Stitcher Makes Technical Changes Affecting Podcasters

Stitcher has announced some favourable changes that will impact podcasters who have content in their directory. What started with initially removing the re-hosting of files and downloading direct to the source, further changes are being made to align themselves better with current analytics methodologies.

Podcast microphone

Last year, we began a process of implementing changes to the way Stitcher communicates with podcasters’ hosting providers. We started by moving all podcasters to direct streaming from the source–the Stitcher apps now make a direct file request to your hosting infrastructure whenever a user chooses to play or download an episode of a show.

This change, which we previously made on an ad-hoc basis for podcasters who requested it, gives you better insight into your overall download metrics and better facilitates server-side dynamic ad insertion.

To give podcasters more standardized, accurate and granular data about their shows, we will be making additional changes to align Stitcher’s downloading definitions with some of the emerging standards put forth by the IAB.

On October 2, 2017 we will remove this pinging behavior. This will provide clarity for all of our partners and it will support the IAB’s measurement initiatives. We will:

  • Make downloading new episodes in user Favorites the default app behavior
  • Record as a download any playback that downloads at least 200 kb (standard put forth by the IAB)
  • Present a separate “Front Page Impressions” metric in our partner portal.

We’re pleased to see these technical changes at Stitcher. As for how this affects FeedPress customers, it’s possible you may see an increase in downloads because of these changes.

The post Stitcher Makes Technical Changes Affecting Podcasters appeared first on FeedPress – RSS analytics and podcast hosting, done right….