On October 1, 2024, Apple announced a significant update to its Podcasts platform, introducing new features designed to elevate narrative series shows. The update, launched exactly one year from today, aims to enhance the discoverability and recognition of serialized podcasts across multiple genres.
What's New in Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts has implemented three key changes:
- Top Series Chart: A continuously updated ranking of the top 100 series shows.
- Series Category: A dedicated space for exploring and discovering narrative podcasts.
- Series Essentials: A monthly spotlight on one outstanding series that exemplifies the category.
Why These Changes Matter
According to Ben Cave, Apple's global head of Podcasts, "Serialized podcasts are some of the most impactful shows in podcasting, featuring captivating voice talent and best-in-class writing and sound design." This update addresses the growing popularity of narrative series and their impact on listeners.
Top Series Chart: A First in the Industry
The introduction of the Top Series chart marks a significant milestone in the podcasting industry. As the first chart dedicated to serialized shows, it offers listeners a curated space to discover trending narrative podcasts while recognizing creators of popular series.
Series Essentials: Celebrating Podcasting Excellence
The Series Essentials initiative aims to highlight exceptional storytelling and artistic achievement in podcasting. Each month, Apple Podcasts editors will select one show that demonstrates masterful storytelling, artistic excellence, a distinct creator's voice, and exceptional craft. The chosen series will be presented ad-free on Apple Podcasts during its featured month.
Ghost Story: The Inaugural Series Essential
Apple Podcasts has selected "Ghost Story" as its first Series Essential. Hosted by journalist Tristan Redman, this Wondery and Audacy's Pineapple Street Studios production blends true crime, personal narrative, and historical storytelling.
Tristan Redman, the host of "Ghost Story," expressed his excitement about the selection: "After just a year, to be considered for this collection is special. We're all after stories that pull us in. Long-form series podcasts do that; they deserve to be celebrated."
The Impact on Creators and Listeners
Jen Sargent, Wondery's CEO, highlighted the importance of limited series shows: "Limited series shows like Ghost Story allow Wondery an opportunity to work with some of the best journalists and storytellers, finding new voices and stories to propel this medium forward."
Rachel Maddow, host of MSNBC's "Rachel Maddow Presents: Bag Man" and "Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra," emphasized the unique impact of podcast series: "There's just something about a single story — one voice, a sustained narrative that builds from episode to episode and then to an ending. We're wired to not just learn things this way, but to feel them, too."
Technical Details of the Update
- Top Series Chart:
- Updated continuously
- Features the top 100 series shows
- First chart specifically for serialized podcasts in the industry
- Series Category:
- Dedicated space within Apple Podcasts
- Designed to facilitate exploration and discovery of narrative shows
- Series Essentials:
- Monthly spotlight on one outstanding series
- Selected by Apple Podcasts editors
- Featured series presented ad-free for the entire month
The Significance of Narrative Podcasts
Jad Abumrad, creator of Radiolab, More Perfect, and Dolly Parton's America, commented on the effort required to produce short series: "Making a short series requires such a monumental amount of work and dedication that I must bow to the audio producers of the world who still do it."
Apple's data indicates that series shows constitute the majority of most-shared and top new shows each year, underlining their importance in the podcasting landscape.
Ghost Story: A Deep Dive
"Ghost Story" exemplifies the potential of narrative podcasts:
- Hosted by journalist Tristan Redman
- Spans multiple genres: true crime, personal narrative, historical tale
- Narrative arc:
- Begins with a childhood bedroom haunting
- Evolves into an investigation of a 1930s murder
- Concludes with a meditation on family history
- Features interviews with homicide detectives, ghost hunters, and psychic mediums
- Includes first-time accounts from members of the Dancy family, including actor Hugh Dancy
Key Facts
- Announcement Date: October 1, 2024
- Platform: Apple Podcasts
- New Features: Top Series Chart, Series Category, Series Essentials
- First Series Essential: "Ghost Story" by Wondery and Audacy's Pineapple Street Studios
- Update Frequency: Top Series Chart updated continuously, Series Essentials updated monthly