New platform launches to help independent podcasters reach their 'podtential'

Podtential, a new platform built to help independent podcasters grow and monetise their content, is launching today. Founded by experienced audio industry leader Wade Kingsley, podtential’s ambition is to be the professional support layer for the community seeking to take the next steps in their podcasting journey.

podtential is a professional growth platform for the podcasting industry, built around a proprietary diagnostic tool - ‘PRO’ (Podcast Review and Optimiser) - that assesses a podcast’s growth potential, which is then used to deliver personalised education programs to help creators reach their goals.

The platform is targeting mid-tier independent podcasters who need validation of their podcast concept, and a structured path to commercial viability.

podtential Founder, Wade Kingsley, said: “Podcasters used to be able to take their early concepts to publishers. With the growth of the industry, that pathway has become harder. That leaves a generation of brilliant, independent podcasters who need support, but don’t have clarity around where to focus their efforts. We’ve built a tool and that gives them an honest assessment of where they’re at, and a clear pathway forward - with help to get there.”

PRO by podtential evaluates podcasts across 100 individual data points spanning six areas: ambition, concept, audience and community, content, marketing and commercialisation strategy. Each podcaster receives a detailed assessment that identifies the specific areas where the show needs improvement, as part of a 12-week mentoring and education program designed to address those gaps.

The platform draws on a network of knowledge from industry experts across content strategy, audience development, sound design, brand building and revenue generation, coming together to provide expert advice.

Alongside the creator-facing platform, podtential is building a partner network of services providers across the podcast supply chain. Editing houses, production companies, recording hardware and software providers, communications and social media specialists can join the platform, putting their skills and services to use to support the next generation of podcasting talent.

“Independent podcasters need all the support they can get, and audiences deserve fresh, diverse voices with a platform to share their talent. That’s what podtential is all about. We’re here to help podcasters develop their content ideas. Market themselves more effectively. Develop loyal communities, and ultimately, build a commercial pipeline for themselves to monetise their talent and their content,” added Kingsley.

Prior to founding podtential, Kingsley spent 25+ years in senior leadership roles in commercial radio, including Nova Entertainment and Southern Cross Austereo, and is currently executive producer and host of three new podcasts covering radio, media and the AFL, all published by podtential originals.

He founded podtential to apply that knowledge to the independent podcast market which he believes is underserved by the industry’s existing infrastructure.

Podcasters, partners and industry professionals can find more information at www.podtential.com.