September was a big month in podcasting as new services launched, new features were added to already-existing services, and podcasting continued to grow. On this episode of the Q’d Up Podcast on Podcasting, John Luckenbaugh and Matthew Stevens take a closer look at some of the latest podcast news, including some new releases and what they’ll mean for independent podcasters.

From the new features iOS 15 brings to Apple Podcasts and Captivate improving, to the IAB refreshing its taxonomy; September was a month to remember.

Listen as John and Matt discuss September’s podcast news: 

Apple Podcasts speeding along (2:31)

You can now zip through a podcast at 1.25-times normal speed on Apple Podcasts, allowing people to listen to even more podcasts. But are you actually able to comprehend the information you’re hearing at that speed? Matt and John wonder just how many people speed up their playback and how many of those users actually digested what they heard.

Apple iCloud Private Relay (8:40)

Among the new features Apple released with the latest version of iOS 15 was the iCloud Private Relay. Matt breaks down what that actually is and the guys discuss Bryan Barletta’s closer look at the impact it could have on podcasting.

IAB refreshes content taxonomy (13:21)

As more money pours into podcasting and other forms of digital media, advertisers apparently want more granular options. The IAB -- the foundation that is helping to set the technical standards behind digital media and advertising -- refreshed its content taxonomy, breaking down news content into different subsections for contextual advertising while adding new categories that should help the medium.

Captivate releases a new web player (17:54)

Podcast hosting platform, Captivate, continues to elevate the podcast game. Among a new slate of features they’re rolling out is a new web player. John and Matt break down all the changes and how they’ll help independent podcasters who use the platform.

Podcast management software (24:22)

For podcasters that are struggling with the process of creating and publishing content consistently, PodMatch has your back with a new service. PodcastSOP is a new service that is hoping to make your life easier by creating task lists. John and Matt took a tour of PodcastSOP and give their thoughts on how useful it could be.

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Links from the show:

Inside Radio - Apple Podcasts adds a new playback speed option

Sounds Profitable - A real-time look at Apple’s Private Relay