iHeartPodcast Network has announced an Influencer Summit scheduled for April 2023, to be held at the iHeartMedia executive offices in New York City. The summit aims to educate marketers on the art of podcast advertising. According to a release, It will be led by successful podcast creators, including Charlamagne tha God, Holly Frey, and Malcolm Gladwell, who will join top marketers to discuss the growth of podcasting and how brands should adapt their audio ads to resonate with listeners.
The event will include the following:
- Workshops and discussions to bridge the gap between podcast creators and brands.
- Focusing on audio influencer marketing.
- Selecting creators.
- Collaborating with podcast influencers.
- Measuring their impact on campaigns.
The iHeartPodcast Network is the world’s leading podcast publisher, with over 800 iHeartPodcasts spanning various genres, including business, sports, spirituality, technology, entertainment, family, comedy, and true crime. According to Podtrac, podcasts and influencers have emerged as the fastest-growing advertising channel for marketers, with eMarketer reporting ad spend growth rates of 68% and 58%, respectively, in 2023 compared to 2021.
Gayle Troberman, CMO of iHeartMedia, pointed out that working with influential hosts such as Will Ferrell, Bethenny Frankel, and others could lead to powerful podcast campaigns, which would be a breakthrough moment for the ad industry. Troberman also emphasized that podcasting is the fastest-growing medium with the lowest ad-skipping rates compared to any other medium.
Charlamagne tha God stated that podcasting had provided an excellent platform for Black creators and the Black Effect Podcast Network to make a significant difference while maintaining creative control, notably when partnering with brands. He added that iHeart had been an outstanding collaborator, assisting brands in initiating crucial conversations that resonate with their listeners and empowering and motivating diverse audiences to engage with this dynamic medium.
According to Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group, podcasters are a unique group of diverse and creative influencers that have revolutionized content and marketing in recent years. The iHeartPodcast Network stands apart from other media because creators and fans expect ads to be seamlessly integrated into shows, often presented by hosts and tailored to the listening experience. The summit provides an opportunity to collaborate and showcase the simplicity, speed, and creative potential of podcasting.
