In a groundbreaking move set to transform the podcasting landscape, Apple has unveiled a suite of new features for its Podcasts platform, specifically designed to elevate narrative series. The announcement, made on October 1, 2024, introduces three key innovations: a Top Series chart, a dedicated Series category, and a Series Essentials spotlight.
Revolutionizing Podcast Discovery
The Top Series chart, a first of its kind in the industry, showcases the top 100 serialized podcasts on the platform. This continuously updated ranking provides listeners with a curated space to discover trending narrative shows while recognizing the creators behind these popular series.
Ben Cave, Apple’s global head of Podcasts, emphasized the impact of serialized podcasts, stating, “They are the stories we can’t stop thinking about and are talking about even years later”.
Enhancing Listener Experience
Series Category
Complementing the new chart is the Series category, designed to enhance the discoverability of narrative podcasts. This dedicated space within the Apple Podcasts app aims to simplify the exploration process for listeners seeking their next binge-worthy series.
Series Essentials
Perhaps the most intriguing addition is the Series Essentials feature. Each month, Apple Podcasts editors will select one outstanding series that exemplifies masterful storytelling, artistic excellence, and exceptional craft. In a unique twist, the chosen series will be presented entirely ad-free on Apple Podcasts during its featured month, offering listeners an uninterrupted storytelling experience.
Inaugural Selection: “Ghost Story”
The inaugural Series Essential selection is “Ghost Story,” a compelling narrative from Wondery and Audacy’s Pineapple Street Studios. Hosted by journalist Tristan Redman, the series blends true crime, personal narrative, and historical storytelling.
Redman expressed his excitement about the selection, saying, “After just a year, to be considered for this collection is special. We’re all after stories that pull us in. Long-form series podcasts do that; they deserve to be celebrated”.
Industry Reactions
The move by Apple Podcasts has garnered positive reactions from industry leaders:
- Jen Sargent, Wondery’s CEO, praised the initiative, stating, “Apple Podcasts’ Series Essentials are incredibly exciting and innovative as they shine a light on and celebrate these compelling stories, driving more discoverability and bringing in new audiences”.
- Rachel Maddow, host of popular series like “Bag Man” and “Ultra,” shared her perspective on the unique impact of podcast series: “There’s just something about a single story — one voice, a sustained narrative that builds from episode to episode and then to an ending. We’re wired to not just learn things this way, but to feel them, too”.
- Jad Abumrad, creator of renowned podcasts like Radiolab and Dolly Parton’s America, acknowledged the effort required to produce short series, stating, “Making a short series requires such a monumental amount of work and dedication that I must bow to the audio producers of the world who still do it”.
Impact on Creators and Listeners
These new features are expected to significantly impact both creators and listeners. For podcasters, the Top Series chart and Series Essentials spotlight offer increased visibility and recognition for their work. Listeners, on the other hand, will benefit from improved discoverability and the opportunity to enjoy selected series ad-free.
Looking Ahead
As the podcasting industry continues to evolve, Apple’s latest update demonstrates its commitment to supporting narrative storytelling and enhancing the listening experience. With series shows making up the majority of most-shared and top new podcasts each year, these new features are poised to meet the growing demand for high-quality, serialized content.
The launch of these features marks a significant milestone in Apple’s podcasting journey and sets a new standard for how narrative series are discovered and consumed. As listeners eagerly explore the new Top Series chart and anticipate each month’s Series Essentials selection, it’s clear that Apple Podcasts is not just keeping pace with the industry but actively shaping its future.