IAB Tech Lab's Podcast Technical Working Group Announces Podcast Measurement Updates for Public Comment

Industry Stakeholders Invited to Shape the Future of Podcast Measurement with Their Feedback

NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IAB Tech Lab, the global digital advertising technical standards-setting body, has announced the latest advancements in podcast measurement with the release of Podcast Technical Measurement Guidelines v2.2. The updates are now available for public comment, until March 23, and the Podcast Working Group invites all podcast companies and industry stakeholders to provide feedback within the next 30 days.

As the podcasting landscape continues to evolve, the need for enhanced metrics and improved filtering logic in server-side measurement becomes crucial. The primary objective of the Podcast Technical Measurement Guidelines v2.2 is to address the challenges faced in measuring downloads of the podcast audio file, where client-side confirmation of ad play is typically unavailable from the player apps that consumers use for listening to their favorite shows. This server-side measurement guidance published by IAB Tech Lab is unique in the industry, setting the gold standard for reliable and transparent podcast measurement.

"With the release of Podcast Technical Measurement Guidelines v2.2, IAB Tech Lab reaffirms its commitment to adapting to the dynamic technology and practices in the podcasting industry," said Anthony Katsur, CEO, IAB Tech Lab. "We urge the entire podcast ecosystem to review the guidelines and actively participate in the feedback process. Your input is instrumental in shaping the future of podcast measurement and the growth of this valuable inventory for an audience that tends to be more deeply focused on the content."

IAB Tech Lab will also be revising the Podcast Measurement Compliance guidance embracing these enhanced metrics and measurement practices. The compliance program empowers podcast companies to compete fairly, ensuring that their inventory metrics align with industry standards certified by a third party. This certification fosters trust among buyers of podcast inventory, paving the way for more reliable and transparent advertising transactions.

"Audio makes up 31% of media consumption, but just 9% of ad spend. To help the medium reach its full potential in advertising and welcome more marketers into the space, we're proud to work with the IAB Tech Lab to make podcast measurement easier, more transparent, and more standard," said Brendan Kelly, Director, Ad Quality at SiriusXM Media. "We will wholeheartedly adopt these enhanced metrics and measurement practices to further advance this work."

The Podcast Technical Working Group includes leading industry players, and key stakeholders, who recognize the significance of aligning industry practices and fostering consistency in measuring podcast inventory, promoting fairness, and building trust among podcast companies and buyers. Their collaborative efforts have been essential in shaping the Podcast Technical Measurement Guidelines v2.2 into an all-encompassing solution for the industry.

Please visit the Podcast Measurement Technical Guidelines webpage to access the guidelines and submit feedback. The feedback submission period will remain open until March 23.

About IAB Technology Laboratory
Established in 2014, the IAB Technology Laboratory (Tech Lab) is a non-profit consortium that engages a member community globally to develop foundational technology and standards that enable growth and trust in the digital media ecosystem. Comprised of digital publishers, ad technology firms, agencies, marketers, and other member companies, IAB Tech Lab focuses on solutions for brand safety and ad fraud; identity, data, and consumer privacy; ad experiences and measurement; and programmatic effectiveness. Its work includes the OpenRTB real-time bidding protocol, ads.txt anti-fraud specification, Open Measurement SDK for viewability and verification, VAST video specification, and Project Rearc initiative for privacy-centric addressability. Board members/companies are listed at https://iabtechlab.com/about-the-iab-tech-lab/tech-lab-leadership/. For more information, please visit https://iabtechlab.com.

SOURCE IAB Tech Lab