The Future of Podcasting

It’s great to be back! After a bit of a break, we reflect on why this year’s been a challenging one—most notably the loss of our good friend, Todd Cochran, which really sucked the energy out of both of us. It’s felt strange attending podcast conferences and not seeing Todd. At one recent event, his absence sparked memories and stories among all the old-timers.

Other Losses

We recognized some other major changes and losses in the podcasting community, including Neil Galarte’s passing and the impact of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and martyrdom, which had waves in the podcasting world.

Conferences

Conferences have seen big shifts. Podcast Movement, once growing rapidly, is now feeling smaller and more intimate and seems to be returning to its roots. I shared my thoughts on the move to New York City, which might benefit big name podcasters and networks, but I wonder if it’s pricing out independent podcasters. On the other hand, PodFest feels like it’s holding onto that independent creator vibe.

Evolutions is now co-locating with South by Southwest, which is another smart move for reaching broader media attention, even if affordability remains a concern. We talked about past conferences co-locating with bigger events (like New Media Expo merging with other conventions) and the community getting lost—hoping Podcast Movement avoids those mistakes.

For creators weighing which events to attend, we think Evolutions at South by Southwest could be a more fun opportunity if you can afford it—there’s energy from all kinds of independent creators.

We discussed how post-Covid realities and inflation have changed conference dynamics, from higher travel and hotel costs to more people realizing they don’t need conferences to learn about podcasting. Knowledge is now much more decentralized and accessible through online platforms, AI, Facebook groups, Reddit, and YouTube.

The Tech Side of Things

On the tech side, we shared frustrations over the video-first focus and the pressure to be on YouTube, even for podcasters who love audio. I’m recording video but not finding time or motivation to edit and post it. There might be a resurgence of love for audio-only content as people seek flexibility and less bandwidth consumption.

We also reflected on the rise of audiobooks and Kindle reading, how books are often more focused than podcasts, and how my own listening habits have shifted—I’m now consuming more audiobooks than podcasts.

Show Retirements

Some big podcasters ended their shows, like Marc Maron. As podcasting passes the 20-year mark, retirement and shifting priorities for veteran podcasters are becoming more common. Rob Greenlee isn’t bringing back New Media Show, and Libsyn’s The Feed was quietly shut down, prompting Rob Walsh to revive Podcast 411.

Got Feedback?

Picture this: a shiny new image tag that’s about to shake up the podcasting world. Forget about your basic square images and get ready for some serious upgrades. In this episode, we explain what this new tag means for podcasters trying to get their visual game on point. We’re not just stuck with one dull image anymore; in the future we can throw in multiple formats for all kinds of uses – think banners, hero images, or even circular crops that fit better in certain apps.

We talk about the real-world applications of this new image tag. How are we going to implement this? How will media hosts adapt? It’s all about making the user experience smoother while giving us creative freedom. We share our thoughts on the best practices for using this tag and what we hope to see from the podcasting community as everyone gets their hands on this new tool. With a demo link in the show notes, you can see the magic for yourself and join us in this exciting new era of podcasting.

Takeaways:

• The new image tag is like a breath of fresh air, allowing podcasters to ditch the one-size-fits-all image approach and embrace multiple formats, finally giving us the variety we never knew we needed.
• Podcasting 2.0 is not just about updating old features; it's about revolutionizing how we present our content visually and ensuring we're not stuck in the past with those boring square images.
• Say goodbye to the days of having just one image per podcast! With the new image tag, we can now flaunt a whole gallery of visuals, because who doesn't want more options in life?
• The capability to use animated gifs or even video in podcast imagery is a game-changer, turning our once static feeds into dynamic showcases that can actually grab listeners' attention.
• Expect some chaos as hosting platforms scramble to support this new feature; it's going to be a wild ride figuring out how to integrate all these new image styles and purposes into user-friendly dashboards.
• The potential for creative expression is limitless with the new image tag, but it also raises the question: will we see an explosion of design creativity or a chaotic mess of visual overload?

Links referenced in this episode:

Picture this: a podcast world where HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) isn’t just for your Netflix binges but also for your ear candy. Yeah, we went there. While everyone’s been busy drooling over video streaming, we decided to throw audio into the mix. Because why should video have all the fun, right? We’re talking about HLS and how it’s not just a flashy gimmick for video content, but has some sweet benefits for audio too.

Think about it: seamless switching between quality levels based on your bandwidth, kind of like when you’re trying to watch a video and your Wi-Fi decides to take a nap. You start in glorious HD, and then BAM! It’s 240p because the Internet gods are not smiling upon you today. But with HLS, you could slide right into that audio version without missing a beat, or a word, or the rant about the latest podcasting trends.

We get into the techy stuff, like how HLS breaks media files into bite-sized chunks, making it easier to serve up different quality options. It’s like a buffet, but for your ears. Want low-quality audio because you’re on the go, or do you want to kick it up a notch when you’re back home? HLS has got your back.

And let’s be real, who doesn’t want that? Plus, we also touched on the whole “dynamic content” thing—imagine being able to swap out segments of your podcast without having to re-upload the entire thing. Say goodbye to those embarrassing moments where you realize your co-host’s mic was off for half the episode. With HLS, you could just fix that part and let the rest ride on.

By the end of the episode, we’re practically drooling over the possibilities HLS brings to audio. It might not be here yet, but we’re holding out hope that the podcasting world will eventually get with the times. Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll look back and laugh about the days of static audio files. But for now, we’re just here, dreaming of the future and trying to make sense of the tech that will get us there. So kick back, grab your earbuds, and let’s figure out how to make podcasting better, one HLS chunk at a time!

Takeaways:

• HLS isn't just for video; it has potential benefits for audio podcasting too, which is like, who knew?
• Imagine being able to switch between audio and video seamlessly thanks to HLS; the future of podcasting is wild!
• The idea of dynamic content insertion could revolutionize how we listen to podcasts, but privacy concerns might rain on this parade.
• HLS allows for replacing segments of a podcast without re-uploading the entire file, which is a total game-changer for podcasters.
• With HLS, bandwidth issues can be tackled by switching audio quality on the fly, making it super user-friendly, especially for peeps outside the US.
• The Podcast Standards Project is where the magic is happening for HLS discussions, so if you're into podcasting, keep an eye on that.

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Daniel

Picture this: we're diving into the wild world of HLS, or HTTP Live Streaming, because apparently, podcasting needed a fancy new acronym to spice up the already chaotic mix of audio and video content. This isn’t just any tech talk, though; we’re questioning if we’re even solving a problem that exists or if we’re just adding more jargon to confuse the masses.

I mean, is anyone really crying out for better video podcasting tech? Or are we just trying to keep up with the YouTube cool kids who’ve already perfected the art of distraction? Spoiler alert: the answer is probably more ironic than you’d think. As we explore how HLS breaks videos into tiny chunks, allowing seamless transitions and dynamic quality adjustments, we also ponder if this is really innovation or just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Are we actually creating a better user experience, or just making it easier for advertisers to track our every move? It's a slippery slope, folks, and we’re here for the ride.

Breaking Down HLS

Let’s break it down: HLS could actually save us cash by optimizing bandwidth usage. Remember when we’d watch video podcasts loaded with high-res content that our devices couldn’t even handle? Yeah, that’s about to change. With HLS, we can serve the right quality for the right device, so you can watch that 4K video on your desktop and avoid buffering like a pro. But here’s the kicker: while the tech sounds great, we’re left scratching our heads about the overall cost of hosting and whether this is just another excuse for companies to raise prices.

Sure, we can track how long people are engaging with our content, but let’s be real—are we doing this to enhance the viewer experience or to make advertisers happy? The whole thing feels a bit like we’re trying to sell ice to Eskimos.

Is Video Really The Future?

As we wrap things up, we’re reflecting on the absurdity of it all. Is video really the future of podcasting, or are we just following trends because everyone else is? I mean, when was the last time you wished your favorite podcast was a video instead? Yeah, didn’t think so.

We’re bombarded with video content everywhere we turn, yet somehow the charm of an audio podcast remains. So, is HLS the savior of podcasting or just another shiny object to distract us from the real issues? You’ll have to tune in to find out, but one thing’s for sure: the future of podcasting is going to be anything but boring.

Takeaways:

• So, like, HLS is totally shaking up the podcasting world, but seriously, are we even solving a problem here?
• HTTP Live Streaming, or HLS, is basically the new cool kid on the block, but is it even worth the hype?
• We’ve got to think about who benefits from HLS – is it the podcasters or just the advertisers?
• Video podcasts are fancy, but if they cost a fortune to host, who’s really gonna bother?
• Sure, HLS lets us see how far people listen, but is that really the game changer we’ve been waiting for?
• In the end, it’s a wild ride figuring out whether HLS is revolutionary or just rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.

Your Hosts

So, let’s get real about the podcasting scene and this crazy concept of ‘value for value.’ It’s like, when you hear it, you might think, ‘Oh great, another buzzword,’ but hold your horses! Our hosts, Dave and Daniel, are here to unpack this idea with a good dose of sarcasm and wit.

They start by discussing how many podcasters feel their legitimacy hinges on securing that sweet sponsorship deal. Seriously, why do we still tie our worth to advertisers? It’s like saying your podcast is only good if someone’s paying you to talk about toothpaste. No thanks! They argue that the real value comes from the connection you build with your listeners, which is way more important than any sponsor deal could ever be.

Then, they get into the tech aspect, where things get spicy with the mention of streaming satoshis. Like, what even is that? It’s a way to send tiny payments while you listen, but the hosts get into the nitty-gritty of why that might not be the golden ticket we all hope for. They share a laugh about how certain payment platforms have these ridiculous fees that make micropayments basically non-existent. Can you imagine trying to send your podcaster a couple of cents, only for the platform to gobble it all up? It’s a comedy of errors waiting to happen!

By the end, they’re pondering the future of this ‘value for value’ model and whether it’ll actually pan out or if we’ll just be stuck in the same old cycle of sponsorship and ads. They’re like, ‘What if we could create a world where podcasters are rewarded for the actual value they bring?’ It’s a hopeful, yet ironic look at the absurdity of our current monetization strategies. Yeah, we’re all in for the ride, but let’s hope the destination is worth it!

Takeaways:

• The future of podcasting is a wild ride, with the concept of value for value leading the charge, but don't be surprised if it gets bumpy along the way.
• Value for value isn't just about cash; it's about the joy you bring to listeners, even if you're not rolling in the dough from sponsors.
• Remember, just because your podcast isn't a cash cow doesn't mean it's not valuable; sometimes fun is worth more than money, right?
• Streaming payments could revolutionize podcast monetization, but you know, only if the tech doesn't implode on itself first.
• Watch out for the 'donate' trap! It could get you in trouble with the tax man, so maybe stick to saying 'give back' instead.
• The whole payment landscape for podcasts is changing, and not just because Apple got slapped with a court ruling; it's about making things easy for everyone involved.

Your Hosts