#3 Spotify Takes on Audible [May 21st 2021]

Welcome to the third edition of The Audio Newsroom. Your go-to news platforms for the latest in the Podcast Industry! 

 

I’m Hala Taha, celebrity podcaster, and CEO of YAP Media, and join me as we dive into the fast-moving news world of Podcasting.

 

Netflix is Hiring For a Podcasting Department

• Netflix is pushing further into audio and has posted a job for the Head of their Podcast Department that asks for 12 years of experience in audio, with “audio/podcast programming” experience. 
• The move mirrors other streaming video platforms such as HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ who have moved into audio content.
• Jonathan Bing, spokesman for Netflix, said in a statement without further elaboration, and I quote: “Podcasts are an excellent way for fans to connect with our stories and talent, and our marketing team plans to make more of them,” 

Spotify Takes on Audible

• Spotify announced a new partnership with audiobooks platform storytel, which will allow existing Storytel subscribers to connect their account through Spotify to access their audiobooks within Spotify’s app.
• A competitor to Audible, Storytel offers audiobooks in a variety of languages  for a fixed monthly price (around $20/mo, but varies by market). 
• Its unlimited library access may make it a better deal for people who listen to more than one audiobook per month.

 

Apple launches an affiliate program for paid podcast subscriptions

• “Apple Services Performance Partner Program,” which already existed to help market other Apple services, is officially expanding to include paid podcasts!
• “Apple Services Performance Partner Program for Apple Podcasts” will be open to anyone where they can share these new affiliate links. 
• Basically, when users convert through the affiliate link and subscribe to a premium podcast, the partner will receive a one-time commission at 50% of the podcast subscription price, after the subscriber accumulates their first month of paid service!