Key Takeaways:

• BBC scraps plan to add ads on its podcasts and radio shows on third-party platforms.
• Decision comes after backlash from media companies and Gary Lineker’s podcast firm.
• BBC aims to support the UK audio sector and focus on international growth.
• Podcast ads could have hurt small producers and crowded the market.

The BBC has decided not to add ads to its podcasts and radio shows on platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts. This decision comes after other media companies, including soccer legend Gary Lineker’s podcast firm, pushed back against the idea.

The BBC said, “We’ve listened to feedback and decided not to add ads to our licence-fee-funded shows on third-party podcast platforms in the UK.” They also promised to keep supporting the audio sector and invest in great ideas.

Why Did the BBC Want Ads?

The BBC, funded by licence fees, has been dealing with financial struggles. They wanted to boost income by adding ads to popular shows like The Archers and Desert Island Discs. However, critics argued this could take ad money away from smaller podcasters and make the market too crowded.

Why Did They Change Their Minds?

Media companies, including Lineker’s Goalhanger, opposed the plan. In a letter to the government, they warned that BBC ads could badly hurt the UK podcasting market, which made £76 million in 2022.

Goalhanger, the UK’s largest independent podcast group, feared the BBC would dominate ad revenue, leaving little for smaller players. They produce hits like The Rest Is Politics and The Rest Is History, with over 400 million downloads last year.

What Now for the BBC?

The BBC will focus on growing its Sounds platform and finding new ways to make money internationally. They might release podcasts on their own platform first before sharing them elsewhere.

Matt Payton of Radiocentre said, “This decision protects UK podcast businesses and keeps things fair for everyone.”

Gary Lineker’s Podcast Empire

Lineker’s Goalhanger started in 2014 and shifted focus solely to podcasts in 2019. Their earnings jumped from £590,000 in 2023 to £2.03 million in 2024.

Tony Pastor, co-founder of Goalhanger, said, “We stopped making TV shows to focus on podcasts because the growth is huge, and TV is struggling.”

BBC’s Next Steps

While dropping UK ads, the BBC aims to grow commercially abroad and strengthen its Sounds platform. This move keeps the UK podcast market fair and helps smaller creators thrive.

This decision shows the BBC is listening to concerns and aiming to support the audio industry while finding new ways to grow.

Key Takeaways:

• YouTube is expected to surpass Disney as the largest media company by 2025.
• YouTube generated $54.2 billion in revenue in 2024, trailing only Disney.
• If YouTube were a standalone business, it could be worth between $475 billion and $550 billion.
• YouTube now accounts for 11.6% of time spent watching TV in the U.S.
• Adults aged 65+ are now 15.4% of YouTube’s audience, nearly doubling in two years.
• YouTube’s subscription revenue, including YouTube Premium and Music, topped $15 billion in 2024.
• YouTube TV has over 8 million subscribers and could become the leader in streaming by 2026.

YouTube’s Rise to the Top

In 2025, YouTube might become the biggest media company in the world, passing Disney. This news comes from MoffettNathanson, a Wall Street research firm. Right now, YouTube is already the second-largest media company, with $54.2 billion in revenue in 2024. Disney is still ahead, but only if you don’t count its theme parks and merchandise.

YouTube has been around for 20 years and is owned by Google. It’s not just popular for videos—it’s also making a lot of money. Michael Nathanson, a top analyst, says YouTube is becoming the leader in both engagement and revenue.

What Is YouTube Worth?

If YouTube were its own company, MoffettNathanson estimates it could be worth between $475 billion and $550 billion. That’s about 30% of Google’s parent company, Alphabet’s, current value. This estimate is based on how other companies like Netflix, Meta, and Disney are valued compared to their revenue.

In February 2025, YouTube became the #1 source of TV content in the U.S., beating traditional TV giants like Disney, Fox, and Netflix. This is the second time in a year that YouTube has taken the top spot.

YouTube’s Growing Audience

YouTube is getting more popular, and its audience is changing. While people of all ages use the platform, older adults (65+) are spending almost twice as much time on YouTube as they did two years ago. Today, this age group makes up 15.4% of YouTube’s viewers, almost as much as kids aged 2-11 (16.9%).

February 2025 was YouTube’s best month yet, with 11.6% of all TV-watching time in the U.S. dedicated to the platform. Streaming now makes up 43.5% of TV viewership, almost catching up to traditional TV, which is at 44.4%.

Making Money on YouTube

YouTube makes money from ads and subscriptions. In 2024, its ad revenue was $36.15 billion, up 15% from the previous year. Subscription services like YouTube Premium, YouTube Music, and YouTube TV also brought in over $15 billion.

YouTube now has 125 million subscribers for its Premium and Music services, up from 100 million a year ago. MoffettNathanson expects subscription revenue to grow faster than ad revenue as more people sign up.

In 2024, YouTube made $7.8 billion in operating income, with a 14% profit margin. By 2027, this could grow to $13.8 billion with an 18% margin.

The Future of TV on YouTube

More people are watching YouTube on TV screens. Neal Mohan, YouTube’s CEO, says users watch over 1 billion hours of YouTube on TVs every day.

YouTube TV, which has over 8 million subscribers, could become the leader in streaming by 2026. As traditional cable companies lose viewers, YouTube TV is expected to grow even more. This could also help YouTube negotiate better deals for content and possibly raise prices.

What’s Next for YouTube?

Michael Nathanson believes YouTube has a lot of room to keep growing. It’s not just about making more money from ads and subscriptions—it’s also about expanding into new areas, like becoming the top streaming platform.

If YouTube pulls this off, it could become even more dominant in the media world. With its massive audience and growing revenue, YouTube is on track to be the biggest media company by 2025.

YouTube’s journey from a small video-sharing platform to a global media giant is impressive. With its focus on innovation and reaching new audiences, YouTube is proving that it’s here to stay—and lead.

Key Takeaways

• AdLarge’s fwd. network buys 25 podcasts from Adalyst Media.
• The deal expands AdLarge’s reach in female-focused podcasting.
• Adalyst Media targets moms and female listeners with popular shows.
• Podcast ads are more effective when read by female hosts.
• Female podcast listeners influence household buying decisions.

What’s Happening?

AdLarge, a company that sells ads for podcasts, just made a big move. They bought a group of 25 podcasts from Adalyst Media, a company started in 2022 by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables. This deal makes AdLarge’s fwd. network even bigger, now with over 75 podcasts. These shows focus on topics like true crime, wellness, parenting, pop culture, and business—all aimed at female audiences.

Why Does This Matter?

Podcasts are super popular, especially among women. In fact, 43% of moms listen to podcasts weekly, according to Edison Research. These listeners often influence what their families buy. Adalyst Media knows this and has built a network of shows that speak directly to moms and women. Since 2022, they’ve sold over 150 million ad impressions. That’s a lot of ads!

Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables started Adalyst Media after creating their own podcast, What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood. Their show became a hit, so they decided to create more podcasts for women. Now, their network is joining AdLarge’s fwd. network, which already has a strong following.

What Do the Founders Say?

Amy Wilson said, “We always believed in the power of female-focused podcasts. Joining AdLarge’s fwd. network means our shows will reach more people and work with a bigger team to sell ads.”

Margaret Ables added, “AdLarge shares our commitment to supporting independent podcasters. They’re the perfect partner to help our shows grow.”

A Win for Both Sides

This deal is great for both companies. AdLarge gets more podcasts that attract female listeners, making their network stronger. Adalyst Media’s podcast creators get access to more resources, better tools for selling ads, and a bigger team to help them grow.

Cathy Csukas, CEO of AdLarge, said, “We’re excited to welcome Adalyst Media to our network. Their shows are perfect for our audience, and we’re committed to helping their creators succeed.”

How Does This Help Podcast Creators?

Podcast creators in the Adalyst Media network will now have more opportunities to make money. They’ll keep their independence but get access to AdLarge’s larger team and better tools for selling ads. Adalyst Media is known for its targeted ads, especially host-read ads, which are very effective.

Why Female-Focused Podcasts?

Research shows that female podcast listeners are more likely to buy products advertised on their favorite shows. This is especially true when the ads are read by female hosts they trust. Adalyst Media’s focus on female audiences aligns perfectly with this trend.

What’s Next?

As AdLarge’s fwd. network grows, it will reach even more female listeners. This means more opportunities for advertisers to connect with a highly engaged audience. For podcast creators, it’s a chance to join a network that understands and supports their vision.

A Growing Market

The podcasting world is growing fast, and female-focused content is leading the way. AdLarge’s acquisition of Adalyst Media is a smart move to tap into this growing market. With more shows and a bigger audience, AdLarge’s fwd. network is set to become a major player in the podcasting industry.

Final Thoughts

This deal is a win for everyone involved. AdLarge expands its reach, Adalyst Media’s creators get more support, and listeners get even more great content to enjoy. As podcasts continue to grow in popularity, deals like this will help shape the future of the industry.

Key Takeaways:

• AnyMind Group completes the acquisition of AnyReach, a Japan-based e-gifting company.
• This is AnyMind’s 10th acquisition and fifth in Japan.
• AnyReach’s AnyGift platform is used by over 700 companies in Japan.
• The acquisition strengthens AnyMind’s position in the e-commerce market.
• AnyMind plans to expand AnyReach’s e-gifting solutions globally.

AnyMind Group, a fast-growing tech company, has just announced that it has fully acquired AnyReach, a Japanese company that specializes in e-gifting. This move is part of AnyMind’s strategy to expand its services and strengthen its position in the competitive e-commerce market. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting news!

Growing Through Acquisitions

AnyMind has been on a roll with its acquisition strategy. This is their 10th acquisition since the company was founded in 2016. Acquiring other companies has been a key way for AnyMind to grow and improve its services. This is also their fifth acquisition in Japan, showing how important the Japanese market is to their growth plans.

AnyMind now operates in 15 countries around the world. By acquiring AnyReach, they are adding even more tools to their belt, making them a stronger player in the e-commerce industry. AnyReach will continue to operate under its own name but as part of AnyMind Japan Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of AnyMind Group.

What is AnyReach?

AnyReach is known for its innovative e-gifting platform called AnyGift. This platform allows online merchants to add gifting options to their checkout processes. What makes AnyGift special is that users can send physical products or redeemable gifts without needing the recipient’s address. This feature has made AnyGift very popular, with over 700 companies in Japan already using it.

Strengthening Position in the E-Commerce Market

The e-commerce market in Japan is booming, and it’s expected to grow to around $257 billion by 2027. AnyMind sees a big opportunity here and wants to be at the forefront of this growth. By combining AnyGift with their existing platforms, like AnyX (for e-commerce management) and AnyTag (for influencer marketing), AnyMind can offer even more value to their clients.

Imagine being able to manage your e-commerce business, run influencer campaigns, and offer gift options all in one place. That’s the kind of convenience AnyMind is aiming to provide. This integration will help businesses create better online shopping experiences, which is a win for both brands and consumers.

Expanding to Southeast Asia and Beyond

AnyMind doesn’t plan to stop at Japan. They want to take AnyReach’s e-gifting solutions to the global stage, starting with Southeast Asia. With AnyMind’s strong presence in this region, AnyReach’s platform can gain traction in new markets. This move could open up new opportunities for businesses in Southeast Asia to offer innovative gifting options to their customers.

Leadership and Future Plans

Konosuke Nakajima, the founder and CEO of AnyReach, will join AnyMind’s leadership team in Japan. He will play a key role in driving the growth strategy for the combined entity. In a statement, Nakajima expressed excitement about the acquisition, saying, “By joining forces with AnyMind Group, which operates in 15 countries and regions, we can expand globally and continue innovating beyond digital gifting, incorporating offline experiences as well.”

Kosuke Sogo, CEO and co-founder of AnyMind Group, also shared his thoughts. He mentioned that combining AnyMind’s expertise in marketing and e-commerce with AnyReach’s e-gift platform will create new value for businesses. He believes this partnership will help brands grow and deliver unique shopping experiences to consumers worldwide.

What’s Next for AnyMind?

AnyMind is not just stopping at acquisitions. They are also investing heavily in new technologies. Recently, they established an AI lab to explore the use of large language models and generative AI in their platforms. This shows that AnyMind is committed to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to technology.

With the acquisition of AnyReach, AnyMind is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing e-commerce market in Japan and beyond. By combining their strengths, they aim to create innovative solutions that make online shopping more enjoyable and convenient for everyone.

Conclusion

In summary, AnyMind Group’s acquisition of AnyReach is a smart move that strengthens their position in the e-commerce market. With AnyGift’s popular e-gifting platform and AnyMind’s global reach, the possibilities are endless. As AnyMind continues to expand and innovate, we can expect even more exciting developments from this dynamic company in the future.

For businesses looking to enhance their e-commerce strategies, AnyMind’s growing suite of tools is definitely worth keeping an eye on. Whether it’s managing your online store, running influencer campaigns, or offering unique gifting options, AnyMind is building the solutions that can help businesses succeed in today’s competitive digital landscape.

And that’s the latest from the world of AnyMind Group! Stay tuned for more updates as they continue to shape the future of e-commerce.

Key Takeaways:

• Influencers in New Zealand receive takedown notices for promoting offshore casinos.
• They could face fines of up to $10,000 if they don’t remove the content.
• The government is targeting ads that harm Māori communities.
• New Zealand plans to regulate online casinos in 2026.
• Brazil also cracked down on gambling ads on YouTube.

New Zealand’s Crackdown on Influencers Promoting Casinos

Have you ever seen your favorite social media influencers promoting online casinos? Well, in New Zealand, this is now a serious problem. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has sent warnings to influencers who promote offshore gambling sites. If they don’t remove these posts, they could face big fines—up to $10,000 for each rule they break.

Why is this happening? Because the law in New Zealand says it’s illegal to advertise offshore gambling sites. Vicki Scott, who heads the DIA’s gambling regulation, says, “We’ve been investigating this, and we will take action against influencers who break the law.” She also said that even though $10,000 might seem like a small fine, it can add up fast if the influencer keeps breaking the rules.

Targeting Māori Communities

What’s even more concerning is that these gambling sites are targeting Māori communities. Many offshore casinos use Māori influencers to reach Māori people. According to the Ministry of Health, Māori are three times more likely to have gambling problems compared to non-Māori.

Jason Alexander from Hāpai Te Hauora, a Māori public health group, says, “These gambling companies are using Māori influencers to target Māori audiences. It’s not just harmful—it’s manipulative and shows they don’t care about our families’ well-being.”

The Big Picture: Regulating Online Casinos

Right now, the DIA has sent warning letters to some influencers and is investigating others. Vicki Scott says they won’t name these influencers to protect their privacy, but she believes dozens of them might be breaking the law.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand government is planning to regulate online casinos. In 2026, they’ll start issuing 15 licenses to gambling companies, likely big foreign firms, to operate legally in the country. For the first time, these companies will be allowed to advertise their services.

But some groups, like the Problem Gambling Foundation and Hāpai Te Hauora, are worried. They say if online casinos are allowed to advertise freely, there could be even more gambling problems, especially in vulnerable communities. They’re calling for a total ban on all gambling ads, including those by influencers.

Brazil’s Gambling Ad Crackdown

New Zealand isn’t the only country taking action. In Brazil, authorities stepped in to stop fraudulent gambling ads on YouTube channels. Over 50 channels were promoting fake betting schemes to audiences of over 100,000 viewers each. Brazil’s government had to intervene to stop this.

This shows that the problem of harmful gambling ads isn’t just in New Zealand—it’s a global issue.

What’s Next for Influencers and Online Casinos?

So, what does this mean for influencers and gambling companies? It’s clear that governments are paying close attention to how gambling is promoted online. Influencers need to be careful about what they promote, or they could face serious consequences.

At the same time, governments like New Zealand’s are trying to find a balance between regulating gambling and stopping harmful ads. As online gambling grows, it’s likely we’ll see more rules to protect people, especially vulnerable communities.

Conclusion

In short, New Zealand is taking a strong stand against influencers promoting offshore casinos. With fines, investigations, and new regulations on the way, the online gambling landscape is set to change. It’s also a reminder of how important it is to protect communities from harmful ads. Whether you’re an influencer or just someone who enjoys online content, it’s good to stay informed and think about how these ads might affect others.

Key Takeaways:

• YouTube suspended monetization for Screen Culture and KH Studio, two AI-based trailer channels.
• These channels created fake movie trailers using AI tools and earned billions of views.
• Studios like Warner Bros. and Sony claimed ad revenue instead of taking down the videos.
• YouTube says the channels violated policies by not making content original enough.
• Both channels can appeal the decision.

What Happened?

YouTube has stopped two big channels, Screen Culture and KH Studio, from earning money through ads. These channels used AI to make fake movie trailers. The decision came after an investigation by Deadline looked into how they worked and made money.

Screen Culture, run by Nikhil Chaudhari in India, has 1.4 billion views and 1.4 million subscribers. They used AI tools like Leonardo and Midjourney to make up to 12 videos a week. KH Studio, on the other hand, focused on fantasy trailers, like imagining Henry Cavill in James Bond or Leonardo DiCaprio in Squid Game.

Both channels were super popular, but YouTube says they broke the rules. They either copied content too much or made videos just to get views.

Studios Are Making Money From These Videos

Interestingly, big movie studios like Warner Bros. and Sony didn’t take these videos down. Instead, they took the ad money for themselves. For example, Warner Bros. took ad revenue from Screen Culture’s Superman and House of the Dragon trailers. Sony did the same with fake Spider-Man and Kraven the Hunter trailers.

This is surprising because one might expect studios to stop these fake trailers. But instead, they’re earning from them.

Why Did YouTube Take Action?

YouTube’s policies say creators must make content their own if they use someone else’s material. They also can’t make repetitive or misleading content. The platform also bans stuff that’s been manipulated with AI to trick people.

Screen Culture’s trailers often showed up higher in search results than real ones. For example, their Fantastic Four trailers ranked above Marvel’s official one. This might have confused viewers, thinking the AI-made trailers were real.

What Do The Creators Say?

Nikhil Chaudhari from Screen Culture says most viewers know his videos aren’t official. He doesn’t see the harm if some people are fooled. KH Studio’s founder said they just wanted to entertain with “what if” ideas, not trick anyone.

What’s Next?

Both channels can appeal YouTube’s decision. But for now, they can’t make money from ads. This is a big deal because these channels relied on ad revenue to operate.

Why Does This Matter?

This case shows how AI is changing content creation. While AI can make creative ideas easier, it also raises questions about copying and misleading audiences. YouTube’s decision highlights the challenges of balancing creativity with rules.

Final Thoughts

YouTube’s move to stop these channels from earning money is a big step. It shows how important it is to follow the rules, even if you’re using AI to make content. Both Screen Culture and KH Studio can still try to get their monetization back, but for now, they’ll have to find other ways to make money.

This story also makes us think about how AI is used in creating videos. While it’s fun to imagine Henry Cavill as James Bond, it’s important to make sure viewers aren’t confused or misled. Maybe in the future, there will be clearer rules about AI-made content to avoid these issues.

Key Takeaways:

• Instagram now lets users play Reels at 2x speed.
• Activate 2x speed by long-pressing the screen sides during playback.
• This feature is part of Instagram’s efforts to improve user control over content.
• The update is rolling out globally, addressing a highly requested feature.
• Instagram Reels have seen a surge in popularity, especially after recent changes in the social media landscape.

Instagram Rolls Out 2x Speed for Reels: What You Need to Know

If you’re an Instagram user, get ready for a faster way to enjoy Reels! Instagram has just introduced a brand-new feature that lets you play Reels at double the speed. This means you can now enjoy your favorite videos at 2x speed, making it quicker to watch content that matters to you. Whether you’re scrolling through trends, catching up with friends, or binge-watching your favorite creators, this feature is here to give you more control over your Reels experience.

So, how does this work? It’s pretty simple. All you need to do is long-press on either the left or right side of the screen while a Reel is playing. The video will instantly switch to 2x speed. And don’t worry—if you change your mind, just let go, and it’ll go back to normal speed. This feature is super handy for when you want to skip through parts of a video that aren’t as interesting or when you’re short on time.

Why Did Instagram Add This Feature?

Instagram’s decision to add 2x speed to Reels is no coincidence. It’s something that users have been asking for, and the platform is listening. Social media is all about giving people what they want, and Instagram is stepping up its game to make sure users have the best experience possible.

If you’ve been using Instagram for a while, you might remember when Reels were limited to just 15 seconds. Over time, Instagram expanded the maximum length of Reels to 3 minutes. Now, with the option to play videos at 2x speed, the platform is making it easier for users to enjoy longer content without getting bored. This is especially important because, let’s face it, our attention spans are getting shorter. By giving users the ability to speed up videos, Instagram is helping us make the most of our time.

How Does This Compare to TikTok?

If you’re a TikTok user, you might already be familiar with the 2x speed feature. TikTok introduced this option a while back, and it’s been a hit with users. Now, Instagram is following suit, which makes sense. After all, Instagram Reels and TikTok are two of the biggest platforms for short-form video content.

Interestingly, Instagram has been adopting features popularized by TikTok. For example, Instagram’s Remix feature is similar to TikTok’s Duet tool. By adding 2x speed to Reels, Instagram is staying competitive and giving users more reasons to stick around.

What’s Next for Instagram Reels?

The rollout of 2x speed for Reels is just the latest in a string of updates aimed at making Instagram a better platform for creators and users alike. With more features on the way, it’s an exciting time to be on Instagram.

One thing to keep an eye on is how creators respond to this new feature. Will they start making shorter, faster-paced videos to keep up with the 2x speed trend? Or will they find new ways to make their content stand out? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—Instagram is giving creators more tools to experiment with.

How Creators Are Reacting to the Change

Speaking of creators, there’s been a lot of buzz in the creator community about Instagram’s recent updates. According to a report by the creator marketing agency Billion Dollar Boy, there’s been a massive shift in how creators are using Instagram Reels. After the Supreme Court’s decision to ban TikTok on government devices, many U.S. creators quickly moved their focus to Instagram Reels.

The numbers are impressive. Instagram Reels saw a 16% increase in creator posts following the TikTok ban. While there was a slight drop in average views per video (only 4%), the platform managed to maintain relatively stable engagement. This is great news for Instagram, as it shows that users are still enjoying Reels even as more content is being posted.

On the other hand, TikTok hasn’t seen a dramatic change in usage among creators. While there was a small dip in posts (3%) and average views per video (9%), the platform is still holding strong. It’s clear that TikTok’s loyal user base isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

What Does This Mean for Users?

So, what does all of this mean for you, the Instagram user? It means you now have more control over how you watch Reels. Whether you’re trying to get through a long video quickly or you’re just looking for a fun way to mix things up, 2x speed is here to make your Reels experience more enjoyable.

It also means that Instagram is listening to its users and taking steps to improve the platform. By adding features like 2x speed, Instagram is showing that it’s committed to giving people what they want. This is a win-win for both users and creators, as it makes the platform more engaging and user-friendly.

The Future of Short-Form Video

As we look to the future, it’s clear that short-form video content is here to stay. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are leading the charge, and we can expect even more exciting updates in the months to come.

Instagram’s decision to add 2x speed to Reels is just one example of how these platforms are evolving. By giving users more control over their viewing experience, Instagram is setting itself up for long-term success. And with features like Remix and now 2x speed, it’s no wonder why so many creators are flocking to the platform.

Conclusion

Instagram’s new 2x speed feature for Reels is a game-changer. It’s simple to use, gives users more control, and makes watching videos faster and more enjoyable. Whether you’re a casual user or a creator, this feature is something to get excited about.

As Instagram continues to roll out new features, it’s clear that the platform is committed to giving users the best experience possible. So next time you’re scrolling through Reels, don’t forget to give the 2x speed a try. You never know—you might just find yourself enjoying videos more than ever before!