# Premium Podcast Subscription Services Apple Announces a Monetized Overhaul to its Podcast App By Josh Thompson-Persaud | Published 2021-04-21 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-podcasts References: [techcrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2021/04/20/apple-unveils-podcast-subscriptions-and-a-redesigned-apple-podcasts-app/) & [apple](https://www.apple.com/apple-podcasts/) [Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/siriusxm) announced its new premium subscription service, Apple Podcasts, which will deliver curated podcast content completely ad-free. Put together to compete with [Spotify's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/synced-feeds) stranglehold on the market, Apple's redesigned platform will feature a mixture of free, premium, and freemium content to consumers. Apple Podcasts' premium subscription will allow access to podcasts hosted by prominent voices in news and content creation, including QCODE and [NPR](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lg-radio), as well as exclusive, additional content. The updated app has a fresh, clean look that makes it easy for consumers to search for and save their favorite content. With the Smart Play feature, the app will start serialized shows from the beginning and episodic shows from the latest episode catalyzing a smooth listening experience. Alongside user-side updates to Apple Podcasts, Apple also released several tools for podcast producers, which will make it easier for them to manage their shows and access valuable metadata, potentially inviting more content creators onto the platform. Image Credit: Apple ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 6% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [New Ventures](https://www.trendhunter.com/newventures) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Curated Podcast Content:** The demand for ad-free, premium, and freemium podcast content curated by the likes of QCODE and NPR opens a disruptive innovation opportunity for other streaming platforms to spruce up their existing services or introduce new ones. - **Smart Play Feature for Serialized Shows:** The Smart Play feature for starting serialized shows from the beginning and episodic shows from the latest episode could be a disruptive innovation opportunity for other streaming platforms to introduce similar features and provide convenient and personalized podcast experiences to listeners. - **Tools for Podcast Producers:** Apple's podcast producer tools introduce a disruptive innovation opportunity for providers to develop similar tools for podcast creators and streamline content management, promoting more content creators to generate high-quality podcasts. ### Where This Applies - **Podcast Streaming Platforms:** Podcast streaming platforms can leverage exclusive content deals with popular voices in news and content creation to offer a superior podcast experience to listeners. - **Audio Advertising:** With the rise of ad-free premium podcast content, audio advertising industries have an opportunity to develop innovative and engaging ad formats to reach listeners. - **Podcast Production Companies:** Podcast production companies can use Apple's producer tools to streamline content management, promote more creators, and generate high-quality podcasts at scale. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [In-App Podcasting Packages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/siriusxm.md) - [Premium Podcast Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/synced-feeds.md) - [Categorized Podcast Genres](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/podcasts-app.md) - [Platform Podcast Transcriptions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-podcast.md) - [Free Podcasting Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pocket-casts.md) - [Kid-Friendly Podcast Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wondery.md) - [Accessible Video Podcasts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/video-podcast.md) - [Premium Creator Subscription Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-creator-studio.md) - [Apple-Only Premium Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/setapp.md)