Apple vs Spotify: the #1, according to the data, is...

• Exclusive: Apple vs Spotify: who is number one, really? Morgan Stanley and MIDiA have both released recent data showing Spotify could be #1 for “people”, aka “unique devices” - but both surveys are based on human recall, not data. We were keen to see what the data said: so Podnews asked two podcasting companies whether they were able to work out “devices” vs “downloads”. Libsyn did not reply to our email; but Chartable - which has oversight of a number of podcasts across different podcast hosts and services - has crunched the data and given a categorical, and final, answer to who is #1 for podcasting. Researchers may like to note that Chartable’s “unique downloads” per app are, pleasingly, within 1% of Libsyn’s reported percentages.

• Front Office Sports has an article focusing on Tom Ricks, ESPN’s VP of audio digital strategy and marketing: and discusses the strategy and process within ESPN for launching a new podcast.

• Crossover Media Group has signed a production, sales and distribution deal with Just The News, a US news network launched by journalist John Solomon.

• Podcast host Captivate have added “single subscribe pages” for all podcasts. Here’s one. The pages are automatically generated for every podcast hosted on the platform.

Tips and tricks - with Acast Open

• Acast have posted about the benefits of branded podcasts (for brands and podcasters), case studies and where the opportunities lie

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• Mark McCammon suggests nine ways to grow podcast downloads, including email lists, keywords and making a website.

• Podcasts can make students become better at everything, says Kirsten Hemmy, who uses podcasts to help students think more deeply.

Podcast News

Acast Studios have launched their second podcast. Get Money launches today: aimed at younger audiences who want to get their finances in order but find traditional financial advice a bit rubbish. It’s a co-pro with Gilded Audio.