Mic-Drop Moments: A Podcast Movement Recap

Fresh off the heels of Cannes Lions 2024, we traveled to Washington, DC for Podcast Movement, and it didn’t disappoint. Bringing together the brightest minds and biggest brands in the podcast industry, Podcast Movement is one of the largest gatherings of podcasting professionals in the world. What began in 2014 as a conference "for podcasters, by podcasters" has evolved into an industry-leading event where audio powerhouses come together to share valuable insights, foster collaboration, and drive the future of podcasting. From live recordings, to expert weigh-ins on AI, to star-studded talent, these are the biggest takeaways from our time in the nation’s capital.

How We Showed Up

SiriusXM Media and AdsWizz Activation

It was hard to miss SiriusXM Media and AdsWizz’s show-stopping presence in the center of the conference floor. Equipped with a top-notch team of industry experts, chart-topping hosts like audiochuck’s Delia D’Ambra and Kylie Low, and state-of-the-art recording equipment, we came to make (sound)waves.

Testing, 1, 2, 3 

We hopped on the opportunity to engage with valued hosts, partners, and clients, taking them into the booth to get their unique POV on our all-new Podcast Trends Report—capturing can't-miss interviews live from the expo floor. Shankar Vedantam, long-time SiriusXM Podcast Network host of Hidden Brain, shared the integral role advertisers play in the growth and expansion of podcasts. That appreciation spreads to the fans who are hooked on every word of their favorite show. The conversations were informative and engaging—be on the lookout for these exclusive soundbites, coming soon to a podcast platform near you.

On the Main Stage

SiriusXM Media and AdsWizz’s podcast experts made their mark on  the main stage, diving into hot-button topics. We discussed “Podcasting’s Past, Present and Future” with Kelli Hurley, VP of Revenue Partnerships, maximizing performance and scale with Director of Sales, Otto Chan, and how podcasters are shaping the creator economy with Sophie Anderson, Associate Director of Podcast Marketing, to name a few. We also shared our SiriusXM Media Podsurvey User Study findings, calling attention to stats like one in three  podcast listeners 18+ say podcasts help them feel less alone (1.8x more than social, 2.6x more than streaming video). Additionally, we spoke to how this positive association leads to a halo effect advertisers won’t find in other mediums.

Blink and You’ll Miss It: What Brands Should Know 

Endless Podcast Possibilities with AI 

AI is a hot topic across industries, and podcasting is no exception. Many panelists gave their unique standpoints on the implications and excitement for AI’s innovation. For example, look at the ability to transcribe podcasts into every language imaginable—reaching millions across the world. Or tuning in to watch your favorite podcasters as an AI-generated video avatar to accompany the audio. Maybe we’ll even see brands leveraging AI to optimize their podcast ad planning process. The possibilities for innovation are endless, and trends are changing faster than the speed of light.

Extend Reach With Programmatic 

Despite the rise in programmatic podcast advertising, show-level buys continue to hold their ground. A handful of podcast experts shared how these two media buying opportunities actually complement one another instead of compete. From leveraging advanced analytics to harnessing emerging tools, the experts discussed how technological advancements are enabling smarter media buys and driving enhanced performance. 

YouTube Drives Podcast Discovery 

Have you heard? Over five in 10 people credit YouTube as their go-to platform for finding new podcasts, according to Tom Webster, partner at SoundsProfitable. This finding cements YouTube’s place as the number one source of discovery. He says, “If you can, put your content on YouTube. But make it as good as your audio-only content.” Podcasts are platform agnostic and allow brands to reach listeners where they spend most of their time—in this case, YouTube. TL;DR? There's never been a better time to advertise on video podcasts. Ready to get started? Talk to our team to learn more about our exciting new video podcast offering.

See What’s Possible With Audio 

That’s a wrap on Podcast Movement 2024. If there’s one takeaway to remember, it’s that the future is digital, audio, and bright. Missed the event and can’t wait until 2025 to see us? Let’s chat. Until next year!