Spotify supporting Podcasting 2.0 for transcripts

• Spotify is adding podcast transcripts for many shows to its app, and the feature seems to have had a significant roll-out - even the Podnews Weekly Review (here’s what the auto-transcripts look like). Spotify will automatically produce transcripts of shows, but will now let creators upload their own transcripts using the industry-standard VTT or SRT files (which adds time-synching and named speakers). (We’ve yet to get that feature working for our show, though).

  • If you host your podcast with Spotify for Creators, Spotify now supports publishing those transcripts using open RSS standards - using the Podcasting 2.0 podcast:transcript tag, which is compatible with Apple Podcasts, Pocketcasts, and other apps. Creators will have to opt-in to make them available. It’s the first time that Spotify has supported a new, open, RSS feature like this. So - we thought we’d publish a special show on Spotify for Creators as a test, and while the RSS feed includes the new podcast namespace, sadly transcripts haven’t yet been enabled for our show. But let’s wait and see.
  • But - will Spotify support ingestion of creator transcripts the other way - using the podcast:transcript standard in the RSS feed from any podcast hosting company? “No timeframe to share at this time!” is the answer from a helpful Spotify spokesperson. That is not a “no”.

• Local podcasting could be the next big leap for the industry, says Mathew Passy, writing for Podnews today. “Your neighborhood pizza shop isn’t sponsoring The Daily. But they would support a show with listeners in their delivery zone.”

• iHeart Australia’s Corey Layton is given a full interview by Radioinfo. He’s the company’s Head of Audio.

• Not only is Jacksonville FL the home of Buzzsprout, but now, it’s the home of a podcaster running for Congress.

• Four shows from the Locked On Podcast Network are to air on terrestrial TV networks in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.

• Bossjock Jr - the “keep it simple studio for iOS podcasting” - has added captions and custom artwork. The app has a free tier; and the PRO unlock is 50% off for a short time. Good for beginners all the way to professionals, you can download it from the App Store here.

• In Australia, the successful 7am daily news podcast has been sold by owners Schwartz Media. The award-winning show posted 900,000 downloads in April and reaches 290,000 people. It’s been sold to Adelaide-based Solstice Media, which owns a number of online titles, including its own podcast production agency; Nova will continue selling ads on the show.

• WARC Media has published its Q2 2025 forecast update for global advertising spend. Quoting “market volatility”, the company has downgraded its growth forecasts further, suggesting it’ll grow 6.2% this year. Video advertising is especially hard hit, but that’s because 75% of that is linear tv, which is in decline.

Tips and tricks - with Memberful

• Wonder what tools we make Podnews with? We’ve got a big list, which we’ve just updated. Meanwhile, in the latest episode of PodCraft, Matthew McLean talks to our Editor, James Cridland, on the tools he uses.

Moves and hires

• Realm has appointed Sarah van Mosel as the newest member of its board of directors; and hired as advisors Colin Anderson, Jody Avirgan and Laura Mignott.

Podcast News - with Podcast Movement

Recycling podcast Talking Rubbish rebrands today. About the myths, mistakes and fun of recycling, the show is hosted by award-winning sustainability experts Robbie Staniforth and James Piper. Each episode explores innovations and solutions to help listeners reduce, reuse, and recycle better. Upcoming episodes will cover the shocking news on microplastics found in human brains - and whether that’s quite as bad as it sounds - as well as a new exciting petition on compostable poo bags for dogs.

With the news of the passing of music legend Brian Wilson, Let’s Talk Legacy is re-sharing its conversation with Brian’s daughter Carnie in episode 45, where she spoke about growing up with her famous father, and the memories she clings to.

The Caloroga Shark Media show Hitmaker Chronicles also has a special tribute to Brian Wilson today.

In QUEERNECKS, hosts Dash and Beck give voice to a lesser-acknowledged, all American experience - that of the queer folks in the hills and hollers of Central Appalachia, in the beforetimes of the internet. Their memories are bittersweet: reflecting on the creativity, ingenuity, and resilience necessary to thrive in the most impoverished region in the U.S. through the lens of queer experience. They use humor, wit, occasional cussing, and compassion to navigate the turbulent seas of their memories.

Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest, the 2025 Webby Award Winner for Kids Podcast of the Year, is launching its new season exclusively on Pinna.fm today (though older shows are on open RSS). Hosted by Adam Gidwitz, the podcast is perfect for kids and grownups who love fairy tales that are a little funny, a little spooky, and full of surprises.

The second season of Glory Daze with Johnny Manziel launches today - interviewing sports and entertainment legends like Las Vegas Raiders’ Defensive End Maxx Crosby, eight-time Pro Bowl selection Brian Urlacher, comedian Tom Segura, former NFL Linebacker Shawne Merriman, and more. From unforgettable college football moments to deeper reflections on life’s highs and lows, the show blends nostalgia, humor, and introspection.

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