PodMov Daily: Tuesday, April 20

Episode 411: Testing, One Two-sday

Podcast Listening & Engagement Coming to Facebook

Within a few months, Facebook users will be able to listen to, comment on, and share podcasts directly on the app. Shows and episodes on Spotify will be recommended “based on your interests.” Ashley Carman of The Verge covers the entire ‘social audio’ push and Clubhouse copy. We’ll focus on podcasts.

Direct monetization is a major part of the rollout. Facebook says it’s introducing an Audio Creator Fund to support “emerging” creators, as well as expanding its ‘Stars’ tipping system. Another new feature, Soundbites, allows people to create and share shortform audio clips, to be promoted via algorithmic feed. 

As Carman points out on Twitter, “sound clips as a discovery route has been a thing in smaller podcast apps for a minute now” and Facebook will likely “edge them out.” Combined with linked Spotify accounts, Facebook’s enormous amount of personal data is sure to change recommendation as a whole.

For Podcasters, A Reality Check on Industry Changes

What effect do all of these major industry shifts actually have on creators? Evo Terra with a reality check: “Whatever is announced by these big players today, tomorrow, or whenever; there probably isn’t anything at all for you to do immediately to better position [your] podcast to take advantage of them.”

Speculation about platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Facebook is everywhere. Before each announcement, someone dramatically claims it will ‘fix podcasting’s discovery problem’ or ‘change the face of podcasting forever.’ In Podcast Pontifications, Terra suggests creators walk on by.

While these industry developments are important in many ways (and fascinating to watch unfold), there’s no need to worry. “It’s unlikely [that] any changes announced will force you to make some drastic change to your show to stay active,” Terra says. “And if it does, I promise you’ll hear about it.”

Audry: Support for Every Podcast’s Success Story

In podcasting, no two success stories are the same. Audry is a diverse community where creators team up, grow together, and find the support they deserve. Whether your show’s journey is straightforward or full of surprises, your goal can lead to something great.

Audry is a place for every podcaster — large, niche, and in between. Growing a show is a challenging process. The secret to long-term growth is collaboration and support every step of the way. With 12,000 creators on the platform, Audry hears 12,000 stories worth telling. 

Ready to share your own story? Whatever success in podcasting means to you, Audry can help you get there. A fast, free sign-up and your Apple Podcasts URL is all you need to get started and be heard.

Here’s what else is going on:

• Snip snip: Are you over-editing or under-editing your show? Matthew McLean of The Podcast Host has specific, practical advice. The ultimate goal is to balance “respecting the listeners time, the level of ‘polish’ you’re serving up, and keeping the whole process sustainable.”

• Sound stage: Tomorrow at 1:00 ET, leadership at The Podcast Academy will host a virtual AMA (Ask Me Anything). Curious about the upcoming Ambies awards or TPA activities? Chairperson Donald Albright and other board members have the answers. Free and open to the public.

• Collect call: The Podcasts in Color directory is accepting direct submissions through April. POC podcasters can fill out this form with basic details, social links, and even a personalized hashtag. A redesigned directory with enhanced search and layout debuts in May. $5 submission fee.

• Small world: The “openness” of RSS limits podcast creativity and growth, claims Anchor co-founder Michael Mignano. The Spotify executive oddly mentions the risk of show distribution on platforms “whose incentives, goals, business models, and ethics may be at odds with the creators’.”