Apple Introduces New Podcast Analytics and Distribution Tools
Apple
Apple introduced new tools for podcasters. They include:
Subscription Analytics: A new dashboard will offer creators insights into metrics such as free trial starts, paid subscriptions, conversion rates from free trials to paid subscriptions, and estimated subscription revenue.
Delegated Delivery Expansion: This feature, which lets creators publish subscriber-only episodes directly to Apple Podcasts from their hosting provider, is adding new partners like Podbean and Podspace.
Linkfire Partnership: Starting this fall, creators can generate Linkfire smart links that lead to landing pages for their podcasts, as well as to their social channels, newsletters, merch stores, and live events. Real-time engagement metrics like play, listens, traffic sources, and click-through rates will be available.
Apple
Why it Matters: Apple's new features for podcasters signal a more direct engagement with the creator economy. They offer podcast creators tools for deeper listenership analysis. They also simplify the podcast publishing process by expanding Delegated Delivery partners. This development is noteworthy, especially since Apple often faces criticism for taking a 30% commission on in-app purchases. Platforms like Spotify and Gumroad have been vocal about these fees. The new features could help to change the narrative, underscoring Apple's important role in the creator economy that is often overlooked.
