Disney+ and Hulu add iHeartMedia video podcasts: The deal could give marketers premium inventory with audiences primed to act on ads.

Spotify falls short of user forecasts: Engagement remains healthy, but uneven ad performance adds demand for stronger measurement.

Audio and video podcasts complement each other: Combining both formats can build brand trust first and drive measurable consumer actions later.

Comscore adds episode-level podcast targeting: Finer metadata can help advertisers on podcasts gain precision and workflows similar to CTV and display.

Interest in podcast advertising outpaces confidence: Marketers need proof of ROI, which requires clear campaign KPIs.

Podcast hosts earn trust as advertisers invest: Podcast ads gain appeal as host credibility drives purchases, prompting brands to increase spending.

YouTube passes Spotify in UK podcasts: The margin is small, but the change makes video harder for brands to treat as optional.

Spotify expands podcast buying: Amazon DSP now reaches Spotify podcasts, making it easier to add high-attention audio to broader media plans.

Summer habits favor podcasts: Seasonal routines lift podcast listening, supporting steady engagement and making summer a smart time to buy audio ads.

Podcasts win across demographics: Millennials and Gen X now outpace Gen Z in consumption, making podcasts a broad-reach buy that doesn’t lose ad impact.

Why every streamer wants podcast deals: A flurry of exclusive video deals offers streamers a low-cost way to drive viewership.

Spotify debuts podcast badges to fight AI slop: Platforms are turning to patchwork solutions as they struggle to contain the flood.

Apple-Spotify alliance redraws video podcast playbook: Shared tech and revenues lower barriers for video podcasts, leaving YouTube as the only major the lone silo.

Podcast growth outpaces social, with trusted hosts driving purchases and attention other feeds can’t match.

Podcast skipping may be overstated, as playback data shows many shows retain 90% or more of listeners through ad breaks.

Podcasts turn attention into action as opt-in listening drives searches, site visits, and a 22% purchase rate.

HBO, Netflix, and Apple use companion podcasts to fight churn, turning fandom into hours of opt-in engagement.

Spotify sports podcast listening jumps 358% after games, outpacing pregame gains and opening a bigger ad window beyond live TV.

Spotify outlines how AI, automation, and immersive experiences will reshape how brands connect with consumers in 2026.

The rise of video podcasts has transformed the medium, creating new opportunities for advertisers. But as the ecosystem becomes more sophisticated, complexities are creating challenges for ad buyers and media platforms.​