The weekly release schedules common of topical podcasts have made them pivotal in youth culture conversations. Earlier this year, over half (58%) of global Gen Zers said podcasts bring them closer to the zeitgeist than any other form of media (Spotify, 2023).
Further investing in its audio infrastructure, on November 16, Spotify announced plans to use Google Cloud’s large language artificial intelligence (AI) models to generate enhanced and searchable metadata for its archive of five million podcast titles. Where previously, discovery depended on searching shows’ written titles and descriptions, the AI ‘listens’ to millions of hours of content to independently analyse what each episode is about.
Spotify will use this AI to identify patterns in individual listeners’ favourite podcasts to deliver tailored recommendations. Earlier this year, the company rolled out an AI-powered radio DJ to create personalised music playlists (see The Brief).
Among US podcast listeners, 75% say podcasters are the most influential creators with regards to their purchasing decisions (Vox Media, 2023). Brands that plan audio content partnerships in synch with the cultural calendar have a clear window to connect with highly invested audiences.
For more on the latest in audio entertainment, see The Future Music Marketplace and our monthly Pop Culture Pulse.
Spotify Reveals Topical Podcast Gains
Published 29 November 2023
Spotify’s new Podcast Trends 2023 report reveals considerable spikes in listenership around cultural tentpole moments. Occasions ranging from the NBA finals to The Met Gala saw related podcasts gain week-over-week audience growth of 505% and 1,208% respectively, as people flocked to content from the culture commentariat.
The weekly release schedules common of topical podcasts have made them pivotal in youth culture conversations. Earlier this year, over half (58%) of global Gen Zers said podcasts bring them closer to the zeitgeist than any other form of media (Spotify, 2023).
Further investing in its audio infrastructure, on November 16, Spotify announced plans to use Google Cloud’s large language artificial intelligence (AI) models to generate enhanced and searchable metadata for its archive of five million podcast titles. Where previously, discovery depended on searching shows’ written titles and descriptions, the AI ‘listens’ to millions of hours of content to independently analyse what each episode is about.
Spotify will use this AI to identify patterns in individual listeners’ favourite podcasts to deliver tailored recommendations. Earlier this year, the company rolled out an AI-powered radio DJ to create personalised music playlists (see The Brief).
Among US podcast listeners, 75% say podcasters are the most influential creators with regards to their purchasing decisions (Vox Media, 2023). Brands that plan audio content partnerships in synch with the cultural calendar have a clear window to connect with highly invested audiences.
For more on the latest in audio entertainment, see The Future Music Marketplace and our monthly Pop Culture Pulse.