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Stepping into On Air Fest 2025 at the Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn felt like stepping into the future of podcasting. Over the course of three days, the festival brought together creators, industry leaders, and media professionals to discuss where the world of audio is headed.
From Anderson Cooper breaking down the nuances of storytelling to Bon Iver’s intimate live session, every moment was a reminder of why sound continues to shape the way we engage with the world. But beyond the headline moments, the real magic happened in the conversations between sessions, in hallway meetups, and over coffee with fellow creatives.
Podcast Monetization & Growth: Key Takeaways from On Air Fest 2025
One of the most anticipated parts of the event was the Podcast Business Summit, presented with Bloomberg. It was a space where industry professionals explored the future of podcast monetization, audience engagement, and content expansion.
Ashley Carman’s sessions with Ballen Studios and The Shawn Ryan Show explored how content creators are growing beyond traditional podcasting, embracing video, and developing multi-platform media brands. Nicole Blake (Wondery), Ben Cotton (New York Times), and Georgie Holt (Flight Studios) shared insights on how podcasts are evolving into full-scale IP businesses. From book deals to live events and even merchandise like toys and subscriptions, the message was clear: Podcasts are no longer just audio experiences—they are business empires in the making.
One key trend that stood out was how networks and independent creators alike are thinking beyond traditional advertising. Subscription models, direct audience engagement, and hybrid revenue streams are shaping the next generation of podcasting.
Networking, Collaboration, and the Simplecast by AdsWizz Lunch
One of the standout moments of the festival took place off-stage at the Networking Lunch hosted by Simplecast by AdsWizz. As a presenting sponsor of the festival, Simplecast created an inviting space where podcasters, media executives, and industry leaders could connect, share ideas, and discuss how to navigate the evolving landscape of audio.
My colleague Grace Kane, Director of Business Development, Podcasts, addressed attendees just prior to the lunch on how technology is driving podcast growth:
"Our focus remains on developing the most advanced publishing tools through Simplecast and monetization solutions through the AdsWizz stack, empowering our partners to grow in the way that works best for them."
Podcast Industry Trends 2025: Key Insights from Grace Kane
After the event, I sat down with Grace to get her thoughts on On Air Fest 2025 and what trends are shaping the podcast industry in the coming year.
Q: What was your biggest takeaway from On Air Fest 2025?
Grace Kane: This year’s festival solidified what most in the media have caught onto which is that podcasting is no longer a niche, little industry—it’s a dynamic and evolving media powerhouse that is actually driving overall cultural conversations. On the business side, podcast advertising continues to provide the crucial foundation for creators and networks to build sustainable businesses, and the advancements being made in advertising technology and formats is pushing further growth. Beyond advertising, there is a major focus on diversification of where and how creators can meet their audiences, whether through video, live events, or subscriptions—and how to maximize those channels.
Q: What trends in podcasting should creators and brands be paying attention to?
Grace Kane: Most creators and networks are eager to discuss transitions to video–how to approach a video strategy that does not cannibalize their audio business and how to successfully monetize video content. There are different approaches depending on whether a creator started on audio or started on video, and it’s critical for creators looking to expand their audiences and monetization to pay attention to nuances of how each distribution platform works. We also continue to see creators focused on expanding the direct relationships they have with their audiences through different channels—creating premium content to further engage them and building a real sense of community through live events and social media.
Additionally, overall monetization technology for podcasts has advanced immensely over the last few years. It’s exciting to see the growth in investment by larger brands into podcasts now that there are more advanced brand safety, measurement, and targeting capabilities to be able to buy ads on podcasts at scale. Creators and networks should ensure they are working with platforms and providers that support the tools buyers need to invest their ad dollars in podcasting at scale.
Q: What role does Simplecast play in supporting this evolution?
Grace Kane: The goal for the Simplecast platform has always been to develop the most advanced, yet easy-to-use, publishing and audience analytics tools for creators and networks to distribute their content and better understand their listeners. We’ve expanded beyond this to also make available the most advanced monetization solutions developed by AdsWizz, the long-time leader in digital audio advertising. Our platform has evolved as the industry has evolved—providing the most advanced dynamic ad insertion capabilities for direct sold campaigns and/or campaigns from our premium ad marketplace, custom revenue reporting, and more. Our infrastructure allows creators and networks of all sizes to scale on their terms depending on how they want to build their businesses, so they can focus on what they do best: telling great stories and building meaningful connections with their audiences. And there is much more to come in 2025!
Looking Ahead: The Future of Podcasting
As On Air Fest 2025 wrapped up, one thing was clear: Podcasting is reaching new heights, transforming how audiences listen, empowering creators to grow, and providing the tools they need—and we’re proud to be part of this journey.
But beyond the trends, the true highlight was the passion—the love for storytelling, the drive to innovate, and the belief in the power of podcasts to truly connect.
Want to take your podcast to the next level? Get started today and discover how Simplecast helps you grow your audience, monetize your content, and thrive in the ever-changing podcast landscape.