Acast vs Podigee

Podcast Day 2026: Spotify, Acast Reveal Audio-Video Trends

On International Podcast Day, new reports from Spotify and Acast highlight the growing convergence of audio and video in podcasting. Spotify's Culture Next 2026 report, focusing on Gen Z, reveals a 55% increase in video share among 14-18 year olds in Germany over 18 months, coining the trend 'Eye Pods'. Acast's Podcast Pulse 2026 survey, covering 4,500 fans across 13 markets, shows 88% of listeners also watch podcasts as video, and 63% switch formats mid-episode. Both studies emphasize the importance of social media clips for discovery, with 51% of fans finding new shows via social clips. Additionally, a brand podcast guide advises companies on strategic planning, resource allocation, and long-term commitment, emphasizing relationship-building over short-term metrics.

• Spotify's Culture Next 2026 report shows a 55% increase in video share of podcast streams among 14-18 year olds in Germany over 18 months.
• Acast's Podcast Pulse 2026 survey of 4,500 podcast fans across 13 markets found that 88% also watch podcasts as video.
• 63% of podcast fans have started an episode in one format and continued in another, with 75% switching apps or platforms.

Acast appoints Liv Sandberg as EVP, Europe

Senior commercial leader joins from TikTok to run Acast's European business. Announced September 9, 2026.

Acast and Kit Partner to Fuel Creator Expansion Across Podcasts and Newsletters

Zum International Podcast Day: Podigee präsentiert das offene Betriebssystem für Podcasts

Neues Podigee vereint Aufnahme, Audio- und Video-Veröffentlichung, erweiterte Analysen und offene KI-Workflows in einer Plattform.

Microsoft Unveils AI Code of Conduct for Chatbots and Agents

Microsoft has published a new 'Code of Conduct' for its AI models, setting out rules for chatbots and agents, including strict prohibitions and a hierarchy of instructions. The company emphasizes human control and safety, with rules against aiding weapons creation, offensive cyberattacks, and manipulation. AI systems must identify emergencies and refer users to professionals, and are barred from creating violent or pornographic content. The code is a draft, with Microsoft seeking public feedback for six weeks before making adjustments. This move is part of broader efforts to enhance AI safety amid industry concerns.

• Microsoft published a new Code of Conduct for its AI models, outlining rules for chatbots and agents.
• The code establishes a hierarchy of instructions, with the Code of Conduct at the top, followed by operator adjustments and user preferences.
• Prohibitions include helping to create weapons, conducting offensive cyberattacks, and manipulating human behavior or beliefs at scale.

Security Expert Says Anthropic CEO's AI Warning Is Justified

Dennis-Kenji Kipker, a cybersecurity professor at the Cyber Intelligence Institute (CII), considers warnings from leading AI companies about an AI catastrophe as fundamentally justified. Speaking on ZDF's Morgenmagazin, he acknowledged that specific timelines are not empirically provable but asserted that we are getting closer to an 'AI-GAU'. Kipker compared AI development to building a house of cards, where integrating more AI components into critical infrastructures like energy, logistics, and military systems increases risks. He warned of cascade effects for supply security and noted that cybercriminals are increasingly using AI for attacks. He also suggested the EU's AI Act positions the union as a potential pioneer in setting safety standards.

• Dennis-Kenji Kipker from Cyber Intelligence Institute called AI warnings justified.
• Dario Amodei, Anthropic CEO, warned of AI swarm taking over internet in 6-12 months.
• Sam Altman (OpenAI) and Elon Musk supported Amodei's warning.