In this edition, we delve into the staggering surge of podcast listenership in Nigeria, rocketing up by 482% from 2022 to 2024, fueled largely by the younger demographic. Notable figures like Apostle Joshua Selman and Apostle Femi Lazarus dominate the charts, alongside discussions on the cultural impact of hip-hop and the evolution of media consumption by Loose Talk. We also explore industry updates, including the discontinuation of Google Podcasts and emerging trends in podcast advertising. Matty Staudt's recent appointment as Secretary to the Executive Committee for the Board of Governors of The Podcast Academy highlights his significant influence in the field. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in podcasting, echoed by figures like Elsie Escobar. The Infinite Dial 2024 report unveils record-breaking podcast consumption in the United States, while new tools like PodCharm aim to streamline the podcasting process for creators. And Spotify introduces its Desktop Miniplayer, promising a seamless user experience across music and podcasts.
Recent data from Spotify reveals an astonishing surge in podcast listenership in Nigeria, skyrocketing by 482% from 2022 to 2024. This surge, largely driven by the younger generation, reflects a growing trend in on-demand audio content consumption. The data stresses the increasing significance of podcasts as a preferred medium for entertainment, information, and even spiritual enrichment in Nigeria. Read More
Recent data from Spotify reveals the preferred podcasts among Nigeria's vibrant Gen Z community. Prominent figures like Apostle Joshua Selman and Apostle Femi Lazarus are dominating the charts. Read More
A new episode of Loose Talk revisits the radio heroes [including moi] who influenced a love for music and storytelling. They talk about the cultural impact of hip-hop and the evolution of media consumption, from the days of waiting eagerly for our favourite radio shows to the instant gratification of streaming services. Listen
Debola Adebanjo, a FIFA Master graduate, is on the '90 Minutes Plus' podcast in Nigeria. She talks about life after BBC and shares insights into the famous sports management course. Read More
Naijapodhub's April newsletter covers essential tips for Adobe Audition users and highlights innovative trends like Jamit Virtual Audio Studio and RedCircle's OpenRAP platform for automated advertising. Read More
Anita Chinwendu Opara drops the fifth edition of her highly anticipated newsletter, "Podcast Pulse." Geared towards indie podcasters and organizations, this edition delves into the power of incorporating guest stories into podcasts. Read More
Blueberry Africa CEO, Steve Mutua, announces the launch of 'The Full Scale Podcast,' a new platform focusing on African startup dynamics. In collaboration with Mukiti Advocates, the podcast explores regulatory compliance, fundraising, and scaling up, featuring hosts Timothy Mukiti and Adrian Ntwatwa. Read More
Afripods’ CEO, Molly Jensen, will serve as a judge at this year's International Women's Podcast Awards (IWPA). The deadline for submissions has been extended to April 2, 2024, offering podcasters worldwide an extended opportunity to participate. Read More
Members of the Podcast Standards Project (PSP) met during Podcast Movement Evolutions 2024 to discuss improvements in podcasting standards. Sam Sethi was appointed Chief Evangelist to lead communication efforts, the project seeks broader industry participation to advance podcasting standards. Read More
Twila Dang, the CEO of Matriarch Digital Media, announces the launch of an exclusive 8-week mastermind program titled "Women In Podcasting: Idea to Launch." Geared towards empowering women in the podcasting industry, the program offers step-by-step guidance from idea conception to monetization, culminating in a launch-ready project. Read More
BlkPodNews™ features a spotlight on Chidinma Azubuike, host of the "But What Do I Know?" podcast based in Canada. Azubuike's podcast merges pop culture with discussions on personal growth, relationships, wellness, and finances, providing a platform for BIPOC individuals. Read More
John McDermott suggests that Apple Podcasts should revamp their charts to level the playing field for all creators, addressing concerns about unfair advantages and promoting diversity in the medium. Read More
Key insights from the Podcast Movement Evolutions conference reveal continued audience growth, the shift of podcasts replacing television, high demand for true crime content, improved monetization for smaller shows, and advancements in ensuring brand suitability for advertisers. Read More
From Podcasting Strategy Insights: Apple mandates podcasters to disclose AI usage in content. Google Podcasts faces shutdown. Podcasters urged to focus on audio amid video hype. Senior executives emerge as avid podcast listeners. The New York Times innovates podcast discovery with visuals. Read More
Google Podcasts, once a popular choice for podcast enthusiasts, has been officially discontinued as Google shifts its focus to YouTube Music. The decision has sparked criticism over Google's pattern of launching and abandoning services. Read More
Matty Staudt, President of Jam Street Media and prominent figure in the podcasting industry, has been appointed as Secretary to the Executive Committee for the Board of Governors of The Podcast Academy. Read more
New insights from The Drum reveal a rising trend in podcast advertising, as brands like Airbnb and Stripe and Stare are praised for using humour effectively. Read More
NHS-run Patient Cancer Podcast returns after hiatus, offering support and empowerment for cancer patients. Featuring real-life stories and expert insights, the series aims to provide personalized information and hope. Read More
Entrepreneur and podcasting software founder Alex Sanfilippo has been awarded the title of 2023 People's Choice Podcasting Influencer of the Year. Despite not actively campaigning for votes and his name not being listed as an option, Sanfilippo's dedication and contributions to the podcasting community earned him this honour. Read More
Elsie Escobar, Director of Community & Content at Libsyn and co-founder of 'She Podcasts', stresses accessibility and inclusivity by offering diverse topics, timecodes for navigation, and a newsletter option for updates, irrespective of actual podcast consumption. Read More
Matty Staudt, President of Jam Street Media, recently shared his reflections on his experience at Podcast Movement, a prominent event for podcasters and industry professionals. Staudt highlighted the sense of unity within the podcasting community and acknowledged the industry's growth despite challenges. Read More
At the Digiday Publishing Summit, The New York Times revealed a smart trick to get more people listening to their podcasts: adding pictures and videos. By making their shows visually appealing on platforms like YouTube and their own app, they hope to attract more listeners. They're also trying out different artwork for each podcast episode to catch people's interest. Read More
Podcast listening in the United States hits record highs, according to the latest report from Edison Research. The Infinite Dial 2024 reveals an unprecedented surge in podcast consumption, with more Americans tuning in than ever before. Read More
Tips…
Angela Hollowell, known for her work as a visual storyteller and founder of Rootful Media, celebrates a milestone for her podcast, "Honey & Hustle." March marked a record-breaking month for the podcast, surpassing previous download records by a significant margin. Read More
Seeking to launch a successful podcast? Amy Laburda, an administrative manager at Palisades Hudson Financial Group, shares valuable insights from her experience hosting "Something Personal." Read More
Tools…
PodCharm is an all-in-one platform for podcasters. With it, you can create a professional website with ease, grow your audience through email newsletters, and let AI help with article drafting. It claims to be podcasting made simple. And it’s FREE. Try it out!
Spotify unveils its Desktop Miniplayer, integrating audio and video seamlessly across music and podcasts, with Senior Product Designer Giulio Fagiolini commending the team's efforts in delivering a smooth user experience. Read More
Podverb Of The Week
"Listen wide, learn deep. In the Podverse, every ear is a door to endless discovery."