Objective Podcasting is among the fastest growing media, but has not yet been properly monetized. To fill this gap, Acast was created in 2014. The podcast inserts itself into the mega-trend of on-demand entertainment consumption: Users can follow on audio programs wherever and whenever they want. Developments in the technology infrastructure have finally allowed podcasting to establish itself as the next generation radio, and conquer the attention of millions who daily consume audio content. During next five years it is estimated the podcasts may reach the audience of more than 1 billion listeners. Acast, as the first podcast system able to combine services to all the podcasting stakeholders (listeners, podcasters and advertisers) as well as technologies such as dynamic ad insertion, an intuitive system for all podcasters, and an easily searchable podcasts library, will establish itself as the market leader, de facto replicating the success of Wordpress, Spotify, YouTube and Netflix. Currently, Acast has over 50 M monthly listeners, has attracted corporate advertisers and hosts podcasts from well-known international media houses. Acast has already developed the cornerstone of its all-in-one system: its unique ad insertion technology, which has enabled the company to generate revenues from 2014, its 1st year of operation. This technology is set to change podcast monetisation via ads, currently still following an old fashioned sponsorship model. Acast allows advertisers to target specific audience segments and change their ads any time. Acast is now further improving its system for listeners and podcasters, to make podcasting a major new communication channel produced by people for the people. This project enables Acast to fully automate and scale up the key features of its system, thus positioning Acast on the right track to become the global leader in the audio-on-demand market. Fields of science social sciencesmedia and communicationssocial scienceseconomics and businessbusiness and management Keywords Podcasting podcast audio audio-on-demand Programme(s) H2020-EU.2.1.1. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies - Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Main Programme H2020-EU.2.3.1. - Mainstreaming SME support, especially through a dedicated instrument Topic(s) SMEInst-01-2016-2017 - Open Disruptive Innovation Scheme Call for proposal H2020-SMEInst-2016-2017 See other projects for this call Sub call H2020-SMEINST-2-2016-2017 Funding Scheme SME-2 - SME instrument phase 2 Coordinator ACAST AB Net EU contribution € 2 220 312,50 Address Box 7682 103 95 Stockholm Sweden See on map SME The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed. Yes Region Östra Sverige Stockholm Stockholms län Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 3 171 875,00
