Podcast Movement's SXSW Celeb Lineup, New Audible Plan, & More

Today in the business of podcasting:

• Amazon builds on its audio strategy with a new $8.99 Audible Standard tier focused on streaming rather than ownership, folding Wondery+ into Audible Originals with ad-free content, exclusive shows, and early-access perks.
• Podcast Movement Evolutions at SXSW adds Penn Badgley and SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin to next week's lineup, alongside Apple Podcasts spotlighting its new HLS-powered video podcasting upgrade.
• Ampere Analysis finds 20% of global internet users watched video podcasts or clips in Q3 2025, with YouTube leading engagement and the format showing momentum to pull weekly screen time away from traditional TV and mid-tier streaming.
• Creator talent agencies are expanding beyond deal-making into full-service multi-platform operators, with M&A in the creator economy growing 17.4% year-over-year in 2025 — a signal that diversification across podcasting, film, gaming, and consumer products is now standard strategy.

To find links to these, and every article covered in today's episode, click here. You can also subscribe to The Download's newsletter to receive the full issue straight to your email inbox every day.