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ARN’s iHeart Kicks Off As Australia’s #1 Podcast Network

~ jen

ARN’s iHeart has started 2025 with a bang, securing its place as Australia’s outright #1 Podcast Network. According to the December Podcast Ranker results released today, iHeart has been crowned both the #1 Podcast Publisher and #1 Sales Representation Podcast Network.

This remarkable achievement marks iHeart’s 56th consecutive ranker as Australia’s leading Podcast Publisher. Adding to its success, iHeart also leads as the #1 Sales Representation Podcast Network with 6.4 million monthly listeners and 21.7 million downloads, offering advertisers unparalleled access to Australia’s most engaged audiences.

iHeart’s success has been bolstered by the network’s recent partnership with BBC Studios, one of the world’s largest audio producers. The collaboration has further enhanced iHeart’s offering, providing advertisers access to 900,000 Australians who engage with BBC’s premium podcast lineup.

Appearing in the Podcast Ranker for the first time in December are BBC’s renowned titles with seven podcasts in the Top 200 showcasing the breadth of the BBC offering across news, knowledge, comedy, sport and investigative titles. They are led by BBC Global News Podcast at #33 with 170,686 listeners. Other standout shows debuting in the top 200 include The Infinite Monkey Cage at #86, You’re Dead to Me at #131, World of Secrets at #136, Football Daily at #143, the Documentary Podcast at #169 and Desert Island Discs at #196.

Louise la Grange, SVP, BBC Audio, Digital News and Streaming BBC Studios, said: “I’m delighted to see a range of BBC podcasts debut on Triton’s podcast ranker, demonstrating that Australian audiences are embracing our rich mix of audio offerings and incorporating them into their regular listening habits, from the informative BBC Global News Podcast to fascinating and insightful titles like The Infinite Monkey Cage and World of Secrets.”

Overall, iHeart recorded 45 titles in the top 200, with highlights including Casefile True Crime at #2 (#1 True Crime Podcast), Life Uncut at #9 (#1 Relationship Podcast), Stuff You Should Know at #22 (#1 Knowledge) and The Kyle & Jackie O Show at #39 overall during their show break (#1 radio show).

Corey Layton, ARN’s Head of Digital Audio said: “Kicking off 2025 as Australia’s #1 Podcast Network reflects the strength of iHeart’s offering and the trust listeners and advertisers place in us. Our partnership with BBC Studios, combined with our diverse podcast slate and innovative  approach, ensure we remain the go-to destination for premium audio content.

With BBC podcasts now included in the Podcast Ranker, it’s fantastic to see their world-class titles formerly recognized for their strong connection with Australian audiences. We’re thrilled to continue delivering exceptional results and connecting audiences and advertisers with the podcasts they love.”

iHeart Australia’s #1 Podcast Publisher For 50th Time

~ jen

ARN’s iHeart has achieved a monumental milestone once again securing the top spot as Australia’s #1 podcast publisher, marking an incredible 50 consecutive #1’s according to the Australian Podcast Ranker for June 2024. This golden achievement reinforces iHeart’s excellence and audience engagement in Australian podcasting.

With an impressive 6.5 million listeners and an astounding 20.3  million downloads this month alone, iHeart’s podcasts are the nations go-to source for entertainment and information.

In the Top 10 of this record-breaking ranker are Audioboom’s Casefile, which was the number #1 True Crime Podcast (#2 overall), The Imperfects which was #8 overall (#1 Health & Wellness Podcast), The Kyle & Jackie O Show held its title as the #1 on-demand radio (#9 overall), Life Uncut with Brittany Hockey and Laura Byrne came in #10 overall (#1 relationship podcast).

The celebrations continue with Stuff You Should Know the #1 Knowledge (#13 overall), She’s On The Money hosted by Victoria Devine, which jumped 4 places to #33 (#1 finance podcast), No Such Thing As A Fish which ranked #40 and On Purpose With Jay Shetty which came in at #44.

Some notable debuts include Malevolent Mischief: True Stories of Horror at #59, Backstage with Cooper & Matty Johns at #61, and Find And Tell iHeart’s Original Co-producion with Blakcast debuting at #102.

These phenomenal results highlight the extraordinary diversity and ever-expanding offering within iHeart’s podcast slate as iHeart continues to set the gold standard to seek out and support content Australians want to engage with.

ARN’s Head of Digital Audio, Corey Layton, said: “Achieving the #1 Podcast Publisher status for the 50th consecutive ranker is a monumental feat an a testament to the dedication and innovation of our amazing partners and team. As I know all too well, it’s not the size that counts, but the level of engagement and passion Australians and brands continue to show for our incredible line-up.”

ARN’s iHeart And Magellan AI Reveal Australia’s Top Podcast Advertisers For Q2/2023

~ jen

ARN’s iHeartRadio Australia and Magellan AI have revealed the top 15 brands advertising on Australian podcasts for Q2 2023, with Amazon topping the list.

Overall, Q2 spending on Australian podcast advertising grew by a huge 64% year on year, indicating a clear trend of brands increasing their investment in podcast advertising. The report found that all podcast genres continue to see an uplift in investment in podcast advertising. The report found that all podcast genres continue to see an uplift in investment, with a marked increase into the biggest categories Society & Culture (up 48%), News (up 49%) and Comedy (up 127%). Growth in brands embracing the undeniably engagement of True Crime content has also hit new heights, up 116% year on year.

Cory Layton, ARN’s Head of Digital Audio, said: “Podcasts are Australia’s fastest growing mass medium with brands utilizing its soaring engagement to connect with audiences in a more intimate and engaging way. The surge in Australian podcast advertising spending by 64% underscores a compelling shift towards a medium that’s as diverse as it is impactful.”

The report, which uses the latest artificial intelligence technology, analyses thousands of episodes from 400+ of Australia’s most popular podcasts to determine the top brands advertising in this rapidly growing medium.

The Q2 2023 list of top spenders on Australian podcast advertising features brands from a broad range of categories including online retailers, telco and entertainment, with Amazon, McDonalds and nib Group the top 3 ad spenders.

AUSTRALIAN TOP 15 PODCAST ADVERTISERS

  • Amazon
  • McDonald’s
  • nib Group
  • L’Oreal
  • Kimberly-Clark
  • Uber
  • Telstra
  • Flight Centre
  • Wise
  • Bupa
  • Hydro Tasmania
  • Vodafone
  • Flutter Entertainment
  • Cashrewards
  • Peloton

Fast Growing Global Sports Podcast Network Signs US and Australian Partnerships

~ jen

Sport Social Podcast Network (Sport Social), one of the UK’s leading podcast networks, has bolstered its advertising offer in US and Australian markets through two new global partnerships.

This includes a partnership with US-based sports podcast network company Blue Wire, which features podcasts on its network from creators across a range of sports including baseball, basketball and football, with works with world class athletes to grow their audio platforms. The other partnership is with ARN, a leading Australian broadcast and on-demand audio company, which is home to several award-winning podcasts in every genre.

Blue Wire and ARN will be able to offer their clients the opportunity to advertise through Sport Social’s popular sports podcasts, getting access to a growing listener base.

This partnership with Blue Wire also means that Sport Social can offer the brands it works with advertising space on podcasts hosted through Blue Wire.

Since launching in 2021, Sport Social has developed a strong network of sports content creators and podcasts, now generating 7.5 million downloads a month. This includes the official podcasts of Manchester City and West Ham, and popular shows Seaman Says and the Geraint Thomas Cycling Club.

Sophie Hind, managing director at Sport Social, said: “It’s a huge milestone moment for us to be working with Blue Wire and ARN, both leaders in their markets who share our passion for audio and sport-focussed content.

“All parties can give advertisers wider access to global audiences and offer greater value for the podcast creators we work with, helping them access more potential sponsorship options from new brands.”

Henry Ettinger, director of network growth at Blue Wire, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Sport Social. For us, this partnership is a no-brainer; not only will it maximize revenue for both networks, it will also maximize revenue for all our podcasters too.

“The team at Sport Social are innovative and hungry, and this partnership is another example of how we can work together to propel our companies and the industry forward.”

ARN Research Demonstrates The Power Of Podcasting Advertising

~ jen

ARN’s neurolab has released its latest piece of research that delves into the power of podcasts and highlights how brands can leverage this premium audio space.

Titled: “Intimacy Never Sounded So Good,” the study was led by ARN’s Research & Neuroscience Specialist, Dr Tribikam Thapa (Rana), and ARN’s Director of Research & Insights, Justin Stone. The study used cutting-edge neuroscience and sensor technology to understand what happens to our brains when we listen to podcasts, and how these changes influence behavior.

The results showed that podcasts garner 44% more mental availability than other digital channels, with advertising also viewed to be 30% more trustworthy when heard on podcasts rather than when seen on social platforms.

Overall, podcast listening was found to develop better memories than other digital channels tested, with the study highlighting three key recommendations for brands and advertisers looking to make deeper connections with listeners:

Be Intimate – businesses should consistently implement a human voice as part of their digital strategy to get closer to audiences. This is amplified if the voice is familiar to them, allowing advertisers to capitalize on emotional triggers elicited by the familiarity of a talent’s voice.

Be Heard – businesses can benefit from the high levels of memory encoding and retrieval during podcasts, while maximizing engagement and attention cut through with post-roll advertising.

Be Seen – campaigns that use audio priming improve the attention people pay to ads on social media by +82%. This opens the door to the total campaign being remembered and connected.

Dr Tribikam Thapa (Rana), said: “This latest research demonstrates that podcasts provide an exceptional audio space for uninterrupted cut-through with the added advantage of nurturing existing consumer relations and fostering new connections. This is evidenced by increased attention, high quality memories, and strong levels of trust for what listeners hear in podcasts compared to what is seen in other digital media platforms. Businesses should consider podcasts in the mix at at creative campaign level to future brand image, increase brand connectivity, ensure brand safety, and improve brand salience.”

This is Dr Thapa’s first research release since joining ARN in December 2022. Holding a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Physiotherapy and a PhD in Neuroscience. Dr Thapa has taught various courses related to Research Methodology, Human Anatomy, Neuroscience, and Epidemiology. Dr. Thapa also served as a Research Fellow at Monash University for three years, where he utilized brain imaging and stimulation techniques to investigate brain function and physiology. 

About ARN’s neurolab:

ARN neurolab – the first in-house media research initiative of its kind in Australia – was launched in late 2020 to provide commercial clients and the audio industry with the most comprehensive insights into audio to-date. ARN neurolab works with clients to evaluate and optimize impact across radio, music streaming, and podcasts, enabling clients to strategically plan audio that builds brands effectively, influences behavior, and maximizes creative impact across the audio stack.

 

ARN’s iHeartPodcast Network Australia and Audioboom Announce Renewed Multi-Year Partnership

~ jen

ARN’s iHeartPodcast Network Australia announced the extension of its commercial partnership with leading podcast network, Audioboom. The renewal of this successful podcast proposition for brands and advertisers alike.

As a market-leading podcast platform, Audioboom’s mission is to power podcasting for creators and brands globally. Audioboom’s impressive podcast slate includes: Casefile True Crime; No Such Thing As A Fish; True Crime with Kendall Rae; F1: Beyond The Grid; Murder, Mystery & Makeup; The Tim Dillon Show; and more. Audioboom is is the 4th largest podcast publisher in Australia with more than 7.2 million downloads last month.”

Audiobooms CEO, Stuart Last, said: “With Australia’s deeply engaged podcast audience and ARN’s proven capabilities, furthering this strategic relationship will provide our creators with the best commercial opportunities in the region – a key component to Audioboom’s global podcast strategy.”

ARN’s Head of Digital Audio, Corey Layton said: “For over three years, Audioboom has been central to our offering. Led by Australia’s biggest true crime podcast, Casefile, we’re thrilled to have extended our partnership, bring their high-quality content to listeners and brands alike.

Podsights Reports ARN’s iHeartMedia Australia Outperforms Global Benchmarks

~ jen

Findings from the Q3 Podsights Benchmark Australian Report show ARN’s iHeartPodcast Network Australia continues to be the market-leader in advertising effectiveness, with conversion rates outperforming global standards by a significant margin.

Through its partnership with Podsights, ARN is setting the standard for podcast advertising measurement, providing commercial partners with data-led insights to ensure maximum engagement and conversion with iHeartPodcast Network’s audiences.

The report examines data gathered from October 2021 – September 2022. Key findings from the benchmark report and additional analysis include:

  • iHeartPodcast Network’s advertising conversion rates continue to be higher than social and digital channels, including Facebook, Twitter, and more.
  • Australian campaigns are getting bigger, with ad spend up to 54% year on year.
  • When breaking down global conversion rates by industry, retail, education and fashion categories experienced the strongest Q3 attribution results.
  • When breaking down global conversion rates by industry, retail, education and fashion categories experienced the strongest Q3 attribution results.
  • 81% of Podcast campaigns placed advertising in either pre or mid-roll spots, with mid-rolls outperforming pre-roll conversion rate by 4%.
  • iHeartPodcast Network Australia recorded 5.4 million listeners in September 2022, resulting in 24.8 million downloads equating to an average of 4.6 downloads per listener.

Podsights brings the tools of digital reporting and attribution to podcasts, enabling clients to monitor and measure the effectiveness of podcast advertising in real-time using a specialized dashboard. These capabilities are included in every iHeartPodcast Network Australia campaign.

ARN’s Head of Digital Audio Corey Layton said, “Australian podcast campaigns continue to drive higher conversion rates that set the global standard. It’s a testament to the execution of our creative and talented voiced campaigns that outperform other social and digital channels.”

ARN’s iHeartPodcast Network Celebrates 30th Consecutive Ranker At #1

~ jen

ARN’s iHeartPodcast Network has been named Australia’s #1 podcast publisher for the 30th consecutive ranker report, while also achieving record downloads, regaining the top ranked podcast, and holding half of the top 10 shows.

Results from the October ranker show the network delivered a combined total of 5.6 million listeners (up 4%) and 26.6 million monthly downloads (up 7.5%), the highest number of downloads ever achieved.

ARN’s iHeartPodcast Network continues to hold half of the Top 10 most listened to podcasts in the country – more than any other publisher – including Casefile. The popular true crime podcast from Audioboom has regained the #1 overall slot with 993,418 listeners and over 2.9 million downloads, making it the most downloaded podcast in the ranker.

Life Uncut with Brittany Hockey and Laura Byrne moved up to #3 overall (#1 Entertainment), increasing its audience by almost 60,000 listeners to 479,601, with nearly 1.66 million downloads.

Kyle & Jackie O also moved up one place to #5, maintaining its position as the #1 Catch-up podcast, with 390,678 listens and 1.65 million downloads.

Stuff You Should Know moves into #6 overall (#1 Knowledge) with 352,026 listeners and 2.83 million downloads; and The Imperfects continue to move up the ranker, finishing at #8 (#1 Health & Fitness) with 281,722 listeners and 611,402 downloads.

Other standouts include No Such Thing As A Fish (Audioboom) at #17 and She’s On The Money at #25 (and the ranker’s #1 Finance podcast); while the biggest rise on the ranker was from Will & Woody, with the Catch-up podcast jumping 47 places to #93.

ARN’s Head of Digital Audio, Corey Layton, said: “Today marks a significant milestone for the iHeartPodcast Network, holding the #1 Publisher spot for 30 consecutive rankers. Our incredible slate of podcasts continues to engage Australian audiences, leading to our highest ever downloads.”

Overall, ARN’s iHeartPodcast Network represents 45 of Australia’s top 150 most popular podcasts.

Australian Podcast Advertising Leaps Ahead

~ jen

ARN’s iHeart has shared new data from Magellan AI, which has revealed the top 15 brands advertising for Q3, 2022 across the podcast landscape nationally.

Using the latest in artificial intelligence technology, the report is based on analyzing thousands of episodes from 400+ of Australia’s most popular podcasts for Q3 2022 to determine which brands are advertising in the rapidly growing medium.

Overall, spending on Australian podcast advertising grew by 33% year on year compared to Q3, 2021. Advertising spend across the TV & Film category grew the most rapidly by 285% from this time last year. Other podcast genres to exponentially grow in investment year on year are History (up 115%), True Crime (up 91%), and Sports (up 62%).

The Q3, 2022 list of the top spenders across podcast advertising once again features brands from a broad range of categories including online retailers, finance and entertainment.

Australian Top 15 Podcast Advertisers – Q3, 2022:

  • Amazon
  • McDonald’s
  • Neds
  • Calm
  • Airbnb
  • Monash University
  • Budget Direct
  • L’Oreal
  • Ladbrokes
  • Macquarie Bank
  • Uber
  • homelands.com.au
  • Cashrewards
  • Libra
  • Sleeping Duck

ARN’s iHeartPodcast Australia Signs with Audioboom for Two More Years

~ jen

ARN’s iHeartPodcast Network Australia announced it has extended its commercial partnership with leading podcast creator Audioboom for a further two years.

Of the partnership, Audiobook’s CEO, Stuart Last said, “ARN’s iHeartPodcast Network has delivered exceptional commercial opportunities for our podcasts and we are pleased to extend our partnership. We are looking forward to continuing to work together to create opportunities for brands in Australia to reach our diverse audiences.”

ARN’s Head of Audio Corey Layton said, “This is a great day for the iHeartPodcast Network as we continue to strengthen our offering as Australia’s #1 podcast publisher. Our partnership with Audioboom gives brands access to some of the world’s most compelling and popular content, from the true crime thrills of Casefile to the entertaining No Such Thing As A Fish as part of our diverse podcast slate.”

The partnership announcement comes as March data released today from the Australian Podcast Ranker shows iHeartPodcast Network Australia remains Australia’s #1 podcast publisher – holding the #1, #2, #4, #6 and #8 most popular podcasts in the country. Audioboom’s Casefile, which is part of the iHeartPodcast Network, remains in the #1 position ahead of Stuff You Should Know at #2 and The Kyle & Jackie O Show at #4 on the Australian Podcast Ranker.

The iHeartPodcast Network holds nine of the top 20 most popular podcasts in Australia: Life Uncut with Brittany Hockley and Laura Byrne, She’s on The Money, No Such Thing As A Fish, Jase & PJ, Morbid and The Mindset Mentor.