone and headset to create your podcast. The software needed to edit it is free and easy to use and all you need to upload it is a solid WiFi connection.

    It can be Distributed via Multiple Channels

    Aside from being easy to create, podcasts are also easy to promote. It’s common for companies to broadcast their podcasts on their blog or website. But services like iTunes, SoundCloud, and Stitcher helps in expanding the reach of your podcast. You can also use different social media platforms to share your podcasts.

    It Establishes Your Authority

    A podcast gives you an arena to show your expertise and passion for your niche. Your enthusiasm and speaking prowess also adds an authoritative air to the topic, something that the written word can’t express. And coming out with regular podcasts that have sound information and good ideas helps establish you and your brand as market leaders.

    There’s a More Intimate Connection with the Audience

    Listening to someone on a regular basis can lead to a more intimate and stronger connection. Broadcasting podcasts regularly give listeners the chance to become more familiar with the podcaster’s style and voice. This familiarity and connection keeps your brand in mind and helps the audience have a better understanding of the company’s values.

    Don’t be left behind by the other brands that have already discovered the power of podcasting. Start integrating podcasts into your marketing strategy and reach more people.

    [Featured image via Pixabay]

  • Brody Jenner Reveals He Dated His Sister-in-Law Before She Married His Brother

    Brody Jenner recently revealed an interesting secret about his past.

    According to US Weekly, the Keeping Up With the Kardashian reality TV star once dated his sister-in-law, Leah Jenner.

    The 30-year-old reality star shared details about the brief affair during his podcast, on Thursday, June 26. The Brody Jenner Podcast with Dr. Mike Dow features the former Hills star star engaging in discussions about love and dating with relationship expert, Mike Dow.

    Leah, who also appeared on the new podcast, started things off when she shared details about how she met her husband and Brody’s brother, Brandon. They’d actually known each other since they were children. “We’ve known each other since we were 11 years old; I was 11 years old, he was 13,” Leah explained.

    “We started playing [music] in high school together. I had a boyfriend, he had a girlfriend. And then when I was single one day, he was single one day and he came up to me and he’s like, ‘I’ve been in love with you since you were 11 years old.’”

    However, things got really interesting when Brody interrupted Leah, revealing who her boyfriend was at the time. “That wasn’t true! That is not true,” Leah hurried to explain.

    “I met Brandon through Brody. We went to school together when we were 11. Okay, 11,” she clarified. “You don’t kiss, you don’t make out, you don’t hold hands, you beat each other up, you play basketball,” Leah quipped.

    Although she tried to deny Brody’s claim, she eventually admitted that it was true. But, she wasn’t going to let him have the moment of glory! She clarified that he was her boyfriend in fifth grade; a time when innocence is keen. “So he was my boyfriend in the fifth grade, Brody was [but] we never kissed,” she added.

    On May 31, 2012, Leah married Brandon Jenner outside the St. Regis Princeville Resort in Hawaii. Of course, Brody was the best man. Fans can check out the Brody Jenner Podcast with Dr. Mike Dow via PadcastOne.

    Image via Brody Jenner, Twitter

  • Learn About The Best Design Tools Available To Android Developers

    Design is an incredibly important part of any mobile app. A solid aesthetic and UI could be the only thing standing between your app gaining wider use, and being tossed to the bottom of the download charts. This week’s Android Design in Action might just help your app avoid such a fate:

    Join Nick Butcher, Adam Koch and Roman Nurik as they discuss various elements of Android Design. This week, we’ll explore the design of a podcast creation app and share a list of software tools that Android designers should be aware of.

    If you want to better follow along, Nurik has shared the slides shown during the video on his Google+ profile.

  • iOS 6: Standalone Podcast App Coming At Launch?

    When Apple unveiled iOS 6 at Monday’s WWDC 2012 keynote they showed off some pretty cool new features. Thanks to Monday’s presentation we know that iOS 6 will be getting a brand new Maps app with 3D Flyover and turn-by-turn navigation, FaceTime over 3G, improvements to Siri, Facebook integration, and more. In fact, Apple promised 200 new features in iOS 6.

    Of course, if you know much about Apple, you know that they’ve got more tricks up their sleeve than they revealed on Monday. After all, iOS 6 will be launching alongside the new iPhone this fall At least some of its features will be keyed to features that are exclusive to the new iPhone. Still others will be coming in later betas of iOS 6, or will be announced when the new iPhone is announced (probably in October).

    Now it looks like one of those tricks up Apple’s sleeve might be a standalone app just for Podcasts. Citing “people familiar with Apple’s plans, AllThingsD is reporting that the final version of iOS 6 will be getting a separate app for podcasts, like unto the separate app for iTunes U that was introduced earlier this year.

    All things considered, this isn’t a terribly surprising move on Apple’s part. They’ve made similar moves before. In addition to the iTunes U app, they also split the iPod app into separate Music and Movies apps with iOS 5 last year. Putting podcasts in their own app makes a certain amount of sense, especially given the relative difficulty of locating and downloading new episodes of a podcast when you want them.

  • Jon Lovitz Defends His Remarks Regarding Obama

    Jon Lovitz doesn’t seem like the sort of individual who would ever back down from criticism. After receiving quite a bit of backlash for his comments regarding’s Obama’s desire to tax the rich, Lovitz did what Lovitz often does best: he fought back. Last Sunday, the former Saturday Night Live cast member logged onto his Twitter account and began firing back at the people who weren’t too pleased with the remarks he aimed at the president and his policies.

    All of this nonsense stems from an episode of Lovitz’s podcast “The ABC’s of SNL”, during which the comedian referred to Obama as a f*cking a**hole. Not surprisingly, a lot of people weren’t too thrilled with his choice of words, and the retaliation soon began in earnest.

    The exact quote has been embedded below:

    This whole thing with Obama saying the rich don’t pay their taxes is f*cking b*llshit. And I voted for the guy and I’m a Democrat. What a f*cking a-hole.

    The rich don’t pay their taxes? Let me tell you something, right. First they tell you… This is the United States of America, you can do anything you want, go for it. So then you go for it, and then you make it, and everyone’s like, F*ck you.

    I always find it amusing when celebrities make controversial public statements and then feel the need to defend them against those who openly disagree with the sentiments. It’s akin to getting in a flame war with the morons who hang around message boards; although you might come out on top, you still look a little silly for taking the time to address the criticisms of others in such a manner. The last time I checked, Obama didn’t waste any of his precious time responding to Lovitz. Sometimes it’s best to let your words stand on their own, regardless of how people have react to them. If nothing else, you’ll look like the bigger person.

    On that note, here’s a small gathering of Jon Lovitz’s responses to his critics, along with an actual video of the podcast. He claims it makes a difference. Personally, I don’t see how.

    (image)@realjonlovitz
    Jon Lovitz    @HesDanTheMan I don’t mind paying a little more. I pay my fair share now. The President is lying to get votes..it’s obvious and transparent.(image) 2 days ago via web ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@realjonlovitz
    Jon Lovitz    Because I criticized the President, it’s news? Last I checked, he’s President, not King! This is America! Freedom of Speech. what’s the bfd?(image) 2 days ago via web ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@realjonlovitz
    Jon Lovitz    @BowedOak I get that I’m just a comic. Do you not get that? I didn’t blow this up, the press did.(image) 2 days ago via web ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@realjonlovitz
    Jon Lovitz    I never realized the economy was Democratic or Republican…I thought it was business and math.(image) 2 days ago via web ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@realjonlovitz
    Jon Lovitz    be it conservative, democrat, republican, libertarian..
    liberal.. freedom to be true to yourself…
    that’s what liberal means.(image) 2 days ago via web ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto