Acast, the world’s leading independent podcast platform, has announced a new campaign looking back at the first words uttered on some of the biggest podcasts from its network of more than 35,000 shows. Acast’s “First Words” campaign features the opening lines of the very first episodes of well-known podcasts from around the world, and aims to inspire creators to start shows of their own.

Developed with agency partner Weirdo – and running across paid social and Acast’s own inventory of 300 million monthly podcast listens – the campaign features the first words from across Acast’s portfolio of podcasts globally, including Off Menu, The Adam Buxton Podcast, Forever35, Dope Black Mums, The Little Dum Dum Club, and many more.

The campaign will also feature amusing videos with top podcasters being challenged to try and remember their own first words – as well as sharing insight into how they themselves took their first steps.

The launch of “First Words” follows research by Acast suggesting that more than 1 in 10 people in the UK plan to start their own podcast this year.

Lizzy Pollott, SVP Marketing Communications and Brand at Acast, said: “Even the longest podcasting journeys start with just one step. Every podcaster – from Adam Buxton to your friend down the road – has had to start somewhere, and take that leap. Our new campaign hopes to inspire you to get started with their show and find their voice and audience.

“By rewinding hundreds of Acast podcast we’ve found the humble first words of shows that have ended up being listened to millions of times around the world. Some are funny, some shocking, some a little bit silly, but they all prove that – however, you want to start telling your story – Acast will help get it heard.”

Acast, the world’s leading independent podcast company, has announced the appointment of Patrick Butkus as Vice President, Marketing. The newly created role will see Butkus spearheading global marketing efforts from the company’s office in New York City, and underlines Acast’s ambitious growth strategy for 2022 in the US and beyond.

Butkus, most recently the Director of Acquisition Marketing at Discovery streaming products discovery+ and GOLFTV, will be responsible for building and enhancing recognition of the Acast brand, products and services globally.

With previous experience including various marketing roles at ESPN and Nestlé, Butkus is another senior hire for Acast based in the US – following recently announced appointments of Veronika Taylor as SVP of Acast’s Creator Network and Georgina Holt as Managing Director for the Americas – as the company becomes more internationally focused.

Lizzy Pollot, Acast’s SVP Marketing Communications and Brand, said: “Pat is a really important addition to our growing global marketing team, and will allow us to get the Acast brand in front of thousands more creators, listeners and brands, all around the world.

“It’s testament to our strong growth in the US that we’re able to attract people as talented as Pat, and his years of experience with top media and entertainment brands will be hugely valuable for the whole team – helping us supercharge our efforts in 2022 and beyond.”

Butkus added: “The name ‘Acast’ is one I’ve heard more and more over the past couple of years, and it’s easy to see why its become such a high-profile player in the creator economy – this is an innovative, ambitious podcast company with the leadership and vision in place to become the world leader. I’m looking forward to playing my part in making that happen.”