To enhance users’ podcast listening experience, a new suite of Apple Podcasts features will “enhance and celebrate narrative series,” Apple said Tuesday. A series means a story consisting of multiple episodes. The update introduces top series charts, dedicated series categories, and a new editorial initiative called Series Essentials.
“The serialized podcast is one of the most influential shows in podcasting, with compelling voice actors and best-in-class writing and sound design. Ben Cave, Apple’s global head of podcasts, said:
“We’re excited to celebrate this incredible catalog with our new Top Series Charts, Series Categories, and Series Essentials on Apple Podcasts. This makes it easier for our listeners to find their next favorite show,” he added.
New Apple Podcasts Narrative Series features: Top Series Charts, Series Categories, and Series Essentials
New additions to Apple Podcasts for Series include a new Top Series chart, new Series categories, and Series Essentials, where we pick one great series each month. And podcasters are enthusiastic about the format and Apple’s new changes.
“I live for stories in all their forms: books, TV shows, documentaries, movies, graphic novels,” said MSNBC host Rachel Maddow. Rachel Maddow Credit: Bag Man and Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra. “But I have never been more immersed in a story than I am in a podcast series. There is something about a story. It is a continuous narrative, one voice, from episode to episode, and all the way to the conclusion. We are wired this way not only to learn things, but to feel them.”
“For my series extremist and bagman“I’ve heard from many people that this huge historical and political story not only resonated with them but became emotional,” she added. “I think most of the best stories take longer to tell than sitting in one sitting. And right now, the best stories in the world are being told through podcast series.”
And another popular podcaster hopes to take inspiration from Apple’s selection of the series.
“It takes an incredible amount of work and dedication to create a short series, so we have to salute the audio creators around the world who are still doing this,” said Jad Abumrad. radio lab, It’s more perfectand Dolly Parton’s America. “We’re thrilled to hear that Apple Podcasts supports these important shows and the creators who create them. I want to explore their choices and get inspired.”
Top Series Chart: An Industry First
Photo: Apple
Apple Podcasts breaks new ground with the introduction of Top Series Charts. Apple said this was a first in the podcasting industry. This constantly updated chart showcases the top 100 series and provides listeners with a curated space to discover popular narrative shows. The goal of the chart is to recognize creators of the most popular serialized content on the platform. The new charts also make it easier for listeners to find their next favorite show.
New series category
To further improve discoverability, Apple Podcasts is also launching a new Series category. A dedicated space helps listeners explore and find programming that matches their interests and simplifies the process of finding engaging narrative content.
Series Essentials celebrates great podcasts.
Perhaps the most notable addition is Series Essentials, an editorial initiative that recognizes and celebrates one outstanding series each month. These selections represent the pinnacle of podcasting, chosen for their captivating storytelling, artistic excellence, and technical excellence. As an added bonus, each featured Series Essentials will be available ad-free on Apple Podcasts during Spotlight Month.
The first series essential selections include: ghost storyHosted by journalist Tristan Redman. Apple Podcasts said it chose the compelling series, which blends true crime, personal stories and historical storytelling, for its timeless stories and broad appeal.
Source: Apple Podcasts
