To break the ice, I asked a simple question: Who here has listened to audio today? Almost every hand went up, followed by a ripple of knowing laughter.

It was a small moment that captured the bigger story. Audio has moved far beyond background noise. It is woven into daily life, the soundtrack for commutes, workouts, and quiet moments at home. Listeners are already all in. The challenge now is ensuring advertising investment reflects that reality.

Digital Audio Growth Outpaces Ad Spend

In my opening remarks, I shared a snapshot of where the UK audio market stands today. Listener habits are surging, but advertising spend has not kept pace.

• 70% of UK listeners (especially younger audiences) now consume digital audio daily on connected devices.
• Smart speakers are spreading, podcast listening continues to grow, and in-car integrations are making audio more seamless than ever.
• Budgets are still catching up. Although audio accounts for just 5% of total ad spend, according to the Q1 2025 Edison Share of Ear, and digital audio only 1.8%, according to a 2025 eMarketer forecast, the growth potential is enormous. Listener growth is outpacing investment, creating new opportunities for brands.

Panel: Programmatic Audio – The Rise, the Reality, and What’s Next

Our first panel, moderated by Rowan Hamill, Director of Business Development at AdsWizz, explored the shift toward programmatic buying. The panel tackled how automation is reshaping audio and what it really means for agencies, advertisers, and listeners.

Participants:

• Martyn Searles, AV Business Director, Hearts & Science
• Dave Ajumobi, Programmatic Lead, Two Circles
• Nadia Holmes, Head of Business Development, audioXI
• Libby Watling, Senior Account Director, Walk-in Media

The panel left no doubt: programmatic is the future. Agencies are embracing it for its scalability, efficiency, and simplified workflows. Even the skeptics agreed that media buying is moving in one direction.

Programmatic advertising adds flexibility, simplifies reporting, and enables campaigns to run across multiple formats in a single plan. Agencies have been clear in their demand for standardized measurement and streamlined workflows that make buying audio as seamless as display or video.

Fireside Chat: Podcast Targeting Buyers Can Trust

This session focused on podcasting, highlighting how the medium sits at the intersection of culture and commerce and why advertisers must approach it with authenticity.

Participants:

• Thema Archer, Senior Account Executive, EU Marketplace Partnerships at AdsWizz
• Renay Richardson, Founder & CEO, Broccoli Productions

Thema and Renay emphasized the power of independent podcasts to reach tightly knit communities built on trust. These shows give brands access to audiences mainstream channels cannot touch. Authenticity is essential: host-read ads resonate because they carry the creator’s credibility, and when brands integrate naturally into content, conversions follow.

While the UK still trails the US in monetization, programmatic buying is helping close the gap. Podcasts are more than a media channel. They are cultural launchpads, and AdsWizz is helping advertisers scale their investment with confidence.

Panel: Finding Your Brand’s Voice – Reaching Niche Audiences Through Digital Audio Targeting

Next, we turned to targeting. Moderated by Lindsay Lynch, Senior Director of Business Development at AdsWizz, this panel explored how digital audio enables brands to speak to the right audiences in smarter, more efficient ways.

Participants:

• Rachel Holsgrove, Director of Digital Operations, Octave
• Dave Ayre, Managing Partner, Programmatic, Dentsu
• Katriona Connely, Global Media Lead, Publicis Media
• Mike Murray, Head of Programmatic, OMD EMEA

Traditional radio still misses large swathes of listeners. Programmatic fills those gaps with richer data such as device type, IP, and commuting behavior.

Panelists noted that podcast content moves fast, which makes brand safety and suitability top of mind for advertisers. That’s why AdsWizz has built solutions designed to provide the transparency, control, and confidence brands need to invest in audio at scale. This topic gets explored further in the final session, which examines how advertisers can balance brand safety, scale, and authenticity.

Panel: The New Rules of Podcasting

The final session of the day asked what has changed in podcasting and how advertisers should adapt as the medium continues to evolve. Moderated by Guy Taylor, Director of Business Development at AdsWizz, this conversation focused on balancing brand safety, scale, and authenticity.

Participants:

• Tyler Clarke-Richards, Programmatic Account Manager, MG OMD
• Kate Cooper, Activation Director (AV), the7stars
• Pia de Giorgis, Associate Director, Connected Performance, OMD
• Dimana Zaharieva, Programmatic AdTech Solutions Manager, Acast

The panelists stressed the tension between brand safety and creativity. Content evolves fast, so strict controls rarely keep up, while over-targeting can fragment campaigns and stunt reach. The message was clear that podcasts thrive on authenticity. Overly complex classification risks stripping away what makes them effective. Buyers should favor simplicity, accept some unpredictability, and keep scale intact without choking creativity.

Closing the Gap

At AudioDays London 2025, the conversations showed where AdsWizz can make the biggest impact. Listeners are already deeply invested in audio, and advertisers have a clear opportunity to match that engagement. With trusted technologies and strategies, AdsWizz is enabling global brands to turn audience demand into measurable results.

Here are the priorities that emerged:

• Prioritize education by simplifying messaging around programmatic audio, targeting, and measurement so agencies understand the value clearly.
• Lean into curation and step into the driver’s seat. Buyers can now gain the transparency, control, and trust they already leverage in display and video.
• Leverage AI thoughtfully by showing how it creates efficiencies in targeting, identity resolution, and creative personalization while maintaining authenticity.
• Lead in measurement by advocating for standardized, cross-channel metrics that are both credible and easy to compare.
• Adopt a format-agnostic mindset. Audio podcasting remains the foundation, but video and multimedia can amplify reach, depth, and engagement.

These are not distant goals. Programmatic, smarter targeting, AI-driven efficiencies, and podcast monetization are tools AdsWizz is already delivering to help advertisers connect with audiences where they are today.

• Check out the full presentation here.
• Ready to amplify your audio investment? Connect with an AdsWizz audio expert.
• Look out for Audio Days Paris 2025 for more insights and conversations on the future of digital audio!

by Ollie Chadwick, Regional Director, UK & Ireland

The post Audio Days London 2025: Closing the Gap Between Audio and Investment appeared first on AdsWizz.

Audio is how people start their mornings, stay motivated at the gym, and discover new perspectives through podcasts. It’s one of the most personal forms of media. Yet it still doesn’t receive the same level of advertising investment as video or social platforms — even though it commands nearly a quarter of consumer media time.

At AdsWizz, we see that gap as an enormous opportunity, with adtech as the secret sauce that unlocks audio’s full potential.

Personalization That Actually Matters

Every listener is different, which is exactly why audio is so powerful. For audio industry leaders like SiriusXM Media, with 170M listeners generating billions of interactions each year, the question isn’t whether data exists. The question is how to put it to work in a way that feels useful, not intrusive.

That’s where advanced identity frameworks, clean room integrations, and AI-driven contextual targeting—and AdWizz—come in. These tools make it possible to treat people as individuals, not just “listeners.” The result is an ad experience that feels less like an interruption and more like a natural extension of whatever someone is doing. That might mean picking up a podcast on the morning run, tuning into live sports in the car, or winding down with music at home.

Taking the Complexity Out of Scale

Moments with digital audio happen everywhere: in cars, on phones, through smart speakers, and across hundreds of publishers. For advertisers, that fragmentation has always made scale feel messy.

Our job is to make it simple. With AdsWizz, brands can tap into SiriusXM Media’s full portfolio, from streaming and satellite to podcasts, through a single transaction. That means fewer silos, less manual work, and more time for marketers to do what they do best: craft campaigns that connect.

Finally, Measuring What Matters

For too long, audio has been undervalued because advertisers believed it was hard to measure, often due to traditional broadcast metrics that didn’t capture the true return audio delivers. That’s changing quickly.

SiriusXM Media is closing the gap between listening and outcomes. From cross-platform ad data feeds to partnerships with Innovid and the IAB Tech Lab, the company is making audio measurable, transparent, and trustworthy. As audio proves its strength in ROI, that progress matters for marketers who need to show results.

Up Your Adtech With AdsWizz

The future of audio advertising is already taking shape, and it looks like this:

• Data-driven precision grounded in identity and insights
• Personalized experiences tuned to context, behavior, and device
• Unified buying across platforms and partners
• Transparent measurement that proves ROI

This isn’t a theory. It’s what we’re building every day. Whether you want to reach commuters in connected cars, podcast superfans, or cross-platform audiences at scale, AdsWizz is the technology foundation that makes it possible.

Time to Build Your Campaigns With Audio

Audio isn’t just having a moment. It’s changing how brands connect with people. With the right technology in place, it’s proving its value as a powerful part of the media mix. At AdsWizz, we’re here to help brands build that future. 

Ready to get started? Contact us today!

The post Built With Adtech: The Future of Digital Audio Advertising appeared first on AdsWizz.

For AdsWizz, it was a chance to present new innovations, highlight partnerships, and explore the future of audio with agencies, brands, and platforms.

Driving Real Personalization With Dynamic Creatives and Synthetic Voice

A highlight for me was presenting Dynamic Creatives with Synthetic Voice. This solution was designed to take the complexity out of personalization in audio. A single script can now be transformed into multiple natural-sounding versions in minutes, shaped by contextual signals like weather, time of day, location, music genre, or device type. 

Its real strength is accessibility. Marketers can generate voiceovers instantly, select from a range of vocal styles, and refine creative without costly or time-consuming studio sessions. Background tracks can be layered automatically, and previews tested before launch, ensuring every variation feels authentic and polished.

The audience reaction echoed what we are already hearing across the market. Personalization in audio has often felt out of reach, and being able to demonstrate a simpler path forward sparked real engagement. Many of the questions focused on how quickly campaigns could be adapted once live and how contextual triggers could work alongside existing targeting strategies.

A Fireside Chat With SoundCloud

AdsWizz hosted a fireside chat between Taeko Matamaru, Business Development Director of Demand at AdsWizz, and Patricia Claper, Senior Manager of Ad Partnerships at SoundCloud. Their conversation highlighted what makes SoundCloud unique: it’s both a home for creators and a community for fans, positioning it as a launchpad for emerging voices and cultural trends.

They discussed how brands can join this ecosystem in ways that feel natural to listeners. Promoted tracks let advertisers align their messaging with music discovery, turning ads into part of the journey rather than a disruption. A collaboration with Under Armour illustrated this approach, connecting the brand with audiences by amplifying new artists and fueling discovery.

The takeaway was clear: SoundCloud gives brands a role in culture creation, not just media placement. To succeed, advertisers must support artists and enhance the experience instead of interrupting it. Done well, these partnerships help brands build credibility with younger, trend-setting audiences.

Trends Shaping the Future of Audio

DMEXCO 2025 revealed shifts that are already reshaping the market. These are not distant signals but changes unfolding now. The brands that adapt quickly will define the next phase of audio. 

For me, three forces in particular are setting new expectations for audio advertising:

• Programmatic audio is crossing the tipping point: Once a test channel, it is becoming the default buying model. Brands that delay building programmatic expertise will struggle to keep pace as efficiency and accountability become standard.
• Authenticity is brand currency: Younger audiences, especially Gen Z, reward advertisers who respect listening culture and collaborate with creators. Inauthentic approaches erode trust quickly.
• Personalization is now the baseline: Real-time adaptation to context, mood, or environment is no longer optional. Tools like Dynamic Creatives with Synthetic Voice are setting a new standard for relevance.

The Path Forward for Audio

DMEXCO 2025 left no doubt that audio is driving digital innovation. It is measurable, flexible, and creative, while still holding on to what makes it unique with its intimacy, authenticity, and emotional pull.

At AdsWizz, we are building the infrastructure that helps brands, creators, and audiences thrive together. The next chapter will be shaped by those ready to embrace authenticity, experiment with personalization, and lean into programmatic scale.

Want to learn more about how audio advertising can work for your brand?

Contact us today to explore AdsWizz solutions and see what’s possible.

by Frank Kretzschmar, Head of DACH/Nordics

The post AdsWizz at DMEXCO 2025: Audio Steps Into Its Next Chapter appeared first on AdsWizz.

For AdsWizz and SiriusXM Media, this was our moment to show how far podcasting has come and where it’s going next.

Powering the Future of Multichannel Podcast Networks

On Tuesday morning, Anne Frisbie, SVP, Global Enterprise Business at AdsWizz, joined Gabe Tartaglia, VP, Sales Podcasting & Satellite at SiriusXM Media, and Josh Weinstein, Co-Founder and CEO of Sonoro. The conversation cut right to the core of what everyone in Dallas was feeling: Podcasting is no longer just audio. Listeners are finding their favorite shows on YouTube, sharing moments on TikTok, attending live tapings, and subscribing to bonus content.

From Audio-Only to Video and Social Integration

Gabe spoke candidly about what this shift has meant for SiriusXM Media. They had to rethink their go-to-market strategy, build ad products for video and social media, and invest in studios designed for creators who are visual-first. Josh described Sonoro’s role as bridging creators with Fortune 500 brands, giving talent the tools to scale without losing their voice. Anne underscored AdsWizz’s responsibility to evolve alongside creators, pointing to Simplecast’s new YouTube integration and expanded analytics as just the beginning.

The honesty in that session was refreshing. Agencies are still siloed, with audio and digital teams separated, and the industry is learning in real time how to sell across platforms. But there was no mistaking the momentum. As Anne put it, “Audio plus YouTube equals a greater good.”

From Casuals to Superfans: How Katie Nolan Built a Podcast for Every Sports Fan (and Brand)

That afternoon, the spotlight turned to Katie Nolan, Emmy Award–winning sports personality and host of the podcast Casuals, who reminded us why storytelling is still at the heart of this medium. In a Q&A moderated by Marissa Rives, Senior Director of Sports Podcasts at SiriusXM Media, Katie explained that her show resonates not because it is about sports, but because it is about people who happen to like sports “a normal amount.” She described how blending culture, humor, and heart creates deeper connections than stats or play-by-play commentary ever could.

Why Trust and Authenticity Drive Brand Success

Katie also gave brands in the room a bit of a masterclass. Integration works best when it feels like part of the conversation, not a billboard dropped into it. Her fans trust her, and that trust extends to the brands she chooses to partner with.

How Brands and Agencies Are Adapting to Podcast Growth

Some of the most revealing conversations happened outside the mainstage. In our private meeting spaces and at events like the publisher dinner hosted by Anne Frisbie, the themes kept circling back to one thing: relationships.

Breaking Down Agency Silos in the Creator Economy

Agencies may be wrestling with structure, but clients themselves are more hands-on than ever. They are eager to collaborate directly with hosts, looking for true brand integration. As Josh from Sonoro put it, “The magic happens in the green room.” That idea resonated everywhere I went. Growth in this industry is being driven not just by technology, but by trust built through face-to-face interactions.

Not a Breaking Point, but a Breakthrough for Podcasting

The takeaway was clear: Podcasting is not at a breaking point. It is entering a new chapter with more scale, better ROI, and a lower barrier to entry for brands. The upcoming SiriusXM Media Podcast Trends Report will provide clearer insights into how to future-proof campaigns, giving brands a roadmap to stay ahead of shifts and make smarter advertising decisions. For those investing in podcasting, it will be a must-read resource.

Podcast Advertising Trends to Watch in 2025

A few themes rose above the rest in Dallas:

• Multiplatform podcasting is the new normal: Creators are building across audio, video, social, and live events, and the tech is finally catching up.
• Authenticity drives advertising success: Listeners reward hosts who integrate brands naturally into their storytelling.
• Agencies must evolve: Buyers are still siloed, but clients themselves are increasingly hands-on and eager for direct partnerships.
• Global scale is accelerating: Advertisers are no longer thinking in single markets but across borders.
• Debates will continue, but growth is certain: From measurement to distribution, there are challenges, but the trajectory is upward.

Closing Thoughts on Podcast Movement 2025

Podcasting has become a cultural force. But at its core, it’s still about connection: creators and fans, brands and audiences, technology and storytelling.

For AdsWizz, the work and excitement lie in building the tools that strengthen and make those connections more meaningful. Coming out of Dallas, it’s clear to me that the next chapter of podcasting will be bigger, bolder, and more global than anything we’ve seen before. And I’m proud that we have a hand in shaping it.

Looking to grow across platforms, reach new audiences, or sharpen your brand’s story? Let’s talk.

by Aimi Knowling, Senior Manager, Sales Marketing

The post Podcast Movement 2025: Key Trends Shaping the Future of Podcast Advertising appeared first on AdsWizz.

From presenting Infinite Dial UK 2025 with Edison Research to the incredible conversations across the floor, it was clear how quickly this industry is evolving. AdsWizz’s Rowan Hamil shared sharp insights during the Brands & Advertisers panel, and Anne Frisbie brought valuable perspective in Podcast Programmatic Buying: What’s Changed and Where the Future is Headed. For brands, agencies, and publishers, now is the time to act.

Want a glimpse of what it felt like to be there? Watch this highlight reel from our time at Podcast Show 2025.

Here’s what stood out to me and why it matters for where podcasting is going next.

1. Podcasting Has Moved Into the Mainstream

The Infinite Dial UK laid it out clearly. Nearly 90 percent of UK adults now know what a podcast is. More than 33 million people have listened to one. Crucially though, monthly podcast consumption has jumped from 41 percent to 51 percent since 2021.

That is not just growth. It is full adoption. Podcasting has gone from an emerging channel to a daily habit. The brands that still see it as experimental are missing the bigger picture. This is no longer a niche format. It is part of the mainstream media diet.

2. Programmatic Podcast Buying Is Already Here

During AdsWizz’s panel on the future of programmatic buying, I didn’t hear questions like “why programmatic” or “is this scalable.” I heard case studies, best practices, and smart discussions around optimization and audience targeting.

We are seeing programmatic become the norm, not the alternative. Advertisers are using dynamic creative and real-time signals to build campaigns that perform. At AdsWizz, we work with brands every day that want to pair innovation with control. That is exactly what programmatic offers.

3. Podcasts Are Becoming Visual and Changing the Game

Podcasts today are something you watch, share, and experience—not just listen to.

This one surprised a lot of people. Nearly half of UK podcast consumers now watch podcasts as well as listen. That means the podcast format is no longer just about audio. It is about storytelling across screens and platforms.

The smartest brands are thinking in visuals as well as voices. They are creating campaigns that live across audio feeds, video clips, and social platforms. That is where engagement is heading, and podcasting is meeting the moment.

4. Discovery Is Expanding Across More Channels

Podcast discovery used to be a top charts game, only through whichever App the listener used. Now it happens in the scroll, the feed, the inbox, and the friend group. It is nonlinear, unpredictable, and packed with potential. 

This means content needs to be built for adaptability. Can your show or your campaign stand out on social? Does your creative grab attention in six seconds? Are you present where listeners spend time? These are the questions that will shape how shows grow and how ads connect. But let’s not lose sight of the fact that podcasting is still very much an audio-first medium.

5. The Real Power Lies in the Data

Smarter data is turning audio from a content format into a business strategy. Pictured here: Ollie Chadwick, Regional Director, UK & Ireland at AdsWizz.

I kept hearing one theme at the show. Brands want to know what is working and why. It is not enough to launch campaigns. They want proof. They want insights. And they want action.

That is where podcasting shines when done right. At AdsWizz, we see what happens when brands use advanced analytics and attribution to shape smarter campaigns. Data turns podcasting from a creative channel into a strategic one.

Rowan Hamil’s panel underlined this shift toward outcomes-based audio advertising. She highlighted the growing adoption of contextual targeting, which now accounts for 60 percent of all targeting on AdsWizz. With technologies like AI-powered transcription and predictive audiences, advertisers can deliver more relevant messages without relying on intrusive tracking. Tools like Synthetic Voice Ads are also lowering barriers for small businesses to enter the space.

So, Where Do We Go From Here?

The Podcast Show London 2025 was more than a celebration. It was a signal. This industry is scaling up. The stories are getting bigger. The tech is getting smarter. The audience is growing deeper. For me, it confirmed that this is a space where creative and performance live side by side. Brands are becoming bolder. Listeners are more engaged than ever. And the opportunities are wide open.

I am proud that AdsWizz is not just showing up at this moment for podcasts. We are helping to shape it. If you’re thinking about what’s next for your brand in podcasting, the time to act is now. The future is already unfolding—and those who lead will define it.

• Curious about how your brand can run smarter podcast campaigns or tap into the power of programmatic audio? Let’s talk!
• Don’t forget to download The Infinite Dial UK 2025.

by Ollie Chadwick, Regional Director, UK & Ireland

The post The Podcast Show 2025: Five Shifts That Signal Where Podcasting Is Headed appeared first on AdsWizz.

As presenters for AdsWizz, we took things a step further this year. It wasn’t just about getting people excited about buying audio. We showed how brands can unlock their full potential by buying programmatically.

Audio Is Everywhere and It’s Deeply Personal

One of the most powerful things about audio is how effortlessly it fits into everyday life. Whether it’s a morning news briefing, an evening podcast, or a workout playlist, audio is there throughout the day. It doesn’t interrupt or compete for attention—it just fits naturally.

That presence gives brands a unique opportunity to engage with people in personal, meaningful ways. You’re not forcing a message into a scroll. You’re entering a space where people are actively listening, and in the case of podcasts, where they are leaned in and open to suggestions or learning about something new.

During our presentation, we shared a few data points that stood out:

• 70% of people in the UK listen to digital audio weekly
• Digital audio reach has grown 43% since 2018
• The average listener spends 2 hours and 34 minutes a day with digital audio

Despite high levels of engagement, audio still lags behind other media channels when it comes to ad spend. It makes up 21.4% of media time but receives only 9% of digital ad budgets. That gap points to a clear opportunity. Buying audio programmatically is one of the smartest and most efficient ways to close it.

The Value of Programmatic Audio

We focused our session on how programmatic advertising brings efficiency, flexibility, and smarter targeting to the audio space. It’s more than automating delivery, it’s about elevating the entire campaign experience for both brands and listeners. When used effectively, programmatic audio gives advertisers a way to connect in ways that are timely and relevant, without disrupting the listening experience.

The advantages are clear:

• Targeting based on real-time behavior, context of the podcast the listener is tuning in to, and demographics like age/gender
• Optimization throughout the campaign based on performance insights
• Delivery across streaming music, podcasts, and digital radio
• You leverage Dynamic Creative Optimization (DCO) to personalize messages to fit the moment and format

Bringing It to Life With Bwin

To illustrate how this all works in practice, we shared a recent case study in partnership with Bwin, a leading sports betting brand. The objective was to boost brand recognition among podcast listeners in Germany during the Euros. 

Our team used programmatic tools to target people who regularly tuned into sports podcasts, as well as any podcast that was talking about the Euros, whether it be a news or comedy or sports podcast. The ads featured upbeat music, clear messaging, and repeated brand mentions, all tailored to resonate with Bwin’s audience. This campaign showed that with the right mix of creative, context, and targeting, audio can deliver strong, measurable impact.

The results were significant:

• A 20-point lift in brand awareness across the exposed audience
• A 15-point lift among individuals who regularly attend live sporting events

What We Heard on the Ground

After our session, audience members came up to continue the conversation, making it clear that audio is earning a bigger seat at the table in media strategy discussions.

Several themes came up repeatedly:

• Surprise at how advanced programmatic audio has become
• Curiosity around scaling campaigns across multiple markets
• Interest in new creative formats and smarter measurement models

What Comes Next

The future of audio is already here. With engaged listeners and proven technology, brands are ready to create more meaningful experiences. We’re proud that AdsWizz is helping lead the way, as both a sponsor of this event and a trusted partner to those shaping what comes next. Thank you to everyone who joined us. We’re excited to keep the conversation going.

Ready to take your audio strategy to the next level? Reach out to our team to explore how programmatic audio can elevate your campaigns.

by Lindsay Lynch & Rowan Hamill, Business Development Directors

The post Tuning Into Tomorrow: Reflections on The Future of Audio and Entertainment 2025 appeared first on AdsWizz.

What Is the IAB Podcast Measurement Certification?

The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) is a global organization that helps define the rules and best practices for digital media and advertising. Its Podcast Measurement Certification ensures that platforms like ours follow consistent, standardized methods when measuring things like podcast downloads, listener activity, and ad impressions.

In short, it’s a mark of quality that gives everyone in the podcasting space—advertisers, publishers, creators, and listeners—greater confidence in the data they rely on.

Why Certification Matters to Advertisers and Publishers

It builds trust. Whether you’re running a podcast, buying ad space, or analyzing campaign performance, IAB certification means the numbers you see from AdsWizz are not only accurate but also aligned with industry-wide standards.

It future-proofs your growth. The podcast industry continues to evolve rapidly. By staying up to date with the latest IAB guidelines, we make sure our tools and reporting evolve with it—so you can grow confidently.

Accurate, standardized data unlocks major benefits:

• Improved credibility: Certified data boosts confidence with buyers and partners, positioning podcast publishers as reliable and professional.
• Attracting premium advertisers: Demonstrating real audience engagement makes it easier to command higher CPMs and build stronger relationships.
• Optimized performance: Advertisers can measure and improve campaigns; publishers can fine-tune strategies for better results.
• Greater transparency: Trustworthy metrics help everyone understand what’s really working, removing guesswork from the equation.
• Stronger audience insights: Precise data reveals listening habits and engagement patterns, informing content and ad strategies.

Beyond the Badge

Achieving IAB Podcast Measurement Certification Version 2.2 wasn’t just about meeting a checklist—it was about validating the integrity of our data at every level. From how we define a download to how we attribute ad impressions, every step of our methodology was tested against the latest IAB standards. The result: Measurement you can rely on, backed by proven processes.

More importantly, this certification reinforces what we stand for: delivering transparent, consistent insights that help the entire podcasting ecosystem thrive. Whether you’re a publisher expanding your reach or a brand maximizing ROI, you can move forward with confidence, knowing your decisions are grounded in trusted data.

• Curious about how IAB certification works and why it matters? Visit the IAB Tech Lab to explore the Podcast Measurement Certification Program.
• Let us know if you’d like to dive deeper into how these updates benefit your business or creative.

The post AdsWizz Is Certified With IAB Podcast Measurement 2.2 appeared first on AdsWizz.

For publishers, the insights shared were more than just ideas—they served as a roadmap for success in the fast-moving world of audio advertising.

The post AdsWizz Global Publisher Summit Recap appeared first on AdsWizz.

On February 11, 2025, AdsWizz Audio Days Milan brought together brands, agencies, and media professionals to explore the rapidly evolving world of digital audio advertising. Featuring market-shaping data, bold discussions, and real-world case studies, the event served as a launchpad for the future of digital audio.

If you missed out, don’t worry. We’ve got all the highlights right here!

State of the Union

 

Digital Audio Market Trends

Italy is emerging as a European leader in digital audio consumption and its fast-growing digital audio market presents a massive opportunity for brands to connect with highly engaged audiences. Andrea Lamperti, Senior Advisor at Osservatorio Internet Media, and Francesco Paolo Tarallo, Head of Partnerships and Business Development at Mediamond, took the stage to explore the key trends driving this rapid shift.

• Podcast listening has surged, with more brands investing in original podcast content to drive engagement.
• AI-driven ad personalization is making audio campaigns more precise than ever.
• With third-party data disappearing, privacy-focused targeting is becoming essential.

How Digital Audio Supercharges Multichannel Marketing

Brands that overlook audio in their marketing strategies risk losing engagement and conversions. Modern marketing isn’t about choosing between channels—it’s about seamless integration for a connected customer experience.

Moderated by Giuseppe Accardo, Senior Sales Manager at AdsWizz, this panel explored how digital audio enhances multichannel strategies, making campaigns more engaging and data-driven. The discussion reinforced that audio is no longer a standalone medium—when integrated effectively, it amplifies a brand’s entire marketing mix.

Paolo Artioli, Head of Audio at Dentsu; Sebastiano Vissani, Head of Digital Audio at OMD; and Riccardo Tacchetto, Digital Project & Campaign Manager at Officina.Tech then shared insights on how brands can leverage audio alongside other digital channels to improve engagement and maximize advertising impact.

• Digital audio boosts brand recall and engagement when paired with video, social, and display.
• Programmatic audio is unlocking hyper-targeted, personalized ad experiences.
• First-party data is now a critical asset for brands looking to maximize ad effectiveness.

Digital Audio Innovation in Action: Corona’s Game-Changing Audio Campaign

Nothing showcases the power of digital audio better than real-world success stories. AdsWizz’s Giuseppe Accardo and Nelsi Xhemalaj, Campaign Manager, Tangoo Media, took the audience through Corona’s groundbreaking campaign, which used geo-targeted audio ads to deliver real-time surf reports. 

The session demonstrated how dynamic creative optimization (DCO) is transforming personalized advertising, proving that well-timed, data-driven audio ads can create hyper-personalized experiences that deeply resonate with audiences.

• 751,000 real-time surf reports turned into engaging ad experiences.
• Geo-targeting ensured ads reached only listeners within 15km of key beaches.
• A 2% increase in brand relevance showed the power of contextually relevant, dynamic creative.

The Optimal Use of Data and Targeting: Smarter Ads, Better Engagement

As consumer expectations evolve, brands that ignore data-driven audio advertising risk falling behind. With AI and first-party data shaping the future of marketing, those who adapt now will gain a critical edge. In an era of advertising saturation, precision targeting, and real-time personalization are essential to breaking through the noise. 

Moderated by Alexandre Obino, Senior Director of Client Strategy at AdsWizz, this session explored how AI-driven insights and audience segmentation are transforming ad relevance in digital audio. Francesco Paolo Tarallo, Head of Digital Marketing at Mediamond; Christina Pianura, CEO of Audioboost; and Fabio Rastelli, Head of Digital Audio at Teamradio shared their expertise on how brands can leverage data to maximize ad effectiveness and audience engagement.

• Real-time personalization is creating audio ads that feel natural and relevant.
• Behavioral and contextual targeting are driving stronger engagement and performance.
• Voice-activated ads are paving the way for interactive, hands-free brand engagement.

Digital Evolution Between Podcasts and New Audio Ecosystems

Podcasts provide authentic, long-form engagement, making them a powerful tool in an era of fragmented attention. No longer just another media format, they have become a cornerstone of modern marketing. Fausto Amorese, Director of Marketing at Radio24, shared the latest data on podcast growth and offered insights on how brands can harness this rapidly expanding medium to build deeper connections with their audiences.

• 620+ podcasts are created every month, according to Radio 24 podcasts available on its website, app, and major on-demand platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
• 8.5 million monthly listening sessions show sustained engagement, based on a combination of websites, apps, and third-party platforms.
• 19 million+ monthly audio ad impressions prove brands are doubling down on podcast ads.

Measuring Audio’s Real Impact: Brand Lift & Attribution

With advanced attribution tools, brands can now track engagement, conversions, and overall campaign performance with unprecedented precision. Measuring the impact of audio ads has long been a challenge, but innovations in attribution are changing that. AdsWizz’s Giuseppe Accardo and Alexandre Obino showcased how brands like Mazda and Kraken are leveraging AudioPixel and Veritonic to measure campaign effectiveness and prove ROI.

• Mazda’s campaign increased website visits by 293%.
• Kraken’s podcast ads boosted brand awareness by 17%.

Navigating the Sonic Identity Space

Privacy regulations are constantly evolving, requiring the industry to push beyond its comfort zone to stay innovative. Moderated by Morgane Peron, Director of Audience Data Operations at AdsWizz, this panel explored how organizations address privacy, compliance, and industry-wide collaboration to provide customer-centric solutions for publishers, buyers, and demand-side platforms. The discussion highlighted the importance of leveraging technology partners for streamlined compliance.

The panel featured Leone Fossati, Head of Solutions at UTIQ; Francesca Gabaglio, Addressable Strategy and Audience Lead at Kinesso; Davide Rosamilia, Vice President of Product at ID5; and Tommaso Scudiero, Lead Associate Account Director at The Trade Desk. Together, the group led an engaging conversation on privacy, technology, and omnichannel strategies for reaching audiences across multiple devices.

• Continued collaboration in the industry will be key to providing advanced strategies with 100% compliance to allow various partners (publishers, buyers, demand side) to achieve their goals.
• As audiences continue to engage in multiple ways across multiple devices, fully compliant, unified strategies are necessary to reach larger audiences across different channels and target at scale.
• First-party data is more important than ever. We need to create and maintain an environment that makes data transmission a seamless, fully compliant, and efficient experience on all sides.

Reflecting on AdsWizz Audio Days Milan 2025

AdsWizz Audio Days Milan 2025 showcased just how fast digital audio is evolving—and the opportunities it’s creating for brands, agencies, and publishers alike. From DCO to data identity solutions and podcast storytelling, one thing is clear: Audio is no longer just a supporting player in marketing—it’s leading the conversation. The future of audio is now—are you listening?

A huge thank you to all the speakers, panelists, and attendees who made AdsWizz Audio Days Milan 2025 an unforgettable experience.

by Aimi Knowling, Senior Manager, Sales Marketing

What’s Next?

• Want to dive deeper into AdsWizz Audio Days Milan 2025? Check out the presentation slides here.
• Looking to take your audio strategy to the next level? Reach out today and see how our platforms can enhance your campaigns!
• Stay tuned for upcoming events, content, and innovations from AdsWizz. Don’t forget to sign up for Frequency, our monthly newsletter. 
• Did you know we released a new industry report? Download The State of Audio Adech Report 2025.

The post AdsWizz Audio Days Milan 2025 Recap appeared first on AdsWizz.

Through a series of engaging panels and dynamic discussions, attendees walked away armed with fresh insights on how to supercharge campaign performance and expand their media strategies.

So, let’s break down each panel discussion and the must-know takeaways that are set to redefine the future of digital audio.

Opening Remarks to Set the Stage for Digital Audio’s Future

Speaker: Ollie Chadwick, AdsWizz, Regional Director, UK & Ireland, AdsWizz

The day began with a welcome from Ollie Chadwick, who outlined AdsWizz’s evolution and its role in shaping the digital audio landscape. He highlighted the steady rise of digital audio adoption in the UK and emphasized the growing importance of programmatic audio, noting its ability to reach audiences more effectively and cost-efficiently compared to traditional media.

Panel 1: Innovation and Testing in Audio

Moderator: Rowan Hamill, UK & Ireland, AdsWizz

• Wayne Bishop, Global Client Lead, Unilever
• Ridhi Jogia, Director AV Implementation, Essence Mediacom
• Alice Baines, Media Planning Business Director, OMD

The first panel, led by Rowan Hamill, examined how innovation is driving digital audio forward. The panelists highlighted the underutilized potential of programmatic audio, noting that despite strong engagement, it still receives limited marketing investment due to budget constraints.

• An underserved market opportunity: Even with digital audio’s rapid growth, brands continue to allocate less investment to it compared to video or social media. This session underscored the opportunity to gain market share by positioning audio as a key medium.
• Barriers to experimentation: Panelists pointed out that rigid budget structures limit opportunities for audio testing. They stressed that greater agency support and education could empower brands to invest confidently in innovative audio strategies.

Panel 2: Beyond Branding for Campaigns

Moderator: Lindsay Lynch, Director of Business Development, International, AdsWizz

• Brandon Lutz, Head of Offline & New Media, Miro 
• Andy Goldsmith, CEO, Adelicious
• Kat Bean, Head of Media, Wake the Bear
• Howard Bareham, Co-Founder, Trisonic

In the second session, moderated by Lindsay Lynch, the focus shifted to how brands can expand podcast advertising beyond traditional branding efforts to drive direct response outcomes. Panelists shared insights on how audio ads can connect with niche audiences and deliver measurable results, making audio a valuable tool for performance-based campaigns.

• Case study – Miro’s success in brand awareness: Brandon Lutz from Miro shared their recent experience using audio ads to drive an increase in brand awareness among key decision-makers in UX, marketing, and engineering roles. This case study illustrated how podcasts effectively communicate brand stories to targeted, high-intent audiences without requiring host-read formats.
• Diverse use cases for audio: Panelists discussed how brands can utilize data-driven audio ads for various objectives, from lead generation to customer acquisition. They emphasized the flexibility of programmatic audio to adapt to specific campaign goals, including B2B and B2C contexts.

Panel 3: Digital Audio in the Wider Media Mix

Moderator: Ollie Chadwick, AdsWizz, Regional Director, UK & Ireland, AdsWizz

• Thomas Balaam, Audio Trading Director, Mindshare UK
• Michael Bayston, VP Adtech Solutions, Acast
• Isobel Langley, Head of Agency, GroupM Nexus
• Patrick Dolan, Head of Audio & Display, the7stars

The final session explored how digital audio enhances multi-channel campaigns, with Ollie Chadwick leading a discussion on its role in broader media strategies.

• Audio as an amplifier: Panelists emphasized audio’s role as an amplifier, especially when paired with visual media like connected TV (CTV). The conversation touched on how combining programmatic audio with digital video can result in higher engagement and brand recall.
• Audience-driven strategy: Audio allows brands to reach audiences throughout the day across various touchpoints—whether during a morning jog, while commuting, or as they wind down in the evening. This flexibility makes audio a powerful tool for reaching consumers at different points in their journey.
• A cost-effective channel: With a lower CPM than many visual formats, audio offers a cost-effective way to increase reach and frequency within broader campaigns. This point resonated strongly with attendees, showcasing audio as a valuable channel in an increasingly budget-conscious media landscape.
• Digital audio’s versatility: Digital audio’s adaptability makes it an ideal complement to traditional media, providing unique advantages for brands aiming to diversify their media spend while engaging audiences in more immersive and meaningful ways.

Skip Ahead with AdsWizz

Audio Days London brought together digital audio’s leading voices and highlighted AdsWizz’s role in driving the digital audio industry forward and empowering brands to reach new heights.

Stay tuned for updates on our next Audio Days event, or contact us today if you wish to advance your audio strategy!

by Aimi Knowling, Senior Manager, Sales Marketing

The post Audio Days London Recap appeared first on AdsWizz.