When it comes to listening to podcasts, Apple Podcasts is one of the pioneers in the field. But now, they're doing more than just offering a platform—they're offering new tools for podcast creators, dramatically improving the podcast landscape. Here's what’s new:
The most significant update is the introduction of Subscription Analytics in Apple Podcasts Connect. Now, podcasters can get deep-dive insights into how their audience is engaging with their shows. This includes real-time analytics on free trials started, conversion rates, monthly and annual subscriptions, and even a global heat map showing subscriber locations. This service is free to any podcaster with at least one active subscription and an Admin, Finance, or Legal role in Apple Podcasts Connect.
Apple Podcasts has also integrated its analytics with Linkfire, a marketing platform popular among artists and labels. With this integration, creators can monitor engagement metrics like click-through rates and anonymized visits. This feature also helps creators track performance on different campaigns or promotions effectively.
Introduced earlier this year, the Delegated Delivery offering is getting a facelift. It allows creators to publish episodes directly from their hosting provider’s dashboard. Already supported by platforms like Blubrry, Libsyn, and Triton Digital’s Omny Studio, the feature is set to expand to other hosting providers like Audiomeans, Captivate, Podbean, Podspace, and Transistor.
While Apple is making significant strides, it's not alone in the podcast subscription arena. Platforms like Spotify and Patreon offer alternatives, each with its unique set of features that allow creators to monetize their content outside of traditional advertising channels.
The rapid pace at which Apple Podcasts is adding these features suggests a keen understanding of the evolving needs of podcast creators. By providing robust analytics and marketing tools, Apple is not just positioning itself as a platform for listening but also as a comprehensive toolkit for creators who wish to understand, grow, and monetize their audience more efficiently.
So if you're a podcaster looking to take your show to the next level, Apple Podcasts' new suite of features may just be the toolbox you've been waiting for.
