Bug results in lower downloads

• Seeing lower download numbers from Apple Podcasts? You’re not alone: there’s an auto-download bug in iOS 14.6, Apple say. Listening is unaffected; it’ll be fixed, say Apple, with a software update. Good on them for being open.

  • Analysis: One podcast host tells Podnews that the slump started in late May (the new iOS app was rolled out on May 24); two hosts we’ve spoken-to report a 27% drop in Apple downloads month-on-month. Podcast publishers have contacted us reporting similar. Since Apple accounts for around 40% of all downloads, the industry might see an overall 11% drop in June: perhaps translating to a $7.7m loss in ad revenue. It will be fixed, of course; but because the Podcasts app is part of the operating system, it needs to wait for the next iOS update.

• iHeartRadio has launched NextUp, an initiative “that takes underrepresented diverse creators and gives them a chance to learn all about the world of podcasting from one of the largest global podcasting networks”. Submissions open on Monday.

• Double Elvis and tie-dye pioneer Rit Dye are raising awareness for mental health, inspired by Janis Joplin, who is profiled in the latest season of 27 Club, a podcast that explores the complex stories of some of the greatest musicians in history who lost their lives at the age of 27. They’re selling an exclusive tie-dye t-shirt kit, and proceeds (and a donation) will go to the non-profit mental health movement TWLOHA. Go buy the t-shirt: there are only 27 available.

  
  This link is no longer available, as at Sep 5 2023

• Use Clubhouse or Twitter Spaces? Headliner is working on a tool to turn your recordings into short promo videos for social media. You can sign up for early access here.

• In a tweet, Goodpods suggests that podcasters “who want more listeners” may wish to claim their shows in advance of new features they’re launching next week. Do this from your profile in the app.

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• ART19 now allows advertisers to target based on device types and listening platforms. “For example, you could prevent a campaign for an alternative streaming service from being played on Spotify.” It also now exclusively uses HTTPS.

• Podcast Brunch Club’s podcast playlist for July is around the theme of fixing things.

• PRophet, a tool for PR people, has partnered with Podchaser.

• The IAB Fall Podcast Upfront has been confirmed as a virtual event on September 9 and 10. If you’re a brand marketer or agency executive, here’s where to register.

• Zoom has purchased an AI company building real-time translation. While real-time captions are a thing on some devices, they’re not there everywhere, and they certainly don’t translate podcasts in different languages.

Podcast News

The Seven Network, an Australian TV broadcaster, has launched No Turning Back, a podcast to accompany their coverage of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Pieces of Britney is a new podcast from BBC Radio 4, looking at how women are treated in the spotlight, and how Britney joined a roster of women fetishised by the media.