Podcasts garner 44% more mental availability than other digital channels, with advertising also viewed to be 30% more trustworthy when heard on podcasts rather than when seen on social platforms, research from ARN’s neurolab has shown.
Titled “Intimacy Never Sounded So Good”, the study was led by ARN’s research & neuroscience specialist, Dr Tribikram Thapa (Rana), and ARN’s director of research & insights, Justin Stone.
The study used neuroscience and sensor technology to understand what happens to our brains when we listen to podcasts, and how these changes influence behaviour.
Overall, podcast listening was found to develop better memories than other digital channels tested, with the study highlighting three key recommendations for brands and advertisers looking to make deeper connections with listeners.
The research said businesses should consistently implement a human voice as part of their digital strategy to get closer to audiences. This is amplified if the voice is familiar to them, allowing advertisers to capitalise on emotional triggers elicited by the familiarity of a talent’s voice.
Businesses can also benefit from the high levels of memory encoding and retrieval during podcasts, while maximising engagement and attention cut through with post-roll advertising. Campaigns that use audio priming improve the attention people pay to ads on social media by +82%, which opens the door to the total campaign being remembered and connected.
Thapa (Rana) said this research demonstrates that podcasts provide an exceptional audio space for uninterrupted cut-through with the added advantage of nurturing existing consumer relations and fostering new connections.
"This is evidenced by increased attention, high quality memories, and strong levels of trust for what listeners hear in podcasts compared to what is seen in other digital media platforms," he said.
"Businesses should consider podcasts in the mix at a creative and campaign level to further brand image, increase brand connectivity, ensure brand safety, and improve brand salience.”
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.