The Podcast Top 5
“The Podcast Top 5” is your 5 minute weekly rundown of the most awesome things happening in podcasting. Hosted by Emily Soule of mowPod, each episode breaks down the top five stories shaping the industry from new podcast launches and platform updates to fun trends and insights. Whether you’re a podcast creator, listener, or industry pro, join Emily as she dives into the must-know news in a quick format that keeps you up-to-date and in the loop!
Episodes
Netflix’s Clips Feed, YouTube Podcast Lineups & a $100M+ AI Podcast Deal
On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we break down Netflix’s new Clips feature a vertical, TikTok-style feed designed to surface bite-sized highlights and drive viewers into full shows. YouTube is also rolling out curated “top podcast lineups” across genres like Sports, Comedy, and True Crime, aimed largely at advertisers navigating the podcast boom.  
Spotify’s Video Warning, YouTube’s Audio Takeover & Instagram’s Great Purge
On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we break down Spotify’s warning for podcasters using API-based video uploads, Buzzsprout adding video distribution to Apple Podcasts, and SiriusXM becoming the exclusive seller of YouTube audio ads in the U.S. Plus, Instagram’s “Great Purge of 2026” wipes out millions of fake followers, impacting everyone f
China Cracks Down, Netflix Bets Small & a $150M Podcast Deal
On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, China tightens rules on podcast creators, Oxford Road calls out a $1B measurement problem, and Netflix bets on smaller podcasts heading to streaming. Plus, Audiochuck makes a massive $150M move into ads and video, proving podcasting is getting bigger (and more valuable) than ever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information
Acast’s NYC Studio, NPR’s Pod Club & Drew Afualo’s Viral Podcast
On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we cover Acast opening a new studio in SoHo with Ariana Grande appearing on Shut Up Evan, NPR launching its new Pod Club recommendation newsletter, and a new hosting platform called Fountain for Podcasters. Plus, this week’s podcast pick is It’s Going DOWN in the Comments with Drew Afualo, diving into the wildest TikTo
MrBallen’s SiriusXM Deal, Spotify’s TV Upgrade & AI Ads for Podcasters
On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re covering some big moves in the podcast world. Storytelling powerhouse MrBallen has signed a major distribution and monetization deal with SiriusXM, expanding his reach across both audio and video platforms. Meanwhile, Minneapolis has a new podcast hub with the launch of AMP Studios, a unique production space located in
AI Tools, Ad Insights & History’s Greatest Stories
On this week’s Podcast Top 5, Emily Soule brings you the latest podcast news: Trebble just launched DeepCut, an AI editing tool that lets podcasters cut, polish, and refine episodes using plain language, plus an optional Safe Cut feature for natural-sounding edits. Oxford Road unveiled ORBIT, the first podcast ranking system based on ad performance rather than popularity, giving marke
Diary of a CEO in Cinemas, Golden Globes Podcast Awards & The Art Angle
On this week’s Podcast Top 5, Emily Soule brings you the latest podcast news: Diary of a CEO fans can catch a special Louis Tomlinson episode in six Cineworld cinemas across the UK and Ireland before it drops anywhere else. PodRoll launches PodRoll Video Promos on Apple Podcasts, letting creators add unskippable trailers right in their feed. Hollywood is joining the podcast party, Gol
Podcasts as News, YouTube AI DJs, and Drop A Pin’s Global Adventures
On this week’s Podcast Top 5, Emily Soule dives into the latest in podcasting: Podcasts are now a major news source, with 54% of U.S. adults tuning in and Republicans reportedly trusting them twice as much as Democrats. YouTube launches YouTube Labs, offering AI music hosts that bring trivia, stories, and commentary to your playlists. Over in the UK, HERA, a female-founded video podca
Amazon Streams Jason & Travis Kelce, Spotify Tackles AI, and The Last Invention Podcast
On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we cover Amazon Prime Video streaming New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce in the U.S. (international fans, you’re on YouTube for now). Steven Goldstein weighs in on how the term “podcast” now means personality-driven, on-demand content, no matter the platform. Spotify is testing AI transparency tools for music, an
MrBeast Drama, PodAnalyst Launch, and Heavyweight’s “What Ifs”
On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we dive into MrBeast’s recent controversy over alleged misleading YouTube ads aimed at kids and questionable privacy practices. PodAnalyst launches a new analytics tool unifying Apple, Spotify, and YouTube data, free for shows under 1,000 listeners. Big ad spenders like Amazon and GoDaddy are shaking up the podcast marketing world,
Podcast Scams, Canada’s Listening Boom, and Adam Carolla’s 4,000th Episode
On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we cover the latest podcast scams targeting unsuspecting guests, don’t click that “big-name podcaster” email just yet. Canada’s podcast scene is booming, with 46% of listeners tuning in monthly, and Adam Carolla celebrates a milestone 4,000th episode with none other than Jay Leno. Descript is shaking up subscripti
Brazil’s Podcast Boom, Apple Podcasts 26, and YouTube Shorts for Podcasters
On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re exploring Brazil’s massive rise as a podcast powerhouse and why creators ignoring the country are missing out on a huge audience. Apple Podcasts 26 is here with AI-powered dialogue enhancement, per-show playback speeds, and a refreshed interface. Amazon Ads and SiriusXM team up to bring programmatic audio advertising to
YouTube Listeners vs. Watchers, Podhome Launches, and Why First Impressions Matter
On this week’s episode of The Podcast Top 5 hosted by Emily Soule, we uncover fresh insights from Sounds Profitable showing that nearly half of YouTube podcast users actually listen more than they watch—while Spotify audiences lean the other way. Emily also spotlights the launch of Podhome, a new app with transcripts, chapters, and live podcast features, plus key takeaways from The Pod
Podcast Fans Are Listening Longer, Spotify Animates Audiobooks, and Captivate’s Big Upgrade
This week on The Podcast Top 5 hosted by Emily Soule, we dive into the latest shifts shaking up the podcasting world. From new data showing fans are spending over 6 hours a week with their favorite shows, to Spotify’s Follow-Along feature turning audiobooks into multimedia experiences, there’s no shortage of innovation. Captivate rolls out powerful growth tools, Variety shuts down Emmy
Podcast Movement’s Big Merger, Libsyn’s PodRoll & Australia’s Podcast Boom
On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re covering a major shake-up: Podcast Movement and Sounds Profitable have merged in a seven-figure deal, with Bryan Barletta stepping in as President and the 2026 flagship event heading to New York City. Libsyn is helping creators get discovered with PodRoll, a brand-new tool that promotes shows directly in podcast feeds. Wonder
Libsyn’s $112M Payout, Gen Z’s YouTube Shift & Taylor Swift’s Podcast Takeover
On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re covering Libsyn’s massive milestone — over $112 million paid to creators since 2017, with new tools to help podcasters monetize from day one. We’ll dig into fresh data showing Gen Z’s podcast habits are driven by YouTube and social media, plus the wild ripple effect of Taylor Swift’s appearance o
Age Checks, Game Day Hype & London’s Podcast Boom
On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule breaks down the latest in podcasting. Spotify is rolling out age checks in the UK with facial recognition and ID scans, stirring up conversations about safety and privacy. Football fans are diving into The Players Lounge, a new game from the team behind The Rest is Football. Meanwhile, London is becoming a hub for video-first shows as Podshop
Apple’s Privacy Promise, Spain’s Podcast Block & Spotify’s Audiobook Bonus
On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re unpacking Apple’s latest move to keep your podcast listening habits private, even adding “noise” to mask your data. In Spain, public broadcaster RTVE is blocking RNE shows from third-party apps, sparking concerns about the future of open RSS. Spotify is testing a new Audiobooks+ add-on with 15 hours of month
Acast’s Big Ad Deal, Apple’s Audio Glow-Up & Joe Budden’s Million-Dollar Mic
In this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re breaking down Acast’s new global partnership with Magnite — a major move that could boost discoverability (and revenue) for podcasters everywhere. Apple is also leveling up its audio game with an “Enhance Dialog” feature for crisper sound and an Automix tool for music lovers. TIME just revealed its 100
Podcasts on TV, Gen Z Kills the Dial & Amazon’s Wondery Spin
On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re diving into Edison Research’s new UK report showing podcast listening on TV has doubled — with Spotify and BBC Sounds pulling ahead of Apple. In the U.S., Gen Z and young millennials are now listening to podcasts just as much as radio, a massive shift from a decade ago. Amazon’s Steve Boom insists Wondery&rs
Apple’s Exclusive List, Amazon’s Podcast Shake-Up & a Brazilian Mix-Up for the Ages
In this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re diving into Apple Podcasts’ ultra-selective “Best So Far” list — and why most of the world didn’t make the cut. Then, we break down Wondery’s corporate shake-up as Amazon lays off 110 staff and restructures its podcast empire. Plus: a hilarious case of mistaken identity between two nearly i
Global Shifts & Industry Rifts: Podcasting’s Power Moves from Paris to the Pacific
This week on The Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule dives into the big waves and bold moves in podcasting across the globe. France is calling for podcasting to be officially recognized as a cultural industry (oui, please), a new player enters the scene with the launch of Mission Media AI, and Audacy shuts the doors on Pineapple Street Studios in yet another shake-up. Oh, and in case you missed
Spotlights, Sponsors, and Squad Goals: What’s New in Podcasting
This week on The Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule takes you inside the buzziest headlines in the podcast world: The Astra Podcast Awards are officially on the horizon, Acast signs the ever-viral Giggly Squad, and advertisers are finally putting their money where the mic is. Plus, PodWoman is back and this year it’s in person! From big brand love to celebrating powerhouse women in audio
From Fewer Feeds to Funny Fests: What’s Up in Podcasting This Week
On this week’s episode of The Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule breaks down the latest shifts in podcastland, from a noticeable drop in new episode uploads this June (is podcast burnout a thing?) to The Podcast Standards Project officially certifying new players in the space. Plus, we’ve got a comedy podcast festival going global and former footballer Jermaine Jenas stepping into
Podcast Breakups, Brutal Crimes, and Discovery Drama
This week on The Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule dives into the latest podcast power moves and plot twists. From Spotify losing Trevor Noah to Marc Maron calling it quits after 16 years of WTF, the industry’s getting a shake-up. Plus, YouTube dominates news podcast listening in the US, and Spotify rolls out new podcast discovery features (but… how do they actually work?). And f
Layoffs, Lawsuits & Listening Loyalty: A Wild Week in Podcasting
On this week’s episode of Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule dives into the chaos and charm of the podcasting world! From pink slips at Spotify’s podcast division to podcast ads earning way more trust than social media, this episode’s got it all. We break down the latest research from Sounds Profitable that shows why your listeners actually believe what they hear (take notes, Instag
Flipping Fortunes, Apple Drops Podcast Stats, and a New Era for Video Pods?
This week, we’re diving into the biggest podcasting buzz: Apple Podcasts just had its best year ever and for the first time, their team actually took the stage at a podcast event! Plus, we’re talking flipping houses and flipping expectations with our Podcast of the Week, The Science of Flipping. Also in the mix: Is video podcasting about to get way better for indie creat
Spotify’s Big Wins, Pod Pods Dreams, and the Future of Podcasting Tech
In this week’s episode of The Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule from mowPod dives into the latest in podcast and audio news We’re talking Spotify’s massive Q1 profits and their bold moves in Mexico with the first-ever Mexico Podcast Awards. We also dive into POD Pods—yes, earbuds designed just for podcast lovers (if only they were real). Plus, we break down the launch of PodH
Spotify’s Audiobook Ambitions, Descript’s Major Glitch, and Rolling Stone’s First-Ever Audio Awards
In this week’s episode of The Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule from mowPod dives into the latest in podcast and audio news—starting with Spotify’s big bet on non-English audiobooks and what that actually means for creators. Then, we talk Descript’s transcription tool… or lack thereof (spoiler: users aren’t thrilled). And finally, Rolling Stone’s new &ldquo
YouTube Gets Dynamic, Apple Stays on Top, and the BBC Backs Off
In this episode of The Podcast Top 5, Emily Soule from mowPod rounds up the week’s biggest podcast headlines: YouTube eyes dynamic ad insertion, Apple Podcasts proves it’s still the heavyweight champ, Podcast Movement Evolutions kicks off in Chicago, and the BBC backs away from a controversial ad plan after industry pushback. It’s fast, fun, and full of the audio intel you didn&r
Big Moves, Bold Risks, and Podcast Shake-Ups
This week on The Podcast Top 5, Emily Soule from mowPod is breaking down the hottest stories in podcasting. First up, I found Australian True Crime thanks to the new mowPod Charts, the ultimate free tool for tracking podcast rankings. Then, we’re diving into Michelle Obama’s new podcast, IMO, recorded live at SXSW. Plus, YouTube is making moves with a new Podcast tab for Android TV, bu
Podcast Game Changers: Free Charts, True Crime Fixes & Podimo’s Big Win
This week, Emily Soule from mowPod breaks down the biggest moves in podcasting! First up, mowPod Charts, the forever-free tool giving podcasters a clear view of the Apple Podcasts rankings. Then, we spotlight Crime Junkie, the true crime obsession that never quits, and celebrate Podimo hitting 1 million paid subscribers. Plus, we explore Audyllic, the tool making podcasts sound studio-perfect, and
Podcast Power Plays: YouTube’s Billion-View Boom, Fake Podcasts, and Acast’s $44.9M Payout
The podcast industry is making major moves—YouTube just hit 1 billion monthly podcast viewers, Listen Notes is cracking down on AI-generated shows, and Acast is paying out millions to creators in Australia and New Zealand. Plus, we highlight Now On Netflix, your go-to source for what’s streaming this week. Tune in as we break down the biggest podcasting headlines shaping the industry r
Spotify’s Creator Earnings Soar, Amazon Shuts LATAM Operations, and More!
In this episode of The Podcast Top 5, Emily Soule from MowPod breaks down some of the hottest podcast industry news! We dive into Spotify’s new creator earnings figures, showing huge monthly revenue for top podcasts, and the massive growth in video podcast consumption. Plus, we discuss Amazon Wondery’s shock closure of its Mexico and Brazil operations, despite successful shows and nomi
Spotify’s Music Drama, Netflix’s New Moves, and Meta’s Audiobox
Join Emily Soule from mowPod, host of The Podcast Top 5, as she breaks down the latest buzz in the podcast world! This week, we dive into Spotify’s music licensing issue as music publishers demand the removal of unlicensed songs from podcasts, whats going on with that? Plus, Netflix is exploring podcast creators and how it might tap into this booming space, and Meta’s Audiobox lets you
Game-Changing Tools, Apple’s New Feature & PodcastOne’s Big Move
This week on The Podcast Top 5, we’re diving into major updates shaking up the podcasting world! I’m Emily Soule from mowPod, and we’ve got big news: - Goodbye Chartable, Hello mowPod Charts! A new free tool is here to track your Apple Podcasts rankings! No sign-ups, no fees, just real-time insights. - Apple Invites! Game-Changer or Gimmick? iCloud+ subscribers now have a sleek n
AI-Powered Blogging, On Air Fest 2025, PodMatch’s Game-Changing Tools, and Podcasting Industry Stats
Welcome to The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule from mowPod! Each episode, we count down the top five must-know topics in podcasting, from game-changing tools like PodMatch to major events like On Air Fest, industry trends, stats, and the hottest shows, like SmartLess. Whether you are a creator or a listener, this is your go-to source for staying ahead in the podcasting world.See omnystudio.co
The Rise of Video Podcasts & The Dollars Behind the Mic
In this episode of The Podcast Top 5, Emily Soule from mowPod breaks down the biggest podcasting stories of the week. We dive into the exciting world of video podcasting, unpack the new “One by Willie” podcast, and explore the financial side of podcasting—how much are podcasters actually making? Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster, a Willie Nelson fan, or just curious about
Spotify’s New Monetization Rules, iHeartPodcast Awards, Podfest Expo Highlights, and a Military Creator Spotlight
In this episode of The Podcast Top 5, Emily Soule from mowPod breaks down the biggest podcasting stories of the week. We dive into Spotify’s new Partner Program—will it help podcasters or just add more hurdles? Plus, the iHeartPodcast Awards are back with a live show at SXSW, and Podfest Expo 2025 promises to level up creators with workshops, networking, and industry insights. Don&rsqu
Apple’s Big Podcast Move, Shocking Licensing Drama, and New Must-Listen Shows!
In this episode of The Podcast Top 5, Emily Soule from MowPod breaks down the top stories in podcasting and digital content. We spotlight Kristin Davis’ new podcast Are You a Charlotte?, dive into Apple Podcasts finally launching on Android, explore the latest podcast licensing drama, and take a look at the highlights from On Air Fest. Tune in for expert insights on these exciting developmen
Podcast Power Moves: Kylie Kelce’s Rise, Podcast Hall of Fame Highlights, and Big Industry Shifts
In this episode of The Podcast Top 5, Emily Soule from mowPod breaks down the top stories in podcasting and digital content this week. We spotlight the Podcast Hall of Fame’s 2025 inductees, Kylie Kelce’s rapid rise to podcasting stardom with Not Gonna Lie, the latest YouTube strategies for creators, and what Patreon’s newest features mean for podcasters. Tune in for expert insig
Spotify Wrapped Recap, Oprah’s Podcast Debut, Acast’s New Studios, and Australian Podcast Awards Highlights
Hosted by Emily Soule from mowPod, this episode dives into the biggest podcasting stories of the week! We’re talking all things Spotify Wrapped, Oprah’s exciting leap into podcasting, Acast’s shiny new London studios, and the highlights from the Australian Podcast Awards. This episode is your ultimate podcasting catch-up!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Women Podcasters Shine, Lemonada’s Big Moves, Spotify Goes Social, and YouTube’s Shorts Revolution
Dive into the hottest headlines in podcasting each week with The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule from mowPod. From game-changing YouTube Shorts updates to Spotify’s latest social media integrations, groundbreaking awards celebrating women podcasters, and exciting industry collabs like Lemonada Media’s new audiobook series—Emily delivers the top five stories you need to know. Perfect for podc
Spotify’s New Features, Canadian Awards, and the Rise of Sports Audio
This week on The Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule from mowPod covers the latest in podcasting news! Tune in as we dive into Spotify’s new comment feature and their ad exchange pilot program, setting the stage for more interactive and dynamic podcasting experiences. We also spotlight the Canadian Podcast Awards nominations, celebrating some of the industry’s best. Finally, discover how sports audio
The Podcast Revolution: Music, Money, and Migration to YouTube
In this episode of “The Podcast Top 5,” host Emily Soule from mowPod dives into the shifts in the podcasting landscape. Discover the power of the Epidemic Sounds music library and how it’s enhancing audio storytelling. Explore the latest trends in advertiser spending and what it means for creators. Also Emily discusses the growing phenomenon of podcasts transforming into TV shows and the increasin
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