Spotify Introduces New Podcast Metric

Podcast News, Events, Tools & more...

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Podcast Tonight
May 06, 2025

Spotify Introduces 'Plays'

Spotify has introduced a new podcast metric called 'plays' to help users see the most popular episodes and creators understand their content's impact. This feature will capture engagement across audio and video content, reflecting active listens or watches of an episode. The data will be available on Spotify for Creators and Megaphone dashboards. Existing monetization criteria and payout calculations remain unchanged. More detailed information about plays is available on the Spotify for Creators blog.

More News…

Lemonada Media Being Acquired by PodX Group

PodX Group, a Swedish podcasting company, is set to buy a majority stake in Lemonada Media. Despite the acquisition, Lemonada will keep its current leadership and continue running as usual. The deal is estimated to be worth about $30 million.

Student Podcast Challenge Deadline Extended!

Educators and students have requested more time to submit entries for the Student Podcast Challenge. Recognizing the busy schedule of everyone, the contest deadline has been extended. Entries are now due by midnight E.T on Sunday, May 25.

Wondery Enters Germany with Exclusive Podcast Deals

Wondery is expanding internationally by launching its first exclusive podcast distribution and monetization agreements in Germany. The move also broadens Wondery's involvement in sports. This covers two popular German podcasts, "50+2 – The Football Podcast" and "Zum Scheitern Verurteilt", both of which have a dedicated fan base across different genres.

Acast Sales Increase by 65% in North America

Acast reported significant growth in the first quarter of the year, with a 65% increase in sales from North America. This helped to boost overall revenue by 30%, reducing their operating loss to $3.2 million from $3.6 million the previous year. CEO Ross Adams and CFO Emily Villatte attribute this success to strong performance in the U.S., despite economic uncertainties.

Podcast Tool

Podpage is an all-in-one website builder designed specifically for podcasters, allowing you to create a professional, customized website for your show in minutes—no coding or design skills needed. It automatically syncs with your podcast host to display episodes, offers monetization options, and enhances discoverability with SEO-friendly features.

When to Choose Podpage for Your Podcast:
✔️ You want a sleek website fast (set up in 5 mins).
✔️ You lack tech skills (drag-and-drop simplicity).
✔️ You need branding control (customizable templates).
✔️ You aim to monetize (integrated merch/sales tools).
✔️ You prioritize listener engagement (central hub for episodes/show notes).

Podcast Of The Day

The Arsonist Next Door

"The Arsonist Next Door" unravels the chilling true story of Mark Warren Sands, a seemingly ordinary Phoenix marketing executive who led a double life as a serial arsonist in the early 2000s. Hosted by journalist Sam Anderson, this Sony Music and Novel collaboration digs into the chaos of the investigation—initially misdirected toward eco-terrorists—and exposes Sands’ shocking motives through exclusive interviews, undercover recordings, and firsthand accounts from those who knew him best.

Beyond the true-crime intrigue, the podcast explores how the FBI’s fixation on "eco-terror" diverted attention from the real culprit, fracturing a community and leaving lasting repercussions. With its twists, psychological depth, and fresh revelations, The Arsonist Next Door forces listeners to question how well we truly know the people around us

Podcaster Essentials

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Visionary Voices Of Podcasting

How Podcasting Transformed a Bestselling Author’s Storytelling

Malcolm Gladwell is a renowned journalist, author, and podcast host known for his thought-provoking explorations of psychology, sociology, and the hidden forces shaping human behavior. With five New York Times bestsellers—including The Tipping Point, Blink, and Outliers—and the hit podcast Revisionist History, he has a unique talent for reframing familiar ideas in surprising ways, blending rigorous research with compelling storytelling. In this interview, Gladwell discusses how podcasting transformed his approach to writing his latest book, Talking to Strangers, and why misunderstanding strangers remains one of society’s most consequential failures.

Upcoming Podcast Events 

Discover the latest trends and strategies in podcasting by attending these must-experience upcoming events—perfect for creators, brands, and industry professionals looking to elevate their audio game.

May 10, 2025

Forty Hall Estate

Forty Hill Forty Hill EN2 9HA United Kingdom

May 12, 2025

Online

May 10, 2025

Auckland, Rockshop NZ

Podcast Tip Of The Day

Podcast Mic Tip!

Basic Positioning:

  • Place your mic 6-12 inches from your mouth, slightly off-axis (angled toward your mouth but not directly in front) to avoid plosives (like "pops").

  • Use a pop filter if speaking close to the mic.

Voice-Specific Tweaks:

  • Higher-pitched voices? Get a little closer to help capture warmth and lower frequencies.

  • Deeper voices? Back up slightly (1-2 inches) to prevent a boomy/muffled sound.

  • Stay mindful of volume spikes—lean back when projecting, then return to your normal position.

Pro Tip: Test and adjust while monitoring your audio!

A Final Note

“Tech fails? That’s your ‘origin story’ episode.”

See you tomorrow,

Podcast Tonight. www.podcasttonight.com