Spotify have unveiled new and more detailed Podcast Charts along with and highly shareable features so podcasters and listeners alike can share the word of their favourite shows.  
The new charts are meant to be a one-stop shop for discovering new shows and seeing what the rest of the world is listening to.
 
New features include

In 2020 Spotify saw a 100% growth in podcast listening hours locally*, with Aussies taking advantage of the 2.2 million podcasts currently available on the platform, up from just a few thousand three years ago.
 
With audio primed for continued growth and innovation, Spotify is now creating a new way for advertisers to make the most of this exploding media channel and an opportunity to reach the audiences that podcasts bring, with the announcement that Spotify Podcast Ads are now available in Australia.
 

Several years ago, Spotify created Sound Up a podcast accelerator program that empowers minority groups to tell their stories through podcasting.
 
In Australia, Sound Up is returning for its second year, with aspiring podcasters who identify as First Nations (Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander) invited to apply from March 31, 2021 for a four-week virtual podcasting programme to be held from May 31, 2021 - June 25, 2021.
 

Jen Syderhelm's verdict on Spotify's Anchor
 

 Listeners to Spotify this month will have noticed a huge increase in the amount of advertisements on the audio platform in the lead up to Christmas.
 
The number of advertisers has increased too, including some who are not regularly heard on commercial radio.
 
Spotify has been pitching hard to the market as listening increased during covid and, more recently, in the lead up to the Christmas advertising period.
 

Spotify has unveiled the 2020 Wrapped personalised experience for listeners around the world.
 
This year’s Wrapped experience is full of insights on podcasts, artists, songs and genres that defined listening in 2020. 
 
Eligible users can access their personalised Wrapped experience today exclusively in the Spotify mobile app (iOS and Android).
 
New features to look out for:

Today Spotify has unveiled the top podcasts that helped defined how more than 320 million people around the world listened and discovered audio.
 
Whether it was to stay informed or simply tune it all out, people kept listening and creators never missed a beat. 
 
PODCASTS (AUSTRALIA)

Spotify AUNZ have collaborated with former Australian Olympian, Cathy Freeman, and 16-year-old climate change activist, Jean Hinchliffe, to launch two Music + Talks shows titled My 2020 to discuss the music moments that shaped their year.