Audio Advertising: New Revenue Streams for News Publishers - Opportunities and Challenges

Audio Advertising: New Revenue Streams for News Publishers - Opportunities and Challenges


Traditionally, audio advertising found its stronghold in radio and later extended to the world of podcasting. However, with the advent of Text-to-Speech (TTS) technologies, news publishers now have the opportunity to tap into audio advertising as well.

This article delves into the exciting prospects and challenges that come with this evolution, shedding light on how news publishers can harness the potential of audio advertising in today's dynamic media landscape.

Table of contents:

  1. How big is audio advertising market? 2023 Statistics.
  2. Different audio advertising spaces: from radio to podcasts.
  3. Audio Articles: New Audio Advertising Opportunity for News Publishers.
  4. How much revenue can a publisher expect from monetizing audio articles with advertising?

How big is audio advertising market? 2023 Statistics

The audio advertising market is poised for impressive growth, with statistics for 2023 painting a promising picture.

According to forecasts, advertising expenditure in the audio advertising market is set to reach approximately €36.32 billion in 2024. This robust figure indicates the industry's continued expansion and the growing importance of audio advertising in the digital marketing landscape.

Looking ahead, the projection suggests even more substantial growth, with a market volume of €37.85 billion anticipated by 2028, translating to an annual growth rate of 1.04% (CAGR 2024-2028). These statistics underscore the long-term viability and potential of audio advertising as a key player in the global advertising arena.

When examining global comparisons, it's noteworthy that the United States is expected to lead the charge, with an estimated €17,320 million in advertising revenue in 2024. This showcases the immense economic power and influence of the U.S. market in the world of audio advertising.

Furthermore, these numbers emphasize the significance of audio advertising in today's media landscape, where it continues to capture the attention of advertisers and brands seeking effective ways to engage with their target audiences.

As the industry evolves, these statistics highlight the growing significance of audio advertising, making it an essential component of modern advertising strategies.

With an average advertising expenditure per listener in the traditional radio advertising market expected to reach €8.46 in 2024, it's clear that advertisers are recognizing the value of audio content in reaching and resonating with their audiences.

Different audio advertising spaces: from radio to podcasts

Today's digital marketing world, audio advertising has blossomed into a multifaceted ecosystem that caters to diverse preferences and platforms. From the traditional airwaves of radio to the immersive world of podcasts, brands and advertisers now have a rich array of tools at their disposal to engage with their target audience.

The realm of audio advertising offers two distinct spaces that cater to different aspects of reaching and engaging with audiences: traditional radio and podcasts. When it comes to traditional radio ads, their strength lies in their immense reach, as they can penetrate a wide general population.

However, there's a catch – while radio advertising has the potential to reach a vast audience, user attention is often limited. Radio ads frequently play in the background, with listeners not fully engaged or paying close attention. This presents a challenge for advertisers aiming to capture the audience's interest and ensure their message is heard amidst the noise of everyday life.

In contrast, podcast advertising offers a unique advantage. While the reach may be smaller and sometimes even niche, the advertising spot enjoys the undivided attention of the listener.

When a podcast listener tunes in, they are typically fully engaged with the content, creating an environment where ads can truly resonate. Whether through sponsored segments, product endorsements, or creatively integrated storytelling, podcast ads become an integral part of the audio content, allowing brands to connect with their target audience in a way that is both immersive and memorable.

This distinction underscores the importance of understanding the nuances of each audio advertising space and tailoring strategies to make the most of their respective strengths.

Audio Articles: New Audio Advertising Opportunity for News Publishers

Audio articles represent a compelling new opportunity for news publishers in the realm of digital audio advertising. Positioned between the vast reach of traditional radio and the focused engagement of podcast listeners, audio articles strike a balance that is uniquely advantageous for news publishers. Users actively choose to listen to audio articles, presenting a golden opportunity to introduce audio advertising seamlessly into the content.

This innovative approach not only enhances the user experience but also opens up a fresh revenue stream for news publishers without cannibalizing existing banner advertising revenues on their websites.

For news publishers, audio advertising within audio articles represents a strategic move in the digital advertising landscape. By capitalizing on this format, they can tap into the growing demand for digital audio content while retaining their core readership. This approach allows news publishers to create brand awareness in an evolving digital media landscape, reaching potential customers who prefer audio formats.

In an era where user engagement and experience are paramount, audio articles offer a novel means to deliver news and advertisements effectively, maintaining a harmonious balance between content and advertising that resonates with their audience. As the digital advertising landscape continues to evolve, news publishers have a fresh canvas for creativity and growth in the realm of audio articles.

How much revenue can a publisher expect from monetizing audio articles with advertising?

Monetizing audio articles through advertising can be a lucrative venture for news publishers, and the potential revenue can be estimated using a straightforward calculation. To determine your expected revenue, you'll need to consider your monthly page impressions (PIs) as a starting point.

Let's break down the math step by step.

First, if 10% of your readers, on average, click on the "Listen to the Article" button, you have an initial figure for the audience engaging with the audio content.

Next, take into account the typical fill rate of around 50% that an advertising network delivers, effectively halving the potential audience for audio ads. Now, multiply this number by the estimated eCPM (effective cost per thousand plays), which is generally in the range of $5-10.

The result will give you an approximate net revenue generated from audio advertising within your audio articles. It's important to note that some fees, including those for the advertising network and services like BotTalk, may apply and should be considered in your calculations.

Nevertheless, this simple formula provides news publishers with a tangible estimate of the revenue potential from audio articles, offering an enticing opportunity to diversify their income streams while delivering valuable content to their audience.