Acast launches “First Words” campaign to inspire creators to start their own podcast

Acast, the world’s leading independent podcast platform, has today launched 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 those 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 people to get started with their show and find their voice and audience.

“By rewinding hundreds of Acast podcasts 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.”