2025 IAB Podcast Upfront: The Industry’s Definitive Podcast Marketplace Returns

Podcasting is one of the fastest-growing digital channels, giving brands powerful, immersive ways to connect through both audio and video. On September 30, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) will bring together brands, agencies, and media buyers for the 2025 IAB Podcast Upfront, offering an exclusive preview of groundbreaking podcast programming, advertising innovations, and redefining audio storytelling from leading audio and podcast leaders. The event will be held in New York City at 360 Madison Avenue (etc. venues) and virtually on IAB.com.

As the leading marketplace event for podcast investment, the 2025 IAB Podcast Upfront will explore major trends shaping the industry, including the rapid growth of video podcasts, evolving audience behaviors, and the future of cross-format measurement. Participating networks and platforms will share insights into how podcasts are driving impact across the advertising funnel—and how the medium’s definition continues to expand.

This year’s event will be hosted by Ali Levitan, the creator and host of BOSS by Ali Levitan, a LinkedIn and podcast interview series spotlighting over 100 top executives from companies like TikTok, Verizon, Bloomberg, NBCU, and Forbes. Known for her deep industry experience and unmatched talent for connecting people, she brings both gravitas and energy to the Podcast Upfront stage.

“Podcasting is in the midst of a creative and technical transformation—where AI, video, and measurable outcomes are redefining how brands connect with audiences,” said David Cohen, CEO, IAB. “As the marketplace enters a new era, IAB’s Podcast Upfront remains the definitive marketplace for insight, connection, and setting the course for what’s next.”

This year’s event will spotlight the growing focus on impact and outcomes, the advancement of podcast measurement, and how the medium is evolving as major platforms expand their content strategies. Attendees will also get a first look at new tools, creative formats, and monetization strategies that are driving results for brands. From AI-enhanced production workflows to immersive video formats, IAB Podcast Upfront will highlight the technological innovations powering the next wave of podcast engagement and advertiser value.

“Today almost 80% of podcast consumers switch back and forth between audio and video, fundamentally changing how audiences engage and how brands evaluate performance,” said Matt Shapo, Director, Digital Audio and Video, IAB. “We’re doubling down on impact and outcomes—equipping buyers to better measure podcast performance—while also exploring how video is reshaping the medium and prompting the question on everybody’s mind: What is a podcast in 2025?”