Podnews Extra

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Alberto Betella discusses RSS.com's recently awarded patent for AI-driven scalable ads called "GOST.AI", which uses voice cloning technology to create programmatic ads for podcasts. The technology can replicate a host's authentic voice for advertising while maintaining ethical guidelines and consent, allowing for customizable, contextual content that leverages the parasocial relationship between hosts and listeners.

The discussion delves into RSS.com's upcoming launch of dynamic ad insertion features, with a notably low $1 minimum payout threshold. Alberto explains their partnership with iHeart for ad inventory and discusses the importance of giving podcasters control over ad categories while acknowledging the limitations of run-of-network advertising compared to host-read ads.

The conversation concludes with an insightful discussion about podcast monetization models, comparing Spotify's upcoming ad-free podcasting initiative with Apple Podcasts' subscription model. They explore the challenges of micropayments, value-for-value systems, and the future of podcast monetization, highlighting the need to better communicate the "why" behind supporting podcast creators to listeners.

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Neil Mody, CEO of Headliner, discusses how his company has become a dominant force in podcast video creation, generating over 10,000 videos daily. He reveals how Headliner has evolved from a simple social media clip creator to a comprehensive suite of tools that help podcasters grow their audience across multiple platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify.

The conversation delves into the fascinating debate about video versus audio podcasting. Mody shares insights about how interview-format podcasts are increasingly finding success through video content, citing Joe Rogan's interesting case where he had more YouTube subscribers than Spotify followers even during his Spotify exclusivity period. He emphasizes that while video is crucial for attracting new audiences, audio remains important for retention.

Mody presents a compelling perspective on podcasting's current state, noting that only 500 million out of 5 billion internet users listen to podcasts. He argues that podcasters must embrace platforms like YouTube and social media to reach new audiences, as avoiding these platforms means missing out on half of the internet's potential reach. The discussion concludes with his vision for Headliner's future, including plans to reach 10 million listeners on their platform and continued innovation in AI-powered content creation tools.

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Sam Sethi chats with Matt Campion, co-founder and creative director of Spirit Studios, a modern production company that creates content across multiple platforms including television, podcasts, and branded content. The discussion centers around their evolution, their content strategy, and their adaptation to changing media landscapes, particularly their IP 360 approach which focuses on creating and exploiting content across different platforms.

A significant portion of the conversation explores how Spirit Studios adapts to industry challenges, including their shift toward true crime content and documentary programming due to better international monetization potential compared to comedy. Matt explains how they've developed a strategy of creating content that can work across multiple platforms, citing examples like their show "Outsmarting" which began as a digital series and expanded into both television and podcast formats. The discussion also delves into their approach to talent-led podcasts and the importance of having clear routes to market.

The conversation concludes with an interesting exploration of artificial intelligence in content production, including its current use in productivity tools and potential future applications in voice synthesis and content creation. They discuss the moral implications of using AI-generated voices, particularly for deceased celebrities, and debate the balance between technological advancement and maintaining content quality. The discussion also touches on the challenges of content distribution across different languages and the evolving ways audiences consume media, particularly regarding subtitles and dubbing.

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We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting.

Support the show

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We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting.

Support the show

Got feedback? Send us a text message.

We're sponsored by Buzzsprout. Start Podcasting. Keep Podcasting.

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This podcast episode features Sam Sethi interviewing Oscar Merry, co-founder of Fountain, a podcasting 2.0 app. Oscar discusses the new features in Fountain version 1.1.5, including a major overhaul of the content library for better performance, the ability to pay creators using Lightning Network invoices, and the addition of artist pages for music podcasts. He also talks about Fountain's plans to support Nostr Wallet Connect, which would allow users to connect their main Lightning wallet to Fountain.

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(An attempt to see if Apple transcribes this correctly)

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The South African Podcast Guild is a vibrant community of over 300 independent podcasters in South Africa. Founded by Paolo Diaz, the Guild aims to help local podcasters gain exposure and grow their shows through partnerships, collaboration, and shared resources. With a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, the Guild offers both free and low-cost membership tiers, making it open to creators of all backgrounds.

Beyond just providing a supportive network, the Guild is also working to address key challenges facing the South African podcasting landscape. This includes exploring ways to monetize shows, tapping into local language and niche content opportunities, and leveraging partnerships with larger media companies. With rapid growth in its first year, the South African Podcast Guild is positioning itself as a driving force for the continued development of the local podcasting industry.

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Sam Sethi is joined by Sandy Wilheim from YouTube to discuss how podcasts are being integrated and consumed on the platform. They cover topics like the unique storytelling format of podcasts, the growing preference for video-based podcasts among younger audiences, the importance of data and analytics for creators, and the various monetization opportunities available to podcasters on YouTube. 

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