Big news for podcasters and listeners! Apple Podcasts now supports video episodes. Watch, listen, and switch seamlessly all in the same app. Creators can monetize with dynamic video ads, download episodes offline, and reach audiences in a whole new way. Here’s what you need to know.

What does an audio interface actually do and do you really need one? Let’s break down why audio interfaces are the backbone of any podcast, audiobook, or studio setup. From beginner-friendly options to pro-level gear, what matters, what to avoid, and how to choose the right interface for your workflow.

Dynamic vs. condenser microphones. Which one actually sounds better for podcasts and audiobooks? The answer isn’t as simple as you think. In this post, I’m breaking down the real-world pros, cons, and myths behind both mic types, plus how to choose the right one for your voice, your space, and your workflow. If you’re serious about leveling up your audio, this is a must-read.

Recording great vocal narration at home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With the right space, simple gear, and a clear process, anyone can capture clean, professional-sounding voice audio from their own home. This step-by-step guide walks you through everything you need to know, from setting up your recording space to delivering confident, polished narration, so you can focus less on tech stress and more on telling your story.

Podcasts have quietly reshaped how people stay informed, turning daily news into something you can absorb on the go, during commutes, workouts, or morning routines. Blending convenience with depth, news podcasts offer context, analysis, and personality in a way traditional media often can’t, making them one of the fastest-growing and most trusted ways audiences engage with current events today.

From heart-racing psychological thrillers to epic sci-fi adventures in deep space, audiobook listeners keep coming back to the same two genres. Suspense and escapism remain the driving force behind what people choose to press play on, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down.

True crime has long captivated audiences with its mystery, tension, and search for justice. But as the genre continues to grow, so do questions about ethics, impact, and responsibility. Behind every case are real people; victims, families, and communities whose lives extend far beyond the story being told. Trauma-informed storytelling is emerging as a necessary evolution in true crime podcasting, challenging creators to move beyond sensationalism and toward narratives rooted in care, accountability, and empathy.

As streaming platforms continue to dominate entertainment, screen adaptations are playing a major role in boosting audiobook popularity. From hit TV series to blockbuster film releases, viewers are increasingly turning to audiobooks to extend their connection to the stories they love. This growing crossover between screen and sound is reshaping listener habits, expanding audiobook audiences, and creating new opportunities for authors, publishers, and audio creators alike.

Sound sticks where images sometimes fade. From the iconic “I’m Lovin’ It” jingle to the Intel bong and Netflix’s famous “ta-dum,” audio branding has been shaping our memories and emotions for nearly a century. This article dives into the history, effectiveness, and evolution of sonic branding, exploring how simple notes, catchy melodies, and signature sounds make brands instantly recognizable, and unforgettable. Whether you’re a marketer, a podcaster, or just curious about why certain tunes linger in your head, discover how sound became one of the most powerful tools in modern branding.

The audiobook world in 2025 was bigger, bolder, and more innovative than ever. From blockbuster fantasy sagas to immersive nonfiction gems and emerging formats that blur the line between storytelling and audio drama, listeners found new favorites across every corner of the audio spectrum. Here’s a look back at the most popular titles, the genres that captivated audiences, and what we can expect in 2026.

For the first time ever, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association expanded beyond film and television to formally honor excellence in the rapidly growing world of audio storytelling, signaling a recognition of how podcasts have become essential to modern media and culture.

Podcasting has exploded in popularity over the past decade, reaching millions of listeners worldwide. Yet despite its cultural impact, economic contribution, and artistic innovation, it remains largely overlooked in government policy. Creators are now pushing for formal recognition, arguing that podcasts deserve the same status as film, television, and publishing, as a core cultural industry shaping both economy and society.

Audible’s recent push to introduce AI-generated voice actors marks a pivotal moment in the audiobook industry, one that feels less like innovation and more like a quiet redrawing of creative boundaries. By offering authors the option to publish audiobooks narrated by synthetic voices, Audible is framing the move as democratization: faster production, lower costs, and broader access for writers who may not have the budget for professional narration. On the surface, it sounds like progress. But beneath that promise is a fundamental shift in how stories are performed, valued, and ultimately experienced.

In 2026, audio content isn’t just growing, it’s maturing. Podcasts and audiobooks are moving into a phase defined by smarter tools, deeper storytelling, and more sustainable ways for creators to earn a living. The result is an ecosystem that feels more polished, more personal, and more immersive than ever before.

As podcast advertising continues its meteoric rise, marketers are increasingly placing ad dollars behind both traditional audio formats and the booming world of video podcasts, especially on YouTube. But a major new industry study is now challenging one of the fastest-growing assumptions in podcast monetization: that YouTube video podcast impressions are just as effective as audio-only impressions for advertisers.

Merriam-Webster’s word of the year is a blunt one: slop.

Defined as “digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of AI,” it’s an uncomfortable term, but an increasingly relevant one. As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in creative workflows, the volume of content being produced has exploded. Entire podcasts, videos, blogs, and social media posts can now be generated in minutes with just a few prompts.

Since its founding in 2015, the Podcast Hall of Fame has stood as one of the podcasting world’s most meaningful accolades, dedicated to recognizing the individuals who have shaped and elevated the medium. Born out of a desire to honor those whose work has had lasting impact on podcasting’s art, business, and culture, the Hall celebrates creators, innovators, and industry leaders whose contributions have helped podcasting evolve from a niche hobby to a global phenomenon.

Creating a strong video podcast means building a seamless experience across a wide range of recording setups. High-quality video podcasts are built through intention, not chance. Consistency, clarity, and engagement matter just as much as the conversation itself, especially when guests are recording from different locations. That was the core challenge, and opportunity, when I partnered with a recent client on their interview-based video podcast.

Creating a podcast used to mean hours of manual editing, re-recording, and fiddling with audio quality, especially if you weren’t working out of a professional studio. But thanks to recent advances in artificial intelligence, that’s rapidly changing. Today’s AI tools make it easier than ever to record, edit, enhance, and distribute a podcast, often in a fraction of the time.

For years, podcasting relied heavily on one revenue stream: advertising. But in 2025, the monetization landscape has matured dramatically. As listener habits evolve and creators seek more sustainable income, the industry is shifting toward diversified models that blend subscriptions, premium content, data-driven advertising, and new audience-engagement strategies.