MegaMaker - Is this going to ruin podcasting?

​

Hi friends,

Podcasting is an interesting ecosystem. It's been growing "slow & steady" for decades.

As we enter 2021, and the burgeoning "creator economy" starts to take off, I wanted to take a look at podcasting, venture capital, and how big money can ruin an ecosystem.

Here's a summary of my thoughts:

• Many participants and investors are acting as if podcasting is bigger than it really is
• VCs and bigger companies in search of "the next YouTube" fundamentally misunderstand podcasting's growth curve
• Investors are way too bullish on Spotify's strategy
• Social audio apps (like Clubhouse and Twitter Spaces) won't replace podcasting, and won't gain widespread use

VCs are always hungry for there to be a "centralized platform" where "discovery, consumption, and monetization can happen in the same place."

That desire serves no one but VCs and the centralized platform.

One centralized platform = bad for creators.

Currently, many creators have leverage because they own the connection with their audience. YouTubers don't have that. They're at the whim of the algorithm and monetization gods.

Trading leverage for "more distribution" is like making a deal with the devil. The devil always wins.

Anyway, if you're interested, you can read the whole thing here.

Reply and let me know what you think!

Cheers,
Justin Jackson
​@mijustin​

​

Want to start a podcast in 2021?​
​Here's a coupon for Transistor.fm​