Old Acquisitions Pay Dividends For Pocket Casts And Amazon

The Q'd Up Podcast on Podcasting

Some old moves are finally beginning to shine in the podcasting world as Pocket Casts and Amazon begin realizing their potential.

On this episode of the Q’d Up Podcast on Podcasting, John and Matt break down the latest podcast news from Pocket Casts, including some of the changes they’re working on after being acquired by Automattic earlier this year. The guys also discuss Amazon’s costly dive into podcasting being more about the advertising dollar than a desire to push the medium forward.

Matt and John also talk about some of the latest podcasting trends, including some encouraging words about the future of audio from a former internet industry leader and esports organizations getting into podcasting for its benefits over other types of media.

Listen to John and Matt discuss Amazon’s and Automattic’s foray into podcasting:

Pocket Casts scaling up after Automattic acquisition (1:51)

After being acquired by Wordpress developer Automattic, podcast app Pocket Casts has been scaling up. They’re working on improving how quickly Pocket Casts gets new episodes after they’ve been published, localizing the app into 12 languages, and bringing back Emmeline Berry as a “podcaster liaison.”

Former industry leader says audio will be around forever (8:02)

Ben Horowitz, a former executive at AOL and current venture capitalist, believes in the power of audio. He claims audio broadcasting is a big deal and will be around forever. Matt and John discuss why you should believe his opinion a little more than what some other financiers have been saying.

Online gamers are using the power of podcasting (11:44)

Brian Awadis -- perhaps better known as the co-founder of esports organization FaZe Clan -- is jumping into podcasting. And according to EVP of content for FaZe Clan, Bill McCullough, they’re seeing the audience engagement and loyalty as a massive selling point. John and Matt break down why this is great news for podcasters and what they should be focusing on.

Amazon loves money (17:00)

Why is Amazon investing so much money to get into podcasting? As might be obvious already, it’s to make even more through advertising revenue. The guys discuss how much money Amazon has actually sunk into podcasting, where it’s gone, and if it’s going to be a good investment for them.

Another musician is making podcasting waves (23:00)

We recently talked about Metallica’s dip into podcasting, releasing some behind-the-scenes footage of recording the Black album for its 30th anniversary. But another famous musician’s podcast is making some waves after B-Real, of Cypress Hill fame, has sold the exclusive sales and distribution rights to his Dr Greenthumb podcast. John shares some of his favorite B-Real songs and he breaks down the recent trend of celebrity podcasts getting paid with Matt.

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Links from the show:

Pocket Casts - One month update

Insider Radio - Venter Capitalist Ben Horowitz says ‘audio broadcasting is 100% a big deal’

Digiday - As gaming influencers rise in prominence, their podcasts provide new branding and sponsorship opportunities

Bloomberg - Amazon’s move into podcasts was a big advertising play all along

Podnews - PodcastOne sets exclusive sales and distribution deal with Grammy nominated B-Real’s Dr Greenthumb

Q’d Up Podcast on Podcasting - Branded podcasts: Marketing your business with podcasts