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 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.   Meanwhile, reports suggest OpenAI has acquired the tech-focused show TBPN in a deal worth the “low hundreds of millions,” signaling just how valuable podcasting has become in the AI era. From short-form video to major acquisitions, the podcast landscape is evolving fast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 from influencers to major celebrities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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 TikTok comment sections with humor and candid conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 inside a financial services company, showing that even the finance world is getting into podcasting.   Over on the tech side, Spotify has upgraded its Apple TV app, finally bringing video podcasts to the big screen along with Spotify DJ after more than a year without video support. And Triton Digital has introduced AdBuilder AI, a new tool that helps small and medium-sized businesses create and book broadcast-quality podcast ads automatically.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 marketers the data they’ve been waiting for.   James Corden’s This Life of Mine is now available everywhere, moving beyond its SiriusXM exclusivity to reach all listeners. And Altmetric is tracking podcasts, meaning research cited in episodes now counts toward academic impact.   This week’s podcast pick is The Rest Is History with Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook. From brutal rulers to epic battles and world-changing events, it’s history told like a thriller. Discovered via mowPod Charts, this show is perfect for history buffs or anyone looking for gripping storytelling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, Golden Globes just announced 25 eligible shows for its very first Best Podcast award, with six nominees to be revealed in December. And if you missed Podcast Movement 2025 in Dallas, every session is now available online for free keynotes, panels, and all the podcast wisdom from your couch.   This week’s podcast pick is The Art Angle, giving listeners an insider look at the art world with Artnet News. From museums to the market, it’s big art stories explained in a way that’s approachable, fascinating, and addictive. Discovered via mowPod Charts, it’s your backstage pass to the art industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 podcast network, is putting women front and center in media. And Megaphone-hosted publishers on Spotify are getting a major ad tech upgrade, including video ads, clickable ads, and smarter targeting with first-party data.   Plus, this week’s podcast pick is Drop A Pin, where The Wonton Don and Uncle Chaps take listeners on hilarious, wild, and sometimes profound adventures around the world. Discovered via mowPod Charts, it’s the perfect mix of travel, comedy, and storytelling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, and NPR confirms that podcasts are outpacing radio in revenue, proving your earbuds are officially valuable.   Plus, this week’s podcast pick is The Last Invention, a gripping dive into the history, rivalries, and visions behind AI, exploring the people racing to create what may be humanity’s ultimate invention. Discovered via mowPod Charts, it’s suspenseful, dramatic, and perfect for anyone curious about the future of technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, while research shows listeners remain cautious about AI in podcasting. Plus, this week’s podcast pick is Heavyweight with Jonathan Goldstein, taking you on heartfelt road trips and awkward reunions that explore the “what ifs” of life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.