The Year in Podcasting
What Happened in 2018 (as told in GIFs)
The year is coming to a close, which means it’s time to reflect on the landmark milestones, hotly debated headlines, and progress made in the podcast industry. Audio, in general, was a hot topic as smart speakers took off and brands sought shelter from the digital display ad fallout. The podcasting space keeps growing as more advertisers invest, more content creators experiment and more platforms innovate to solve the challenges ahead. Buckle up as we take a look at what a wild ride 2018 has been.
Apple Podcast Analytics launched in late 2017 and podcasters finally got to dig into some basic data on listeners, devices, and time listened per session.
It’s Infinite Dial time. Weekly listening is growing slow and steady, hitting 17% in 2018. The question of how to capture the “other 83%” becomes a big theme this year.
True crime pods are still very much a thing. Dr. Death, Crime Junkie, My Favorite Murder, Bear Brook and more top “best of” lists.
We learn that podcast ad revenue hit a new high of $314M in 2017. We also learn that host-read ads are still preferred and brand awareness campaigns are on the up and up.
Podcast listeners be (grocery) shopping. To entice more CPG brands in the space, Nielsen unveils juicy research on the consumption habits of podcast listeners.
Google plans for podcast domination, releases a shiny new app for Android with search capabilities to tackle discovery issues head on.
Podcast Movement once again brings together 2,500+ of the best of best in podcasting with enlightening panels, brilliant keynote speakers, and great company.
Not to be outdone, Spotify doubles down on podcasting. Signs million-dollar deal with Amy Schumer and rolls out a new platform for publishers.
Brands looking for greater control can trust digital audio. The IAB’s whitepaper on brand safety says podcasting is a go-to for advertisers concerned about fraud.
Industry shakeups make headlines and the bubble debate begins. Big investments keep being made in podcasting and companies join forces, while some move away from content creation and shutter their in-house efforts.
More, better measurement! IAB v2 measurement compliance takes effect.
Brands keep jumping on the podcast bandwagon. ZipRecruiter, ADT, Robinhood, and Capital One are just a few to test the waters in 2018.
iHeart announces “first ever” podcast awards. Backlash ensues.
The TV adaptations keep coming — some miss while Homecoming sets the standard.
Really famous people keep flocking to podcasting as hosts (Conan O’Brien, Oprah) and guests (Michelle Obama, Jason Alexander)
Something is up with the Apple Podcast charts — blackhat marketing schemes are exposed.
Podcast listening is finally starting to look as diverse as the American population.
The platform wars continue as Pandora gives Apple, Google, and Spotify a run for their money with the Podcast Genome Project.
It’s been real, 2018. Give us a clap if you can’t wait for what’s coming next!
