Check out this latest piece published in The Drum by Maria Breza, VP Of Ad Quality Measurement & Audience Data Operations At AdsWizz And SiriusXM Media.

Digital podcast advertising is reaching a pivotal moment as more brands use podcasts to engage audiences, and who can blame them? New advanced tools are transforming podcast advertising, enabling sophisticated targeting and measurement strategies and programmatic buying capabilities that make podcast advertising investments more manageable and transparent while demonstrating measurable return on investment (ROI).

So, let’s now explore how the industry is navigating these hurdles and tapping into the potential of podcast advertising.

The post Programmatic Podcast Advertising on the Rise: Addressing Transparency and Targeting appeared first on AdsWizz.

SiriusXM Media, the advertising arm of SiriusXM, will sell Locked On inventory through its new sports collection—inclusive of SiriusXM sports content (the official representative of six leagues), NBC Sports, and select sports podcasts in the SiriusXM Podcast Network. Through SiriusXM Media’s sports collection, advertisers can seamlessly align with sports content or specific leagues (such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and college sports) through SiriusXM Media’s contextual targeting data and programmatic capabilities. This will allow brands to access inventory across Locked On and Locked On’s sub-networks dedicated to various sports leagues. Locked On includes more than 200 sports podcasts with daily episodes dedicated to NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL teams, as well as over 60 prominent colleges and major college conferences.

Locked On’s lineup of hosts, team experts and insiders reach passionate local sports fans at national scale with daily team podcasts featuring the insights, analysis, and interviews avid fans crave. Last year, Locked On is reported to have delivered 300 million audio downloads and video views to avid sports fans.

This new relationship will enable advertisers and brands to tap into this growing and passionate fandom of sports listeners and purchase Locked On’s advertising inventory programmatically through SiriusXM Media and AdsWizz’s Podcast Marketplace.

To learn more about how AdsWizz can support your podcast monetization needs, reach out now.

The post Locked On Podcast Network and AdsWizz Announce New Advertising Relationship appeared first on AdsWizz.

On Air Fest, often known as the “Sundance of Audio,” is a time for industry professionals, content creators, and artists from all walks of life to discuss podcasting, monetization, and more.

This year, Simplecast and AdsWizz teamed up as sponsors of the kick-off event, Hot Pod Summit, a full day of engaging conversation covering a variety of topics, led by an opening panel that included Kelli Hurley, VP and Global Head of Revenue Partnerships at SiriusXM, (the mothership for AdsWizz and Simplecast).

Our team got to rub elbows and be in the room for interactive dialogue and idea generation at On Air Fest, featuring special guests like This American Life host Ira Glass and Seth Myers and Josh Meyers from Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers.

 

The post 2024 Hot Pod Summit at On Air Fest Recap appeared first on AdsWizz.

Check out this article by Garrison Dua, VP of Demand, North America.

The rise in audio consumption presents a significant opportunity for advertisers to reach audiences. Yet, conventional methods of audio advertising have often fallen short in terms of convenience and effectiveness, leaving a noticeable gap between the potential of audio media and the investment it attracts.

Enter programmatic audio: A transformative solution that not only simplifies the ad-buying process but also elevates audience engagement to position itself as a pivotal development in audio advertising.

 

The post How Programmatic Audio is Reshaping Digital Marketing appeared first on AdsWizz.

Check out this article by Bianca Stanescu, Director of Product Marketing!

According to Edison Research, people spend about 4 hours of their day listening to music, podcasts, or talk. Unlike its visual counterparts, audio content is incredibly powerful at capturing people’s attention. Audio commands attention like no other environment through the uniqueness of the human voice, the artful manipulation of pacing, and the imaginative possibilities it unlocks. 

So, let's uncover opportunities that can forge captivating connections with audiences – in an automated, scalable way.

The post Navigating the Programmatic Audio Ecosystem appeared first on AdsWizz.

Check out this latest piece published in The Drum by Garrison Dua, VP of Demand, North America, and Daniel Einhorn, Senior Manager, Content Marketing.

Audio advertising is experiencing a renaissance thanks to its unique ability to forge a personal bond with listeners. Listeners actively engaging in this medium develop a stronger cognitive and emotional association that can lead to higher trust for brands. Brands can benefit significantly by focusing on contextual relevance to stand out in a fragmented digital landscape and build genuine connections with their audience.

The post Audio Advertising: How Brands Can Build Trust Through Emotional and Contextual Connection appeared first on AdsWizz.

Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Matt plays a pivotal function in the Canadian marketplace. He oversees a diverse podcast portfolio, leads one of the strongest teams in podcasting, and actively pursues innovative monetization strategies to enhance Rogers Sports and Media’s business objectives. It’s a robust role that requires a keen eye for detail, an ear tuned to the audience, and a vision for the future.

Diversity and Curiosity Fueling the Industry 

Matt’s enthusiasm for podcasting is driven by the diversity of voices that populate this sphere. To him (and many others on his team), today’s podcasters constantly push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, united by their shared love for connecting on a deeper level with audiences. Matt anticipates even more eclectic perspectives and viewpoints on the trajectory of podcasting in the coming years, marked by experimentation and learning.

“What I love about podcasting is the curiosity, and I think this is why you go into the space. People who love audio are so consumed by the intimacy of it that they are driven to make it better all the time.”

Canadian Podcasting’s Evolution

Matt describes the Canadian podcasting industry as being in the “crawl-to-walk phase.” Like Australia, Canada invested early in highly-produced shows but faced challenges understanding audience growth and monetization strategies. One unique Canadian challenge revolves around data costs, as data remains relatively expensive in the country. This hurdle underscores the importance of education on the benefits of podcasts and how they fit into data plans.

The Role of AI and Adtech in Podcasting

While Matt acknowledges AI’s (Artificial Intelligence) buzz in the podcasting industry, he sees significant implications in the potential for adtech tools that boost capabilities in audience segmentation, brand safety, accurate inventory prediction, targeting precision, and attribution modeling. These advancements enable podcasting to compete on an equal footing with other advertising mediums, making it an attractive option for advertisers who demand measurable results.

“Creativity will not be replaced by AI, but what it does, is allow us to accelerate our ability to create amazing stories.”

Pacific Content and Rogers Sports & Media’s Unique Approach

Matt’s work with Pacific Content is a testament to the impact of branded podcasts. Pacific Content’s role is to craft narratives that resonate with a brand’s values and shared experiences, resulting in engaging podcast content. Their work with clients like Charles Schwab and Atlassian’s Teamistry has garnered critical acclaim and demonstrated the power of storytelling to build trust and emotional connections with audiences. 

As an influential player in the Canadian media landscape, Rogers Sports and Media’s core business revolves around ad-supported content. Matt and his team commit to transparently connecting advertisers with the right audiences and content, ensuring that podcasting offers the same data and measurement capabilities as other advertising channels.

Educating and Inspiring Clients

Matt underscores the importance of education when working with clients. Rather than inundating them with numbers, it’s essential to help them understand how podcasting can solve their specific business problems by shifting the conversation from metrics to storytelling, focusing on the emotional connection and value that podcasting can bring to their brands.

Looking Ahead

Matt sees the future of podcast advertising, where ads seamlessly integrate into the content so they feel like a part of the story. He acknowledges the shift in consumer behavior, especially among younger generations, who are more open to native advertising and integrated brand stories. That said, this approach needs to respect the trust built with the audience by creating a more natural and engaging experience, preserving the delicate balance between storytelling and advertising.

Matt’s journey in podcasting can be defined by a dedication to creativity, a commitment to partner education, and a mission to value bold storytelling. As he continues to navigate this dynamic landscape, his leadership will inspire others to embrace the power of this medium.

• Look for more profiles with audio interviews and additional AdsWizz content on our blog.
• If you are not an AdsWizz partner and would like to get in touch with us, please visit the Contact Us page.

The post Interview with Matt Mise from Pacific Content and Rogers Sports & Media appeared first on AdsWizz.

The surge in the popularity of podcasts over recent years is no secret. This wave has brought a significant uptick in podcast advertising as this medium is constantly evolving, both in complexity and impact.

However, this rise has not been without its challenges. In an era where privacy concerns hold a prominent place in our digital landscape, podcast advertising has had to pivot to keep up with new data protection laws and regulations, consumer expectations and emerging technologies. As listeners become more attuned to safeguarding their personal data, advertisers and podcast creators alike are navigating uncharted waters to strike a balance between promotion and privacy.

In this privacy-centric era, understanding the core principles of podcast advertising is essential for anyone seeking to harness its potential. To help with this, we’ve joined forces with Proximic to break down the top three essential aspects to grasp about podcast advertising.

 

 

The post Three Key Insights for Podcast Advertising, In a Privacy-Centric Landscape appeared first on AdsWizz.

At Podcast Movement 2023, Gretchen Smith, Vice President of Media at Ad Results Media, sat down with Justine Benjamin, Head of Global Marketing at AdsWizz and Simplecast, to discuss the business of podcast advertising. 

A Texan by Birth. A Podcast Enthusiast by Choice

Gretchen Smith has an unwavering passion for podcast advertising and its remarkable ability to forge meaningful connections with audiences. Gretchen’s journey in podcasting began in the heart of the Lone Star State, where she grew up and later returned after spending a decade in the concrete jungle of New York City. During the pandemic, Gretchen, like many others, sought warmer weather and space, leading her back to the city that holds a special place in her heart. And despite the city’s changes over the years, Austin’s natural beauty and vibrant lifestyle remain constants that continue to draw her in.

A Familiar Face at Podcast Movement – Meeting Objectives and Building Relationships

As the VP of Media, Gretchen oversees client strategy and is actively involved in building the programmatic department. Her team represents various departments and clients at the event, making it an all-encompassing experience, her third time attending this annual gathering of podcast aficionados. From her debut in Las Vegas for Evolutions to the previous year’s event in Dallas, she’s seen the podcasting industry’s growth firsthand.

For Gretchen and Ad Results Media, Podcast Movement wasn’t just an opportunity to attend panels and network with podcasters. It was a chance to connect with clients, educate them, and forge deeper relationships. 

The Human Element in Podcast Advertising

Gretchen believes firmly in securing host approval and crafting engaging ad prompts to guarantee a smooth, immersive advertising experience. In contrast to conventional advertising methods, podcast host endorsements uniquely appeal to listeners. She states:

“Word of mouth is the best way to recommend products to people. It’s the number one reason why people buy things. It’s as if a friend told me about things, and a podcast host is the closest thing to a friend you have without knowing somebody.”

Unveiling Impactful and Strategic Campaigns

This year, Ad Results Media focused on strategically designed campaigns with performance in mind by blending endorsements with produced ads, showcasing the power of combining different ad formats to achieve better results. While some advertisers worry about paying for multiple impressions of the same message, Gretchen values the varied messages and how they can seal the deal for hesitant buyers.

The Future of Podcast Advertising and Ad Results Media’s Role

As for the future of podcast advertising, Gretchen and her team are committed to supporting creators and nurturing relationships between brands and podcasters. They aim to connect clients with creators and create meaningful, long-term collaborations. By focusing on connections within podcasting as a revenue engine for brands, they strive to keep the industry flourishing.

A Call for Collaboration

The need for collaboration and educating agencies and brands about the intricacies of podcasting will lead to better campaigns and support for creators. At its core, podcasting is about connecting with real consumers and delivering meaningful content. In a rapidly evolving podcasting landscape, Gretchen and Ad Results Media are at the forefront, shaping the future of podcast advertising by combining technology, creativity, and a deep respect for the medium’s human touch.

Did You Like this Content?

• Look for more profiles with audio interviews and additional AdsWizz content on our blog.
• If you are not an AdsWizz partner and would like to get in touch with us, please visit the Contact Us page.

The post Interview with Gretchen Smith from Ad Results Media about Podcast Advertising appeared first on AdsWizz.

Check out this latest piece by Brendan Kelly, Director of Ad Quality, AdsWizz and SXM Media.

The digital audio advertising realm is undoubtedly experiencing a boom. According to Statista, the anticipated annual growth rate in ad spending from 2023 to 2027 is 6.04%, projected to lead to a market volume of approximately US$12.82 billion by 2027. However, this growth is not without challenges. One hurdle is Invalid Traffic (IVT), which can threaten campaign effectiveness and resource allocation.

In this article, Brendan examines the challenges associated with IVT in the digital audio advertising ecosystem and introduces some opportunities to stay ahead of it effectively.

 

The post Navigating the Digital Audio Landscape and Combating Invalid Traffic appeared first on AdsWizz.