Spotify for Podcasters, or Anchor, as it used to be known, is a free platform for hosting your podcast.   But as we all know, nothing is TRULY free.I've long said that Anchor, or now Spotify for Podcasters, is a great tool if you're dipping your toe into podcasting.  They won't charge you a monthly hosting fee, and you can kind of get the hang of your craft.  Because the hardest part about doing a podcast - is actually starting one.Well some previously announced changes for the platform are about to take effect.  The first one probably won't affect you - the "Music and Talk" pilot that allowed you to do a podcast that included full licensed songs on the platform.  I played with this in an experiment called "The JAG Throwback Show" - mostly to scratch the itch that comes with being a former radio DJ.  But you couldn't talk over the intros of songs (what's the point of doing a radio show if you can't hit a post?) and only Spotify PREMIUM subscribers would hear the whole song.   Users on the free tier would only hear the begining and end.   So fun idea, but no big loss.  Here's a link to that show: https://open.spotify.com/show/2j6cYPd7dmiPDuMdT2PLHr?si=56b8fc13bd824c0bOn the podcast side, Spotify is eliminating their internal production tools, and beginning a partnership with Riverside, the podcast recording platform.   Riverside has some great tools, and you can read and watch the announcement from Spotify here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/resources/learn/create/updates-to-spotify-for-podcastersSo again, if you want to do a podcast as a hobby and have a very limited - or no - budget, great.  But if your aim is to really put time and effort into a show and grow it, this isn't the place for you.  You are putting all you eggs in the Spotify basket.  You're hosting with them, you're editing with them, and you're getting all of your analytics from them.    This means you are at their mercy if there's a service outage, or if they decide to make any changes.   And when it comes to the analytics side, Spotify has decided to no longer participate in IAB download metrics - an industry standard that the majority of hosts use to track the number of people listening to your show.   I'll spare you all the tech stuff, but Bryan Barletta of Sounds Profitable wrote a scathing open letter to Spotify - mentioning that they are no longer a podcasting peer - they are their own game.  You can read that here: https://soundsprofitable.com/article/of-mice-and-megaphoneBottom line: If you live entirely in Spotify's ecosystem, they control everything.  It's like having your entire retirement portfolio invested in stock of your employer.  That's great when things are going well.  But what happens when they take a turn?Here's my recommendation.  Host on a platform like Simplecast, Buzzsprout, or Libsyn.  Their plans start at around $15 per month, which if you're investing in your show, isn't much money.   Your metrics will be legit, you'll still be on Spotify independently, and you won't be beholdent to them.    And if you're recording remotely, use either Riverside (I've got a referral code in the show notes), or Squadcast.  Both are excellent quality, and have a number of bells and whistles.   It's just figuring out which of the two is more intutiive for you.   Squadcast was recently acquired by Descript, which is where most of their editing and tools have migrated to.  And they've got an announcement of new tools coming next week. https://lu.ma/descript-season-6And as always, if you have any questions at all about your podcast or how to start won, find me online at JAGinDetroit.com.  Lata!Here's my referral code if you want to try Riverside: https://bit.ly/jagriverside Find jag on social media @JAGinDetroit or online at JAGinDetroit.com

https://www.edisonresearch.com/the-podcast-consumer-2024-by-edison-research/The Edison Research Podcast Consumer 2024 report, providing a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of podcasting. As we head into the holiday weekend, it's the perfect time to reflect on these insights and what they mean for podcasters and listeners alike.Podcast listenership is at an all-time high, with two-thirds of the U.S. population aged 12 and up having listened to a podcast, and over a third tuning in weekly. The average time spent listening to podcasts has surged by 450% since 2014, Podcasts now constitute 11% of all audio sources and 20% of ad-supported audio sources, showing a substantial increase from previous years.We also explore the diversity of podcast listeners. Podcasting spans all generations, with significant engagement across various age groups. For example, 59% of those aged 12-34, 55% of those aged 35-54, and even 27% of those aged 55 and older listen to podcasts monthly. Gen Z, in particular, shows a strong affinity for podcasts, often spending more time with this medium than older generations, drawn by the depth of topics and unique perspectives offered.The demographic breakdown of listeners is becoming increasingly diverse. The percentage of Black Americans and Latinx Americans listening to podcasts monthly stands at 48% and 43%, respectively. Additionally, the gender gap is closing, with 45% of U.S. women now monthly podcast listeners, indicating a more balanced audience. Interestingly, female listeners tend to consume more episodes weekly compared to their male counterparts.Podcasts are not just popular; they are also effective for advertisers. An impressive 46% of weekly podcast listeners report purchasing a product or service based on a podcast ad. This statistic highlights the medium's power to drive consumer behavior and its value for advertisers.The top podcasts in the U.S. continue to draw massive audiences. Leading the list is "The Joe Rogan Experience," followed by "Crime Junkie," "The Daily" from the New York Times, "New Heights" with Jason and Travis Kelce, and "Dateline NBC." Other popular shows include "This American Life," "Call Her Daddy," "SmartLess," "Morbid," and "Stuff You Should Know."As the industry continues to grow, it presents numerous opportunities for businesses. Podcasts can serve as a powerful tool for internal communication or as a platform to engage with a broader audience. If you haven't yet started a podcast for your business, now is the time to consider it.Have a great holiday weekend, and remember to share this episode with friends and family to help grow your podcast network! Find jag on social media @JAGinDetroit or online at JAGinDetroit.com

In this episode of The JAG Show, we tackle the ever-persistent question: How long should a podcast be? The answer isn't one-size-fits-all. We dive into the nuances of podcast length and what makes an extended episode worthwhile. With personal anecdotes and industry insights, we explore scenarios where longer podcasts not only work but captivate. From celebrity-packed interviews, like Julian Edelman's deep dive with Ernie Adams, to niche passions such as travel hacks and Taylor Swift conspiracy theories, we illustrate why content, not length, dictates a podcast's success. Whether it's sports, politics, or entertainment, we discuss how established shows and A-listers like SmartLess can pull off hour-long episodes that leave listeners wanting more. So, if you've ever pondered the perfect podcast duration or sought to justify a lengthier listening experience, tune in as we affirm that as long as it's engaging, it's the right length. Don't forget, the best way to grow your podcast is through word-of-mouth, so if you enjoy this episode, pass it along! For all your podcast queries, reach out at jagindetroit.com.Smartless: https://smartless.comTaylor Swift Hits Different Pod: https://www.youtube.com/@ithitsdiffpodGames With Names: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFof_j6hnC2WaZWwwW41_gA Find jag on social media @JAGinDetroit or online at JAGinDetroit.com

WHAT WOULD A TIK TOK BAN MEAN FOR PODCASTING?Well, like most things in life, it’s all about knowing your audience. OK, I’m not going to get into all the international politics about TikTok, and their Chinese-owned parent company, Byte Dance.   But as you may have heard, President Biden, depending on when you consume this podcast, is expected to sign a bill requiring Byte Dance to sell off their ownership in the company, or have the app banned in the US.   In 2023 and 2024, the big discussion around podcasts has been about video.   And while I’ll spare you the audio only or video for FULL podcasts discussion today, short video clips can be a great way to market your show to new audiences.   I can think of two shows, New Heights with the Kelce brothers, and Games with Names, with Julian Edelman, that I’ve seen hilarious short clips from, and it’s resulted in me checking out the full podcast.Now the jury is still out on what the conversion rate is between short term video clicks to podcast downloads, but the more places you can market your show, the better.According to my favorite annual survey, Edison Research’s Infinite Dial, Tik Tok is now the #3 social media brand among Americans age 12 and up, trailing only Facebook and Instagram.91% of this total population is aware of it, and 35% use it.   (Some of that actually comes from Twitter and X being a dumpster fire lately. Thanks Elon!)Now as you might expect, Tik Tok usage DOES skew younger. While 13 % of everyone age 12+ say it’s their MOST used social media app, that number jumps to 23% among age 12-34.  And it falls to single digits age 35 and up. So back to my original question.  WHO is your audience?  Who is your podcast talking to?  If it’s a younger demo, a Tik Tok ban could affect your discoverability.  And you’re going to have to keep tabs on WHERE your audience Is going, and be where they are.   If your audience skews older, keep banging the Facebook and Twitter drum.  If your audience is more in the professional space, don’t forget about LinkedIn too.   Fish where the fish are.As always, if you have any questions about podcasts or the industry, you can always find me at JAGinDetroit.com.Lata! Find jag on social media @JAGinDetroit or online at JAGinDetroit.com

This week's podcast discussed the recent broadcasting mishap at CBS, where a live Billy Joel concert was cut off due to scheduling conflicts with The Masters golf tournament. This incident not only highlighted issues of automation and outsourcing in television broadcast operations but also served as a metaphor for larger problems in media businesses, including radio and podcasting. The key takeaway is the need for media companies, especially those in podcasting, to invest wisely and maintain a focus on sustainable growth and quality staffing.

It’s an election year, and there’s no doubt podcasting will play a role. Here’s an interesting one.Ted Cruz is hosting a podcast, 3 days a week, distributed by Premiere Networks, part of iHeartMedia.   Now Senator Cruz, who’s up for reelection this year, isn’t being paid directly for his time, but get this.   His Political Action Committee, or PAC, is producing the show.  And a share of the ad revenue – over $630,000 so far – is going to a SUPER PAC – no his, but one that supports him.   What does this mean for podcasts and politics?  More: https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/9/24125736/ted-cruz-podcast-verdict-iheart-fec-neon-hum-roost-sonyhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/mollybohannon/2024/03/20/super-pac-backing-ted-cruz-received-215000-from-iheartmedia-fueling-ethics-concerns-after-podcast-deal/?sh=502dbd2b60achttps://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/ted-cruz-podcast-iheartmedia-19373225.phpNow we’ve all been warned about campaign shenanigans created by AI, and podcasting is certainly grappling with this emerging technology.    It’s the wild wild west out there.  And just because you CAN doesn’t mean you SHOULD.  A podcast company just settled with George Carlin's estate after they created a 60-minute episode of content with with him. The show has since been taken down..More: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240404-podcast-sued-for-ai-george-carlin-settles-with-comic-s-estateSpeaking of AI – OpenAI, and Chat GPT say they ingested and transcribed over a million hours of YouTube content, including podcasts, in order to train its latest version, Chat GPT-4.  Now, this has lots of legal ramifications that are too complicated for me to get into here – but if you’re going to train a large language model – I guess it makes sense to turn to the largest source for content in the world.  Chat GPT can be a great tool.   I often use it to draft show notes based on podcast transcripts, which I then tweak. My theory on AI is that it’s always improving, but you need a human gatekeeper to check the work.https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/6/24122915/openai-youtube-transcripts-gpt-4-training-data-googleAs always if you have questions about podcasting, or are interested in starting a show – find me online at JAG in Detroit dot com.  Lata! Find jag on social media @JAGinDetroit or online at JAGinDetroit.com

OK, fine, I podfaded. Other client projects took priority, and it's been awhile.  But today was the perfect day to bring back The JAG Show.Google Podcasts, as of April 3rd, is no longer available to listen to shows on.  Users are going to have to go elsewhere.  If you want to take your subscriptions with you, you can TRY.  Here's Google's how-to. https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/thread/249139848/migrate-your-podcast-shows-from-google-podcasts-us-only-%F0%9F%87%BA%F0%9F%87%B8?hl=enMeanwhile, Apple Podcasts has unveiled auto-transcriptions, beginning with iOS version 17.4.   I found the transcriptions to be pretty good, except that there are no timestamps or speaker labels.  I found it very difficult to upload my own transcript, and my podcast host (Simplecast) advised me to just use Apple's automatic transcript for now.   Apple did not give podcast hosts an early heads up about this, and they are playing catchup.Speaking of Podcast Hosts, Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor) is the decisive leader for episodes published in March, 2024.  I'll tell you why I'm very lerry of using Spotify as a host, though.Finally, Edison Research's Infinite Dial survey is out.  This is THE benchmark survey for podcast listening every year.  I'll go through some key takewaways on podcasting being at an all time high, its growth among women, and its potential to steal ad dollars from television.As always, reach out with any questions.  [email protected] Find jag on social media @JAGinDetroit or online at JAGinDetroit.com

 I don't care who you are, what your podcast is about, and how many listeners you do or don't have. Do not do what Curt Schilling did in his podcast last month. So, quick background for those of you who aren't baseball or Red Sox fans, the Red Sox went 86 years without winning a World Series. They had a number of heartbreaks over the years, including Bucky Dent's home run in 1978, the ball going through Bill Buckner's legs in 1986, and then most recently, the Aaron Boone home run in game seven of the 2003 American League Championship Series off Tim Wakefield.So to set the stage, Tim Wakefield was terrified at the end of 2003 that he'd be the next Bill Buckner. Flash forward to 2004. The Red Sox bring in star pitcher Curt Schilling. He embraces the whole break the curse thing. He even does a Dunkin Donuts commercial where he says, "I'm here to break an 86 year old curse." And then in the playoffs has a tendon in his ankle, surgically sewed on so that he's able to pitch in heroic fashion. And you would think at that point, as the Red Sox go on in the World Series, that Curt Schilling is never going to pay for dinner in Boston ever again.Well, as the years go on, first Curt Schilling becomes a political troll. Now, whatever your political beliefs are, don't be a troll. Although being a right wing troll in Massachusetts is probably not a good idea. He then decides to invest in a video game company and somehow gets Rhode Island taxpayers to front millions of dollars before he bankrupts it and costs the taxpayers a whole bunch of money, and he's just generally a bad person.Contrast that with Tim Wakefield, who spent years and years and years doing charity work and working with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Boston Red Sox Charitable Foundation and just did amazing things and was beloved. Well, flash forward to September 2023. Curt Schilling has a baseball podcast. He reveals on the podcast that Tim Wakefield has terminal brain cancer. And, oh, by the way, his wife also has pancreatic cancer. Not a very high survival rate. Now, nobody that wasn't close to the Wakefield family knew any of this. Curt Schilling decided that he had the right to go on his podcast and tell the world this very personal nugget about a terminal cancer diagnosis for Tim Wakefield. Naturally, Curt had a ton of blowback on this, and sadly, within about a week of this story coming out, Tim Wakefield passed away at 57 years old.Now, what does all this mean to you? You may be privy to information in a podcast that's not public. You may know things. People may tell you things in confidence. It is your responsibility to maintain that confidence. It is not your right to tell somebody else's story that they don't want shared publicly. And this goes for, of course, social media, texting telephone, you name it. But it's true in podcasts especially. They say the Internet lives forever. Well, podcasting is part of that. Anything you put in a podcast can be picked up by anyone, anywhere, and amplified. Do not talk about something in your podcast that is not your place to talk about. You may think it's just an aside or a brief comment, but there are ramifications. How does all this turn out? Well, Tim Wakefield is recognized as a hero on and off the diamond all over Boston, and tributes have been pouring in for the last week.Curt Schilling, after thinking he'd never pay for a meal in Boston ever again, and the World Series win, would probably come out from dinner in the North End and have his tires slashed for the terrible person he's become. Don't be Curt Schilling. And be careful what you say on your podcast. And a tip of the cap. Rest in peace, Tim Wakefield.  Find jag on social media @JAGinDetroit or online at JAGinDetroit.com

Google podcasts going away in 2024- here's what you need to knowWhile Apple was the OG of the podcast space, podcasts were actually named after iPods, and Spotify was OVER aggressive, investing hundreds of millions, Google/YouTube have been more reactionary.In fact, The company itself said at podcast movement that they've been more about responding to what podcasters are actually doing.   Their new tools are a RESULT of podcasters putting their content on YouTube.  Earlier this year, Google began giving North Americans access to podcasts on their separate YouTube Music platform.   They're gonna roll out YouTube music globally, and sunset the Google Podcasts app.  It makes sense- they cite Edison research's study that says YouTube is the favorite podcasting platform for 23% of consumers, compared to 4% for Google Podcasts.  Those numbers track for me- of 12,000 total downloads of THIS podcast, exactly 3.24% were on Google Podcasts.So what does all this mean for creators and consumers?   Google says they will have tools to let listeners migrate their favorite shows from Google to YouTube music.  And without a subscription, you'll be able to consume the pods while using other apps on your phone.For creators, we don't have an exact time line for when the app will go away.  So continue to fish where the fish are.  Keep putting your show on Google Podcasts,  but also make sure it's on YouTube AND YouTube music.  Make sure your show can be found anywhere your potential audience is looking for it . More:PodNews recap of this story: https://podnews.net/update/google-podcasts-to-closeVariety magazine: https://variety.com/2023/digital/news/google-podcasts-shutting-down-youtube-1235735517/Google's announcement: https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/thread/236590252From YouTube - Creating a Podcast on YouTube Music: https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/podcast-destination-on-youtube-music Find jag on social media @JAGinDetroit or online at JAGinDetroit.com

Got my 2023 Podcast Movement Recap ready to roll, and of course, it all starts with YouTube.The best session I attended was from Jay Nachlis of Coleman Insights and Steve Goldstein of Amplifi media- their Thursday keynote was The New Rules of Podcasting on YouTube.Yes, a show on YouTube is a podcast.   And you need to have a YouTube strategy, even if your show is audio only.  Your content needs to be on the platform, or at least a teaser directing to your podcast. I'll explain. Folks are consuming podcasts on multiple platforms, and you can get them to open their podcast player if your content is good enough.YouTube itself was at Podcast Movement, talking about ingesting shows via RSS feed.   This seems like a giant step forward, but there are some important caveats.Rob Walch's annual "That Marketing Advice for Your Podcast is BS" session yielded both some important info and stats, but also stirred the pot on some debates.  He says your episodic podcasts on Apple should include episode numbers.  We go deep on that.AI was a big topic at Podcast Movement.   Use it as a tool, not a replacement, and always check the work with a human.Spotify was there, talking about video and how huge it's become.  You can get your video podcast on Spotify, but only if they are your host.   And that leads to a whole bunch of other issues.Finally, what does a bonsai tree have to do with your podcast?  Leave it to the great Tom Webster to explain. Find jag on social media @JAGinDetroit or online at JAGinDetroit.com