In January, we made a slew of marketing and advertising predictions, from streaming to ad measurement. We already know the elephant in the room—we didn’t even mention generative AI. But the predictions we did make were a mixed bag in terms of accuracy. Here’s a look at how we did.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss how much audiobooks can move the needle for Spotify, how engaging its app is versus Netflix and TikTok, and how much of its podcast success is tied to Joe Rogan. "In Other News," we talk about how badly AI can hurt your company's customer service and why Google has called for a ban on personalized ads for minors. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Daniel Konstantinovic.

Our latest forecast for 14 countries and three regions shows sustained healthy growth for podcast listenership in most markets, even as the boom years are winding down.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss how much ad spending will grow this year, whether there are more reasons to be optimistic or pessimistic about consumer spending, and what today's most interesting ad spending trends are by media and company. "In Other News," we talk about a deal to bring video ads to Spotify’s app on Roku and how Amazon's second year of streaming Thursday Night Football is going. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Paul Verna.

Spotify wants a share of CTV ad spending: The audio app is partnering with Roku to capitalize on consumers who use their TVs as living room speakers.

Though marketing budgets are under scrutiny in this tight economy, it might make sense to consider integrating audio advertising into your marketing mix. That’s because listener growth is picking up for podcasts and audio formats overall. Audio ad formats also have unique features to help marketers.

Streaming music, podcasts, and radio apps have changed the complexion of audio listenership in Canada. Over the past decade, digital audio has grown to a level that now rivals the traditionally strong radio listener base.

Some 65% of TikTokers prefer content from brands that feature original sounds, according to 2021 MRC Data. TikTok sounds allow users to attach posts to songs and other audio which can then drive an association between the song and the brand. TikTok already has a Commercial Music Library of royalty-free tracks, but brands can push social campaigns a step further by creating their own viral songs.

Spotify has reached a record 551 million monthly active users worldwide after adding 36 million new users in Q2—a growth that’s three times greater than the same period last year.

On today's episode, we discuss how Spotify added a record number of users, the impact of its price increase, and the latest on its podcast business. "In Other News," we talk about how good people are at recalling audio ads and some adjustments to Netflix's ad tier. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Daniel Konstantinovic.

US adults will spend 1 minute less with media this year than in 2022, although the longer-term topline trend is stable. Among formats and platforms, CTV is grabbing share, mobile is approaching a plateau, and Netflix and TikTok reign supreme.

On today's episode, we discuss the advertising industry's recent love affair with generative AI, what happens inside the minds of Gen Z consumers, why Spotify is pivoting, Twitter's new CEO writing the the company's next chapter, how podcast advertising is doing, how much people spend when they go to Las Vegas, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our director of forecasting Oscar Orozco and analysts Bill Fisher and Max Willens.

It partnered with Spotify Premium and can use other tie-ins and products to sustain rapid growth.

Heavy media consumption in Canada across digital and traditional channels has led to a range of effective ad formats for brands.

On today's episode, we discuss how Spotify beat expectations, why a price hike is inbound, and the audio streaming company's relationship with artificial intelligence (AI). "In Other News," we talk about AI-powered ads for Google and whether Peacock can survive the streaming wars. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Daniel Konstantinovic.

Exclusive podcasts didn’t pay off for Spotify: With slower listener growth overall, the company is bringing some shows to rival audio platform

The overall adult population will spend an average of 1 hour and 43 minutes (1:43) per day listening to digital audio this year. Among active listeners (monthly users), the figure will leap to 2:20. That’s not much more than last year, however.

Your one-stop shop for all things digital audio in 2023.