You had beforehand talked about that “virtually 80% of podcast customers change backwards and forwards between audio and video.” Does the audio expertise of podcasting proceed to lose out as video podcasting turns into the popular choice?

No, one of many causes that I feel that stat that we put out is so fascinating is as a result of it demonstrates that, whether or not it’s audio or video, what issues is the connection that the customers of a given podcast have with that podcast host and the connection that these customers connect to that podcast content material that’s being created. 

It actually depends upon no matter your use case is at that second within the day. If it is sensible and you want the thought of seeing the faces of the individuals speaking as they’re doing so, you may fireplace it up in video type. When you possibly can’t actually be trying on the display screen, you then’ll simply change again to audio. 

With listeners switching between audio and video, how ought to manufacturers adapt their storytelling methods?

One of many issues that’s being talked about a lot within the trade, and I feel this can be a massive a part of what you’re going to listen to on the Upfront itself, is how do manufacturers determine the easiest way to inform the tales they need to inform now that podcasting is a way more 360-degree expertise?

You’re seeing numerous cutdowns occur on social media. You’re seeing numerous necessary clips being shared on Instagram and TikTok. The query turns into: How will manufacturers successfully activate throughout audio and video? [That] goes to be the largest matter in some methods in 2026. 

How are advertisers rethinking efficiency metrics as podcasts broaden throughout codecs?

Proper now, there are nonetheless some questions on the a part of advertisers about precisely how they assign a relative worth to what they may regard as a conventional audio-based RSS dynamically inserted advert on the audio aspect and a baked-in advert on the video aspect, which is how numerous that promoting is going on on the video aspect now. 

More and more, you’re going to begin to see sponsorships for the video aspect of the coin, however we’re going to be working rather a lot subsequent yr on determining harmonize the measurement, the effectiveness, and the outcomes that you simply’re getting on each the audio and the video aspect of the podcast occasions. 

What artistic or technical improvements showcased on the Upfront ought to advertisers be paying most consideration to?

One of many improvements I feel you possibly can search for is a granular, detailed measurement that goes all the way down to the episode and present degree, making it simpler for advertisers to grasp their outcomes.

That is perhaps one of many largest improvements. One other innovation that you simply’ll hear about, once more, is how podcast creators are discovering methods to work together with, interact with, and electrify their audiences within the a number of codecs that podcasting is now unfold throughout. So my guess is you’ll hear some individuals speaking about revolutionary model partnerships which are 360-degree in nature.