As screen fatigue sets in, a growing number of people are turning to audio entertainment. While its secondary nature has hindered monetization, strategic partnerships and advanced technologies could change this.
For example, gamified audio experiences offer new ways to engage with storytelling. They also allow listeners to interact with their favorite content and contribute to creator economies by purchasing merch or micro-payments.
AI in TVs
Using AI, manufacturers can build a database of images that is continually updated. They can then apply machine learning to a TV’s processing, so the image quality keeps improving over time. This is a more flexible approach than simply adding new features to a processor, as it allows manufacturers to create TVs that are able to do more things in a single package.
For example, a TV with AI can have the ability to recognise face and voice and understand what is being said in real time. This can be used to transcribe and automatically create subtitles, a handy feature for those who are hearing impaired.
It can also be used to synchronise sound with what is on screen, a feature which can transform the viewing experience by helping to make it more immersive and accurate. This requires the ability to detect the movement of a character and the soundscape that is created around them, as well as being able to separate audio signals to match up perfectly with the action on screen.
Samsung has made great use of this technology in their recent lineup of TVs. Their flagship model, the Q8F, includes a suite of features called “AI Sound Enhancements”, which are based on analysing sounds in real-time and optimising them based on the sound settings and room environment.
Other features include Real Depth Enhancer Pro, which sharpens foreground images to improve visibility of main content, and Supersize Picture Enhancer, which reduces pixel noise on larger screens. The AI also enables the TV to upscale standard definition and high definition content into 4K, which makes for an incredible viewing experience.
The most useful aspect of AI in a TV, however, is its ability to analyse your viewing habits and recommend programming that suits you. This can be a lifesaver for those who find themselves mindlessly scrolling through a list of options or are unable to decide what to watch. The AI can learn which shows you enjoy and recommend more of the same, allowing you to make the most out of your streaming subscriptions.
Personalized Audio Experiences
With high-quality content and precise targeting, audio is a great platform for advertisers to reach their target audiences. However, it’s not without its challenges. For example, ad fraud is a serious issue that continues to plague the advertising industry and can devastate a brand’s bottom line. This issue is further compounded when brands are required to juggle multiple platforms and shifting audience demographics. This can create a frustrating experience for consumers, especially when they have to listen to multiple ads in the same song or podcast episode.
Fortunately, there’s a solution to this conundrum: personalization. Personalized audio experiences allow listeners to hear exactly what they want, when they want it, how they want it. This can help to improve the overall quality of the listening experience and reduce ad fatigue, allowing listeners to enjoy their favorite content even more.
Personalization isn’t limited to earbuds or headphones either; it can be applied to virtually any type of audio entertainment. Whether it’s music, podcasts, radio, or TV shows, there is a growing demand for personalized audio experiences that provide listeners with a more immersive and personalized content journey.
This personalization can be achieved through advanced technologies like AI and ML that can automatically enhance the audio quality, improve the vocal clarity, remove background noise, change the pitch of voice, and more. With these advancements, the future of audio entertainment looks brighter than ever before.
Curious about diving deeper into the world of personalized audio experiences? You can find out more by exploring this review of a captivating audiobook that’s sure to enhance your listening journey.
Spoken word audio content is consistently growing as more people opt for podcasts, audiobooks, and streaming music over video content. This is likely due to the fact that these formats are mobile-friendly and allow for multitasking, allowing users to work, play games, or do chores while listening.
In addition, spoken word audio content allows for a more engaging and intimate connection with the storyteller, which can lead to increased loyalty among listeners. The future of audio entertainment also includes an emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. This will include a rise in original content that challenges conventional narratives, amplifies marginalized voices, and promotes social change.
As more listeners turn to digital audio for their entertainment needs, it’s important for the industry to innovate and evolve in order to keep pace with the changing consumer demands. By continuing to invest in emerging technologies, and prioritizing inclusivity and diversity, the future of audio entertainment is looking brighter than ever before.
Interactive Experiences
Unlike video content, which is often tethered to devices and requires users to sit down or stand in front of a screen, digital audio can be enjoyed on the go. Ownership of audio-enabled hardware like smart speakers and AirPods is skyrocketing, while the ability to multitask on smartphones and improved in-car tech has fueled growth for podcasts.
In addition, the popularity of long-form audio content such as audio series has introduced the concept of “binge listening” to digital audio entertainment, attracting audiences with a range of demographics and bolstering monetization for streaming platforms. As a result, audio is on track to surpass video streaming in terms of consumption in the next few years.
As spoken word audio continues to dominate the audio landscape, advancing technologies are opening up new possibilities for creatives and listeners alike. Text-to-speech software now makes it possible to produce engaging spoken-word content quickly, easily and affordably, while advances in voice recognition allow listeners to navigate audio content with ease. Meanwhile, immersive sound technology is making it possible to place sounds in a three-dimensional space, and this capability is also being applied to virtual and augmented reality applications.
These developments are helping to shape a future where digital audio can be as flexible, versatile and engaging as the content it plays. Moreover, the industry is evolving to include more diverse narratives and voices, with language diversity and international expansion ensuring that the world of audio entertainment is ever-expanding.
As this exciting and dynamic landscape takes shape, the opportunities for marketers are endless. Seamless integration of advertising into the content of audio podcasts and audiobooks can provide brands with a powerful means to engage with engaged, loyal listeners. By leveraging data and building strong relationships with content creators, advertisers can optimize their campaigns for this powerful medium. In doing so, they can create non-disruptive and highly effective advertising experiences that will drive results.
International Expansion
More consumers globally are tuning in to audio entertainment formats, including podcasts, streaming music, radio and audiobooks. With increased reach, listening hours and monetization opportunities, the industry is hitting high notes—but increasing profits remains challenging for some providers.
The future of audio entertainment holds many opportunities, from innovative narrating techniques to personalized content recommendations and more. Smart home devices and voice-activated assistants have become an integral part of everyday life, and the integration of these devices with audio entertainment opens up new possibilities for immersive storytelling, interactive games and more. With advancements in voice technology, listeners may be able to customize their audio entertainment experience, choosing their preferred narrator, background ambiance and pacing.
Streaming music services and audiobooks are growing internationally, as their audiences expand to regions with different languages and cultures. In 2024, we expect to see more platforms and services expanding their global offerings, leveraging the language diversity within their audiences to increase the amount of content available for users in their local language.
Podcasting has experienced significant growth in the past year, with more and more podcast listeners worldwide. The trend is expected to continue, as the medium offers a convenient and engaging form of knowledge dissemination for listeners with diverse interests.
In addition, podcasting and other forms of spoken-word audio are proving to be highly effective for reaching younger demographics—a segment that tends to favor more informal and conversational content. As these demographics expand, the demand for more specialized and tailored audio content is likely to rise.
In terms of revenue, a subscription-based business model is the key to profitability for streaming music and podcasting services, given their recurring revenues. However, the dependency on a strong internet infrastructure can deter adoption in some regions, and data consumption can drive up costs for consumers. With a strategic approach to platform expansion, content creation and marketing, and partnerships, providers can find a harmonious path toward a successful and lucrative future in the audio entertainment industry.