Podcasting Strategy Insights

Greetings from Juergen!

Gather 'round the digital campfire, folks—it's time to talk shop. In this dispatch, I've sifted through the noise to bring you nuggets on the latest in podcasting platforms, video tech finesse, and a dash of AI playlist wizardry. Dive in for insights that could give your content strategy that extra edge.

Platforms And Tools

Shocker! Podcaster Claims Apple Prioritizes Paid Shows Over Free Ones

Recent revelations suggest Apple may prioritize podcasters enrolled in their subscription program on the Podcast app's Browse tab. As podcasters, we're always seeking that coveted carousel slot for maximum visibility, but it seems participation in Apple Podcasts Subscriptions might influence placement.

According to a report by Semafor, a podcaster looking to get featured in one of the main slots in the Podcast app’s Browse tab should start by joining Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, which offers listeners “premium benefits like ad-free listening, early access, and bonus episodes” for a monthly fee.

While the mix of subscription and non-subscription podcasts currently featured includes big names, it's an interesting thought for us independent creators striving for recognition. Could aligning with Apple's subscription model be the key to better exposure, or should we focus on the content itself to shine through? Let's keep an eye on this development and continue to create podcasts that stand out, regardless of the platform's algorithms.

Take Notes: TikTok teases “a new app for photo posts”

TikTok's planned expansion with TikTok Notes, as reported by Tubefilter, could mark a pivotal shift back to the essence of photo sharing. Their move mirrors a growing sentiment among users yearning for the simplicity and authenticity of original Instagram days, a sentiment I resonate with deeply. As someone whose love for photography found a home on early Instagram, the recent inclination towards video content has been disheartening.

"This development is now interesting for TikTok to actually return to the original design aesthetic and purpose of what Instagram used to focus on, which is still images."

Regardless of the pressure to join TikTok citing its near-essential status for social media presence today, I have been hesitant. However, the promise of sharing still images and narratives is capturing my attention. The potential for TikTok Notes to rekindle the charm of sharing visual stories without the clamor of video-dominated feeds could very well be the allure that nudges creators like myself to reconsider our platforms. Keeping an eye on how TikTok integrates this feature will be crucial for discerning its impact on digital storytelling and community building.

Video Podcasting

The Top 11 Webcams for YouTube Content Creators

As a former photographer, I've always appreciated the clarity a DSLR lens brings to a subject against a soft, blurred background. I look for this quality in a webcam, too, for that professional touch.

A recent article by Castos highlights the benefits of investing in a quality webcam for YouTube, which is essential for content creators aiming to stand out. A good webcam can make a difference in how viewers perceive your content—professionalism matters.

But for me, it's about finding that sweet spot where the webcam's technical capabilities meet the aesthetic of a DSLR's 'bokeh' effect. While many webcams offer high resolution, only some can replicate the shallow depth of field that a DSLR lens provides. I use a compact Canon camera with a USB port for this very reason.

The Castos article lists the "Razer Kiyo," but only the DSLR-like "Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra" offers a 1.7 wide-open aperture and decent built-in optical "bokeh".

There's a noticeable difference between natural and artificial blurs, and I'm optimistic that advances in AI or new hardware can bridge this gap soon. Until then, I recommend a setup similar to mine for that professional-grade background blur.

Facebook merges Reels, long-form videos, and live content with new video player

As Facebook introduces its redesigned video player, the platform's transactions with various content formats are poised to become more seamless for users. The video experience on Facebook is due for a transformation, unifying Reels, live broadcasts, and long-form videos into a full-screen, immersive interface that can easily toggle between vertical and landscape orientations. This is a tangible stride towards blending the boundary between different video formats, indicating a direction that many social media spaces are taking—adapting to the prevalent trend set by TikTok.

The TikTokization of Facebook video questions if vertical video will become the new standard on the platform.

Acknowledging the power of personalized content, Meta is refining its recommendation engine to offer videos that resonate with individual interests—whether that's a quick makeup reel or an extensive DIY tutorial. For content creators, this means a platform redefined to amplify their reach and innovate within their craft, as noted by creators.facebook.com's insight on leveraging Facebook's vast user base for heightened visibility and engagement.

Tubefilter, in their detailed coverage, illustrates Meta's ambition to mirror TikTok's features and YouTube's adaptability, fostering an ecosystem where content creators can thrive across varied formats and lengths.

On Artificial Intelligence

Spotify rolls out an AI-powered playlist feature

As noted by TechCrunch, this isn't about queuing up decade-specific genres but rather a user's eccentric music requests creating their personalized sonic backdrop.

But for now, this AI does not curate podcast selections, focusing exclusively on music.

Integrating artificial intelligence is becoming a signature move for Spotify, extending beyond music to audiobooks and even the educational sphere, illustrating their commitment to evolve with their listener’s daily rhythm. But Podcast enthusiasts will have to await similar features that could one day automate their episodic listen-lists with the same intuitive flair.

Trends in Podcasting

How Podcasters Are Using Audiograms to Share, Market, & Grow

From the cautiously optimistic corner of digital strategies, it seems audiograms are indeed finding their groove as a marketing tool for podcasters. While I've held reservations, the creativity and success stories from users are encouraging.

I’ve been somewhat skeptical about audiograms, but the evolution in their use is intriguing.

Showcasing compelling case studies like See Jurassic Right, My Best SHIFT, and Cinema Recall, the use by podcasters of Headliner audiograms as social media assets is strikingly effective. The article by Elissa from Headliner highlights their potential to increase engagement and reach. For instance, on platforms like Twitter, these multimedia snippets are not just static images but dynamic invitations, often resulting in substantially higher interactions compared to traditional posts.

Stemming from their versatility on various networks, these carefully crafted audio-visual bites are proving to be more than just a trend - they're a strategy. They offer a creative way to repurpose content, saving time while amplifying exposure. Elissa's examples paint a clear picture: Even the busiest content creators can harness the power of audiograms to boost their podcast's presence and growth.

Nyt to Soon Offer Most Articles via Automated Voice

The New York Times is innovating in the audio space by narrating most of its articles using an automated voice. This initiative enhances the Times' standing as a significant audio news source.

"The New York Times plans to make the vast majority of its articles available to users as narrations read via an automated voice," according to Axios.

The feature will initially be available to a subset of users, with 75% of newly published articles offering this narration. The goal is to expand to all articles and users eventually. The 'Listen' tab, being rolled out to some iOS users, will centralize the Times' audio offerings, including this new narration service. However, the feature is currently limited to new articles, with no plans to narrate the archive.

Search Engine Optimization

Too big to care. Enshittification is a choice.

We've been exploring generative search quite a bit lately, especially considering its potentially transformative impact on content discovery and user engagement.

Remember when Google first entered the scene? After years of progressively worsening search quality from Altavista and Yahoo, Google was literally stunning, a gateway to the very best things on the internet.

A recent article by Cory Doctorow on Medium sheds light on this conundrum, and I can't help but ponder the implications.

Doctorow discusses the concept of "enshittification" — an intentional decline in service quality, suggesting that Google's deteriorating search results are a conscious choice rather than an unavoidable decline. This is evident from the experience with alternative search engines like Kagi, which seem to recapture that early sense of wonder we all felt with Google, delivering high-quality results that Google itself used to provide. The takeaway here is stark: Google could offer a superior search experience but chooses not to, prioritizing profits over user satisfaction.

This brings me to an observation: if Google's leadership, such as CEO Sundar Pichai, were to change due to financial pressures, we might witness a further descent into "enshittification." It's a stark reminder of the importance of putting user needs first and the potential consequences of failing to do so.

With this in mind, our newsletter continues to focus on actionable insights and strategies to adapt and thrive in an evolving search landscape. As always, we strive to be at the forefront, helping you navigate these changes with clarity and purpose.

Tips & Tricks

Reframing: Is Imposter Syndrome Always a Negative Thing?

Feeling like a fish out of water among the sea of podcasters happens to the best of us. Exploring the seemingly negative aspects of imposter syndrome, the article from We Edit Podcasts illuminates a path to harness it positively. Our experience at Polymash confirms that imposter feelings are part of the indie podcaster’s journey, not something exclusive to newcomers or those who haven't polished their presence.

“Imposer Syndrome doesn’t only have to be a negative experience; it can act as a compass guiding us towards areas for improvement.”

At Polymash, the notion of turning this self-doubt into a growth catalyst strikingly aligns with our philosophy. It's not about the absence of self-critical thoughts but transforming them into stepping stones for personal and professional development. This article encourages embracing vulnerability, which surprisingly can be an asset leading to authenticity—a trait highly valued in the podcasting sphere. As we continue to evolve and refine our craft, let's remember that every voice has a place, alpha personas or not.

Podcast Monetization

V4V - A New Way to Think about Value

The Value4Value model, pioneered by "PodFather" Adam Curry, isn't just about transactions; it's a mindset shift towards appreciating abundance and recognizing the multifaceted ways audiences can contribute to creators. It's fascinating to see how this ethos extends beyond mere monetization, influencing the broader scope of content creation and community engagement.

Only ~4% of people give value back, and that's okay. Some will give little, some will give a lot—it all balances out over time.

This statistic from the site resonates with the reality many podcasters face. It's a reminder that while the majority might passively consume content, there's a small yet significant portion deeply invested in the value exchange. Embracing this truth can transform how we approach our audience and foster a more meaningful, co-creative relationship.

For podcasters exploring the Value4Value model, it's clear that the "ask" is crucial. It's not just about monetization—it's about inviting your audience into a dialogue of shared value. Whether through time, talent, or treasure, it's inspiring to see a model that celebrates the diversity of contributions and the collective effort to uplift creators.

Signing Off For Now...

Until next time, may your mics be clear and your stories compelling. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your podcasting journey. Stay curious, stay creative.

Cheers, Juergen