In & Around Podcasting

What does a successful podcast launch look like when you do not have a large audience waiting? Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch answer a new podcaster’s question by moving the focus away from industry benchmarks. A show’s own baseline, consistent 7-, 30-, and 90-day comparison windows, seasonality, format, and audience goals give creators more useful information than a single early dip.YouTube will count a public view from the first frame while keeping creator analytics, monetization, click-through rate, and recommendations tied to engaged views. Elsie and Rob discuss what that split means for creators and sponsors, why a public number can misrepresent attention, and how losing a channel to automated enforcement can cut a creator off from years of work. An email connection and distribution beyond one platform remain practical safeguards.The episode also covers YouTube’s competition with Netflix for top creators, Unwell’s $500 million valuation, Threads’ podcast transcript test, and Magellan AI’s estimated podcast ad spending for July 2026. Rob shares an early look at his Apple Podcasts HLS video analysis, the show remembers Dolly Parton and her podcast appearances, and the Flattering Ram celebrates Paulette Erato of Latinas in Podcasting.Interesting things from this episodePeople & ShowsDolly Parton on Table Manners: Second HelpingsDolly Parton on Table MannersDolly Parton on Khloé in Wonder LandDolly Parton on Dumb BlondeDolly Parton on Living & Learning with Reba McEntirepodCast411 Episode 237 with Zach SmithPaulette Erato - Latinas in PodcastingThe Parent TapPodcast Movement NYC 2026Apps & TechnologyYouTube engaged viewsThreads podcast transcription testArticles & Episodes🔬Reddit post about podcast success and podcast analyticsGrowth Lab Event with Rob, Danny and Elsie! Demystifying Your Podcast AnalyticsRene Ritchie explains YouTube engaged viewsYouTube counting public views from the first frameThe Parent Tap petition for channel reinstatementYouTube creator exclusivity deals and NetflixUnwell’s $500 million valuation after the WTSL investmentMagellan AI top podcast advertisersIn & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community.If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too!If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! [email protected] tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts.If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please.The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch break down two major developments in the industry: the release of the IAB's updated Podcast Metrics Guidelines version 2.3 - now open for public comment - and the ongoing debate around the AMP Accords and podcast measurement.They tackle everything from the technical challenges of counting downloads, to the thorny issues of privacy and data sharing in major aggregator apps, and what all of this means for creators, advertisers, and listeners alike.Plus, you'll hear the latest data on podcast consumption from Edison Research, an exploration of audience support trends, and hands-on recommendations for both creators and independent podcast app developers.Interesting things from this episodeIndustry DocumentsIAB Tech Lab Podcast Measurement Guidelines v2.3Podcast Measurement Technical GuidelinesAMP AccordsEdison ResearchThe Podcast Consumer 2026Share of EarPodcast Apps and Independent DevelopersPodcast Apps: A Framework for Dying Slowly with Dignity — Dustin BluckPodcast GearSmallRig S70 Wireless MicrophoneRay Ortega’s SmallRig S70 reviewDJI Mic Mini vs. Hollyland M2S vs. SmallRig S70 — Audio TestsDJI Mic MiniHollyland LARK M2SShure MOTIV MicrophonesIAB Certification and ComplianceIAB Tech Lab Podcast Measurement ComplianceIAB Tech Lab Compliant CompaniesPrivacy LawsGeneral Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) overviewCalifornia Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) FAQPodcast History ReferencesElsie’s Yoga ClassCastro Podcast AppOvercastLibbyHappy Tree FriendsRocketboomTiki Bar TVAsk a NinjaIn & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community.If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too!If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! [email protected] tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts.If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please.The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

There are many valuations of the podcast industry, depending on what report you read. Polaris valued the global worth at $13.7B in 2021, expected to grow an average of 31.5% CAGR (compound annual growth rate) through to 2030 (seems supremely high)Fortune Business Insights show is as $2.2B in 2022, projected to grow to $17.59B in 2030, a CAGR of 29.8%Meanwhile, the IAB shares US ad revenue as $1.8B in 2022, rising to $1.9 in 2023 (which seems closer to Fortune Business Insights and their global ranking). So you can see why there's confusion.Join Mark and Danny, and this week's guest co-host Rob Greenlee, as they break this all down in the usual In & Around Podcasting way. Our guest co-host this week: Rob GreenleeRob Greenlee, a 2017 Podcast Hall of Fame inductee and podcasting pioneer, has spent over 24 years shaping the online media industry. As founder of Spoken Life Media - Adore Podcast Network and Creator Community, and Multi-Camera Video Production. He is also host of Podcast Tips with Rob Greenlee and Trust Factor Shows, he empowers creators with practical insights and innovative strategies. Rob’s background includes leadership roles at Microsoft, PodcastOne, Spreaker, and Libsyn, where he drove content development, distribution, and partnerships. He also co-hosts the 12-year running New Media Show with Todd Cochrane, providing weekly industry updates. As Chairperson of the Podcast Hall of Fame, Rob continues to champion the podcasting community worldwide through speaking and mentorship.Rob's WebsiteRob on YouTubeRob's Facebook page@robwgreenlee on Instagram@robgreenlee on XLinks to interesting things from this episodeArielle NissenblattPodcast Hall of FamePODFEST EXPO | Where Your Voice MattersPodcast Industry Statistics 2024 – Global Market Size and Growth | Comprehensive podcast industry statistics for 2024. Collaborative wiki covers global market size, growth trends, platform market share, and advertising revenue estimates.Podcasting Market Size, Share, Revenue | Fortune Business InsightsPolaris Podcasting Market Size Global Report, 2022 - 2030IAB US Podcast Advertising Revenue Study FY2023 May 2024.pdfJustin Jackson on X: "I keep seeing two numbers for the podcast industry: "Podcasting is a $2 billion a year industry." "The podcast industry is worth $20 billion." Can anyone tell me where these numbers come from and how they're calculated? (They're often quoted but never cited)" / XIn & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community.If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too!If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! [email protected] tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts.If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please.The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

It used to be that podcast downloads were the main data point podcasters would use to track their growth. The thinking was, get X amount of downloads per month and sponsors will jump at you with wallets full of cash. While that may have been the way back in the day, today's success metrics looks a lot different when it comes to podcast success. In this special live recording of In & Around Podcasting from PodSummit YYC 2024 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Danny is joined by Kattie Laur and Tim Truax to talk about how you can take advantage of them, and reframe your thinking and discussion around monetization and sponsorship.Takeaways:The podcasting industry is evolving, and metrics should extend beyond just downloads.Engaged listeners are more valuable than sheer download numbers when seeking sponsorships.Indie podcasters should focus on local sponsorships to create meaningful monetization opportunities.Understanding your audience's engagement can help shape your content and sponsorship strategies.Value for value models allow listeners to support creators without traditional sponsorships.Experimenting with different ad formats can improve listener retention and engagement rates.Companies mentioned in this episode:BumperCaptivateAppleSpotifyAcastDouglasAG1Buy Me a CoffeeNorth Bay EchoCanadalandOur guest co-hosts this week:Kattie LaurKattie Laur is an award-winning, freelance podcast producer and writer based in Brantford, Ontario. She has a life-long love of public radio, and has been clinging to the podcasting space since 2013. As both a professional and independent podcast creator, Kattie’s insights have her keenly focused on making the Canadian podcasting ecosystem sustainable, equitable and world-renowned. Kattie writes the biweekly newsletter for the Canadian podcasting ecosystem, Pod the North. Pod the North’s regular readers include many media excutives from the likes of CBC Podcasts, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. She is currently also working on her debut podcast, Canardian, in association with her newsletter coming Spring 2024.Kattie's Website@podthenorth on Instagram@PodKatt on XKattie on YouTubeLinks to interesting things from this episodePodSummit: Canada's Podcast EventFunding Opportunities - ISO-BEASCOOP: A look at the Canadian podcast sponsorship economy.Are hyperlocal podcast networks replacing local media?In & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community.If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too!If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! [email protected] tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts.If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please.The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Apple Podcasts is now available on the web, opening up the Android market and allowing users to listen on Windows. This is a significant milestone for podcasting as it provides more options for listeners and creators. The web player supports syncing across devices and allows for purchasing subscriptions to creators. However, there are potential risks with unethical marketing techniques and spoofing of download referrals. Overall, this move by Apple is a positive step forward for the industry.TakeawaysApple Podcasts is now accessible on the web, expanding its reach to Android and Windows users.The web player supports syncing across devices and allows for purchasing subscriptions to creators.This move by Apple is a positive step forward for the podcasting industry, providing more options for listeners and creators.In & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community.If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave us a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! You can also drop us a tip at https://www.inandaroundpodcasting.com/support, too!If you're an independent creator who would like to co-host with us, please let us know by emailing the show! [email protected] tell your friends that the show is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, plus wherever else they may listen to their podcasts.If you'd like your podcast trailer featuring in our "Wave File" segment, submit it via this quick contact form, please.The podcast is also available at In & Around Podcasting.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy