The Guardian's 'Strange Bird' introduces a new web-based audio player for mobile and desktop screens that offers an enhanced listening—and visual—and experience.
While podcasts are primarily thought of as audio-only forms of entertainment, Strange Bird introduces a new format that challenges this. The experimental audio player boasts a chat-style interface that is highly engaging, especially as users are able to receive everything from charts and GIFs to external links that support the listening experience.
Strange Bird, hosted by Guardian US data editor Mona Chalabi, is described as "a show about the numbers that shape our lives." In the first episode of the podcast series, Strange Bird explores the experience of miscarriage. Future episodes of the show are also set to tackle experiences that can be challenging to discuss in public.
Chat-Style Interactive Podcasts
The Guardian's Strange Bird is Enhanced with Charts, GIFs & Links
Trend Themes
1. Enhanced Audio Experience - The enhanced audio player with visual elements in Strange Bird opens up opportunities for immersive storytelling and engaging user experiences.
2. Multimedia Podcast Formats - The chat-style interactive format in Strange Bird creates a space for podcasts to incorporate various multimedia elements, providing a new way for content creators to engage with their audience.
3. Data-driven Podcasts - With Strange Bird focusing on exploring numbers that shape our lives, there is potential for data-driven podcasts to gain popularity and offer unique insights across various topics.
Industry Implications
1. Podcasting Industry - The podcasting industry could leverage the interactive podcast format to expand its offerings and attract a wider audience by providing more immersive and interactive content.
2. Media & Journalism - Media and journalism industries can incorporate interactive audio formats like Strange Bird to enhance storytelling, engage their audience, and deliver news and information in an innovative way.
3. Health and Wellbeing Industry - The health and wellbeing industry can explore data-driven podcasts, similar to Strange Bird, to provide informative and engaging content on sensitive topics that are often difficult to discuss openly.