Logitech’s Streamlabs launches a new, free, podcast editor

• Logitech’s Streamlabs has launched podcast editor software. The software allows you to edit words not waveforms, and includes video. The tool has a free tier, an AI-powered highlight tool, and creates clips for all social platforms. The company also owns the Yeti microphone brand.

• In Sweden, Spotify has been fined more than US $5mn (58mn SEK) for not adequately explaining how it uses personal customer data, particularly in languages other than English. The Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection said that “it has been difficult for individuals to understand how their personal data is processed and to check whether the handling of their personal data is legal.”

  • Expect a new advertising campaign from Spotify to promote the company’s Spotify for Podcasters platform.

• During the writer’s strike in the US, the Writers’ Guild of America has created a set of guidelines for audio fiction writers — both members of the WGA and non-members — who want to either ensure they are following the rules of the strike or stand in solidarity with the WGA.

• Acast has published a case study of podcast advertising in the Philippines. The ads and host-reads raised brand awareness 2.3x for the brand, a malt scotch whisky.

• Patreon is adding video hosting. Patreon Video is being rolled out to some Patreon users today, and allows publishers to give access to videos to their patrons.

• Adtech company Audiomob has partnered with Katz Digital Audio to further expand Katz’s in-game audio ads. The company has patented technology which ensures ads are always audible when played.

• A Million Ads has announced an AI-powered ad personalisation feature. The tool “intelligently syncs audio files with script lines and selects relevant data triggers for highly-personalized ad experiences” and works on many leading audio platforms.

• The BBC is testing “adaptive podcasting” with a personalised classical music mix. Using an app (Android only), the mix uses a variety of signals from your phone to adapt the audio to your surroundings. The personalised mix is part of the BBC’s mindful season.

• Google’s Recorder app on Android phones (which auto-transcribes the audio as it records) has added an audio editor to its website. It doesn’t, however, allow you to edit using words: just the audio wave pattern.

• Elon Musk asked one of his favourite podcasts, Fall of Civilisations, to upload their show to Twitter. The response was probably not what he was hoping for: “the platform is too compromised for me to consider it … everything that once made Twitter special seems to be leeching away.”

Moves and hires

• Chase Hattie has been promoted to Chief Revenue Officer at mowPod. He has worked for the company since 2019.
• Podcast industry veteran Rob Greenlee is to partner with streaming company StreamYard. The company says it’s the world’s most popular browser-based livestreaming app.

Podcast News

The Disney For Scores podcast focuses on the music of your favourite film, TV and game. The latest episode features director Rob Marshall and composer Alan Menken, talking about The Little Mermaid.

The Financial Times and Pushkin Industries have launched Unhedged, a show from the popular Financial Times newsletter. Each fifteen minute episode offers a global outlook, industry insights and “a witty and unique take on the latest markets and finance news”.

The Set is new from Audacy this week, looking at the biggest corruption scandal in NYPD history. The show is able to binge listen on the Audacy app today, but will release on other platforms each week. It’s is written, directed, and narrated by Zak Levitt.

TIME has launched its first ever podcast - Person of The Week is new today. Hosted by Charlotte Alter, it’s a show about the people who shape our world and the forces that have shaped their lives. The premiere episode will feature Ethan Hawke.

The third series of Get Birding goes live today, with its new host, Kwesia. The podcast aims to inspire a nation of birdwatchers across all types of people, encouraging access to the scientifically backed benefits of nature from your very own doorstep. The show features guests and meditations.