Apple reveals the Most Popular Podcasts of 2023 in the US

Apple today announced the most popular podcasts of 2023, highlighting the top shows that captured the attention of listeners in the US.

The most popular podcasts of 2023 in the U.S

Top Shows

1. Crime Junkie
2. The Daily
3. Dateline NBC
4. SmartLess
5. This American Life
6. Morbid
7. Up First
8. Huberman Lab
9. Hidden Brain
10. Stuff You Should Know

Top New Shows

1. Scamanda
2. The Retrievals
3. The Deck Investigates
4. Murder & Magnolias
5. Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus
6. The Girl in the Blue Mustang
7. The Coldest Case in Laramie
8. Murder in Apartment 12
9. The Girlfriends
10. Undetermined

Most Followed Shows

1. Huberman Lab
2. SmartLess
3. New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce
4. Scamanda
5. The Mel Robbins Podcast
6. Crime Junkie
7. The Retrievals
8. The Deck Investigates
9. Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus
10. On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Most Shared Shows

1. Scamanda
2. Sold a Story
3. The Retrievals
4. Huberman Lab
5. SmartLess
6. The Witch Trials of J.K Rowling
7. Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra
8. Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis Dreyfus
9. The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
10. True Sunlight

Most Shared Episodes

1. Huberman Lab: “What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health”
2. Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus: “Julia Gets Wise with Jane Fonda”
3. The Daily: “The Fight Over Phonics”
4. Hidden Brain: “The Paradox of Pleasure”
5. Sold a Story: “The Problem”
6. The Mel Robbins Podcast: “The ‘Let Them Theory’: A Life Changing Mindset Hack That 15 Million People Can’t Stop Talking About”
7. The Retrievals: “The Patients”
8. We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle: “Why We Love the Way We Love: Attachment Styles with Dr. Becky Kennedy”
9. Just B with Bethenny Frankel: “Reality Reckoning: Rachel Leviss (Part One)”
10. Serial: “The Alibi”

Top Free Channels

1. iHeartPodcasts
2. audiochuck
3. The New York Times
4. Dear Media
5. Serial Productions
6. Barstool Sports
7. ABC News
8. The Daily Wire
9. Scicomm Media
10. Cumulus Podcast Network 

Top Subscriber Channels

1. Wondery
2. Dateline NBC
3. Pushkin
4. iHeart True Crime
5. Lemonada
6. Tenderfoot TV
7. TED Audio Collective
8. Freakonomics Radio
9. Radiolab
10. BBC Podcasts

Advertisers can run audio ads in podcasts in two primary ways: natively and programmatically.

Native podcast advertising involves working directly with podcast hosts or networks to place ads within their shows. This approach offers advertisers greater control over ad placement and timing, allowing them to tailor their campaigns to specific audiences and episodes.

Here's a breakdown of the native podcast advertising process:

1. Advertisers identify target podcasts: Advertisers research and identify podcasts that align with their target audience and brand messaging.
2. Advertisers contact podcast hosts or networks: Advertisers reach out to podcast hosts or networks to discuss ad opportunities.
3. Advertisers negotiate ad deals: Advertisers negotiate ad placement, pricing, and terms with podcast hosts or networks.
4. Advertisers produce ads: Advertisers create audio ads tailored to the podcast's audience and style.
5. Advertisers integrate ads into podcasts: Advertisers integrate their ads into the podcast episodes, ensuring seamless delivery to listeners.

Programmatic podcast advertising, on the other hand, utilizes automated platforms to purchase and deliver ads based on real-time data and audience insights. This approach offers advertisers greater efficiency and flexibility in reaching their target audience.

Here's a simplified overview of the programmatic podcast advertising process:

1. Advertisers set parameters: Advertisers define their target audience, budget, and desired ad placement within programmatic platforms.
2. Advertisers purchase ad inventory: Advertisers participate in real-time auctions to purchase ad inventory from podcast publishers.
3. Ads are dynamically inserted: Programmatic platforms dynamically insert ads into podcast episodes based on real-time listener data.
4. Ad performance is monitored: Advertisers track ad performance metrics to evaluate campaign effectiveness and make adjustments.

Both native and programmatic podcast advertising have their advantages and disadvantages. Native advertising offers greater control over ad placement and timing, while programmatic advertising provides efficiency and flexibility in reaching target audiences.