I recently attended Podcast Movement Evolutions 2025 in Chicago, and wow—what a week! There’s something about being surrounded by creators, brands, and innovators all hyped up about podcasting that makes this industry feel electric. We were proud to be there as an official sponsor alongside SiriusXM Media, and we made sure to show up in full force.
Setting the Stage: Our Presence in Chicago
Our home base for the event? A branded private lounge under the AdsWizz and Simplecast banner—at McCormick Place Convention Center. It became the perfect hub for deeper client conversations and casual meetups alike.
We joined forces with SiriusXM Media to support the Sounds Profitable lounge, where our team was able to network and converse with partners and industry peers.
Making It Memorable: VIP Experience Highlights
Outside the panels and lounges, we brought the experience to life in our own way. The VIP brand experience at our Chicago office was a highlight—complete with an immersive audio journey from Studio Resonate and a cozy dinner event with key partners. Great conversations, great vibes, and a reminder of just how special this space is.
Podcast Industry Trends 2025: Key Insights from Cyril Bornette
The session, moderated by our own Cyril Bornette, Senior Director of Business Development at AdsWizz, kicked off with a stat that turned heads: 75% of podcasts still aren’t monetized. That alone set the tone for a conversation packed with insights.
Ben Watson, Founder of Impressions.FM; David Roemer Gonzalez, CEO of Genuina Media; and Dana Bowling, host of the Daily Dose of Dana podcast, didn’t hold back. Ben dove into the power of marketplaces for instant revenue. David talked about helping Latin American creators realize the monetization potential of their work. Dana shared how she toggles between live reads and programmatic ads, always keeping her audience front and center.
Video, Video, Video: Where Creators Are Betting Big
The role of video in podcasting was another hot topic. Dana built her audience from day one on TikTok and Instagram, and she now leans into YouTube Live for her current events-driven show. Ben highlighted how YouTube’s algorithm is driving discoverability, while David made it clear, video has always been the game in Latin America.
The key takeaway? YouTube offers serious scale and monetization potential, but creators need to understand how to navigate different platforms and their unique rate structures.
Beyond Ads: Other Ways Creators Are Monetizing
We also explored the less obvious revenue streams. Subscriptions, paid feed drops, bundled social media promotions—each panelist brought a unique approach. Dana talked about building community through Patreon and YouTube memberships. Ben flagged feed drops as a seriously underutilized tactic. And David emphasized the power of short-form social to boost reach.
One thing everyone agreed on? Monetization takes time. Consistency, passion, and a bit of hustle are essential.
Looking and Listening Ahead
If Podcast Movement Evolutions is a preview of where the industry is headed, then it’s safe to say creators are stepping into a new era, one where monetization meets meaning, and passion can actually pay the bills. Until next time, Chicago!
Ready to elevate your podcast? Get started today and explore how Simplecast empowers creators to grow their audience, monetize effectively, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.