Podcast intelligence platform Podchaser reports that its AI-driven Collections+ targeting tool has enabled 24% more Acast podcast creators to monetize their content in its first year of operation. 

The company attributes this increase to enhanced targeting verticals that improve advertisers’ ability to discover podcast audiences matching their campaign requirements.

Launched last year, Collections+ addresses a mismatch in podcast advertising spend. 

According to combined data from Podchaser and Magellan AI, 44% of U.S. podcast advertising investments in 2023 went to the top 500 shows, accounting for only 12% of monthly reach. This suggests advertisers were missing 88% of addressable podcast audiences.

Since its introduction, Podchaser states that Collections+ has more than doubled the number of verticals in which the average show appears, adding over 4,000 to sales verticals. This expansion has resulted in half of all advertising buys for Acast utilizing Collections+ in the first half of 2024.

The tool uses data from various sources, including hosting platforms, Podchaser’s first-party data, Apple Podcasts and Spotify category and chart data, IAB categories, surveys, and transcriptions. AI models synthesize this data to sort podcasts into refined verticals for targeted advertising campaigns.

Collections+ allows Podchaser to be at the forefront of industry change and provide consistency and confidence to planners and buyers in their ability to achieve their advertising goals in times of change, Podchaser CEO Bradley Davis said in a press release.

Acast CBO Greg Glenday noted that an audience-first approach to podcast buying is essential, and Collections+ has helped connect more advertisers with engaged podcast audiences.

Podchaser offers Collections+ to any hosting provider, ad platform, or marketplace in the podcasting industry that wants to enhance advertisers’ targeting offerings.