Independent podcast platform Acast has expanded its portfolio across Europe by signing podcast production company Meer Van Dit., officially launching its presence in the Netherlands.
As part of the partnership, Acast will host, monetise, and distribute shows from the podcast studio including Teun & Gijs vertellen alles, Etenstijd!, Weer een dag and De mediameiden. They will also be made more accessible to audiences globally and available on all podcast platforms.
“It’s with great pride that we can say we’re officially launching in the market with Meer Van Dit by our side,” said Acast CEO Ross Adams. “Thanks to our technology-led marketplace, we’ve honed our abilities to be present in new geographies in a truly scalable way, without always the need for staff on the ground - still providing the best services to help podcasters and advertisers reach their audiences.”
Digital audio and podcasting is rapidly increasing in Europe with €144.6m (£126.3m) being invested into podcast advertising as of July 2022 according to Statista. In addition to that, independent Dutch research agency Markteffect found that 49% of Dutch people over the age of 16 listen to podcasts.
The Netherlands is a “key player in European podcasting” according to Acast, and there is demand for podcast advertising in the area, as well as a network of publishers and creators.
“As we continue to explore new territories for Acast, some places seem to be more apt for podcasting than others,” said Adams. “It’s usually due to factors such as advertiser interest, the variety and number of podcasts in the market, and the buying methods frequently used and accepted. We’ve found that the Netherlands is far advanced in these areas.”