Contents
What are podcast agencies?
Before we begin, let's break down what podcast agencies are:
A podcast agency is a specialized firm that helps brands and individuals create, produce, and promote podcasts. Common services from podcast production companies include:
- Concept development
- Scriptwriting
- Recording
- Editing
- Distribution
- Marketing
- Analytics tracking
The main goal of a podcast production company is to streamline the podcasting process while enhancing the quality and reach of a client's show.
Podcast agencies play a pivotal role in the production, marketing, and growth of your show. But as the audio industry continues to expand, finding the best podcast agency for your unique needs can be a daunting task.
That's why we put together a list of the best podcast agencies. Whether you're looking for a full-service podcast agency that handles every aspect of your show or a specialized agency that excels in a particular area such as podcast marketing, podcast development, post-production, etc., we'll provide you with the insights and advice you need to make an informed choice.
Why should you partner with a podcast agency?
Before we dive into the intricacies of selecting a podcast agency, let's take a moment to understand why partnering with one can be a game-changer for your podcast.
The benefits of partnering with leading podcast agencies include:
- Guest sourcing
- High-quality podcasts
- Access to additional resources
- Bringing expertise to your audio
- Crafting compelling audio content
- Time savings on podcast production
- Audience growth and marketing services
- Strategic guidance to grow successful podcasts
Podcasting agencies elevate your show to new heights, increase its visibility, and pave the way for long-term success in the dynamic world of podcasting.
Without further ado, let's jump into our list of the top podcast agencies.
The best podcast agencies
Below we cover a variety of podcast agencies, some cover just production services, are a full-service podcast agency, or maybe just specialize in audience growth or content development.
It's up to you and your team to decide what type of production services you need. Either way, this list is a compilation of some of the top podcast production companies for you to explore.
1. Quill Podcast Agency
First, we have the full-service podcast production agency, Quill. Quill is an award-winning podcast production agency specializing in branded podcasts to create compelling audio content for enterprise companies.
Working with leading brands like Interac, Northwestern Mutual, Expedia Group, PwC, and Walmart, Quill covers everything from conception to podcast production, audience growth, and measurement.
Quill's services include:
Quill is the creator of CoHost, a podcast analytics and audience insights platform built for brands and agencies. With CoHost, users can access deeper insights about their podcast's target audience such as:
- Which companies & industries are listening
- A listener's income, social media habits, lifestyle, age, and family members
- What marketing channels are driving downloads
- How listeners are engaging with your content
2. Content Allies
Placing a focus on B2B brands and podcast networking, Content Allies covers all areas of podcast production.
The podcast production agency has worked with impressive names such as Meta (previously Facebook), Alibaba, Siemens Energy, and more.
3. Mags Creative
Based in the UK, Mags Creative is a professional, full-service podcast production company. The team also has a notable client roster including PayPal, Meta (previously Facebook), Google, and more.
In addition to corporate podcasts, the podcast production company has also produced various Mags Creative Originals, an arm of their agency working collaboratively with leading voices to produce successful podcasts that tap into millions of listeners.
4. 18Sixty
18Sixity is another great option for brands looking for a full-service podcast production agency. Some of their clients include KFC, the University of Bristol, and Transport for London.
If you're looking to grow your podcast audience, 18Sixty offers three promotion-specific plans. These include cross-promotion, paid promotion campaigns, and media coverage.
5. Lower Street
Offering production services to ambitious companies, UK-based production company, Lower Street, is helping brands skip the awkward years and launch a successful podcast.
The podcast production agency has worked with a variety of clients and brands including BCG, Cadence Bank, Kearney, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and more.
6. Motion Agency
Specializing in tech companies, Motion Agency is helping you own the market you're operating in.
The podcast production company works with tech brands like Mosaic, Infutor, Correlated, and more. Motion Agency also has their own network of podcasts geared towards helping B2B marketers keep up with changes in the industry while driving revenue.
7. Sound That BRANDS
Sound That BRANDS is a podcast production company that specializes in storytelling and branded podcasts. With a focus on working with ad agencies, podcast networks, and clients directly, they create podcasts for startups, established brands, and everything in between.
The team at Sound That BRANDS boasts over 25 years of experience in custom audio development, having worked with renowned brands such as MTV, Vh1, ABC, CBS, NPR, and iHeart.
8. JAR Audio
JAR Audio is a full-service podcast production company that specializes in podcast services and marketing. The company collaborates with brands like RBC, Saje, and Amazon to create impactful podcasts that solve brand problems and market compelling audio stories.
By leveraging the power of compelling storytelling, JAR Audio helps world-class brands engage, inspire, and drive success through podcasts that resonate with their audience.
9. Auddy
Auddy is a podcast production agency that creates audio content in any format, for any platform, and for all target audiences around the world.
From podcasts and branded content to marketing and business strategy, Auddy's diverse team understands communities, brands, and audio. The podcast production company works with brands like Selfridges, Greenpeace, Fenwick, and BBC Sounds to define their brand sound and create impactful content.
10. Fresh Air Productions
Fresh Air Productions is a strategic digital marketing and podcast production company that specializes in creating tailored content to enhance brand visibility and strengthen consumer connections. Their client base includes companies like Starbucks, Audi, and Best Western.
The company is committed to delivering captivating content, podcast production services, and data-driven results to provide clients with a competitive edge in the market. Their mission is to elevate brands and create meaningful consumer connections through strategic digital marketing solutions.
11. Larj Media
Larj Media is a leading creative podcast production agency founded by Tina and Joelle Nole. With a focus on connecting audiences with compelling content, the podcast agency offers expert services to big and small businesses across various industries including tech, food and beverage, literary arts, and law.
Through their full-service approach to podcast production, Larj Media helps clients unlock the power of audio, delivering high-quality production, audience engagement, and measurable results
12. The Podglomerate
The Podglomerate offers podcast production, growth, and monetization services. With 100 Million annual downloads and 60 Million annual ad impressions, they're trusted by leading brands like Hubspot, Netflix, and CVS.
In the context of production, the Podglomerate helps its clients from creative development all the way through to post-production and series support.
13. Antica
Antica Productions specializes in creating non-fiction podcasts, films, and series. Their team is composed of award-winning creatives and journalists from around the world who are dedicated to sparking dialogue through compassionate and engaging storytelling.
14. Ruby by iHeart
Ruby, the audio studio of iHeartMedia, specializes in creating compelling, culturally resonant stories for brands. Leveraging iHeartMedia's vast reach, Ruby shares their branded podcasts with 34 million active monthly podcast listeners, ensuring it reaches the most relevant audiences.
Working with leading brands like IBM, SalesForce, and Trojan, Ruby has launched 30 original podcasts and continues to grow.
How to pick the best podcast agency for you
Choosing the best podcast agency for you and your brand is no easy task.
Firstly, you want to have an idea of what podcast services you're looking for. This doesn't need to be a flushed-out idea for your show but know the extent of services that you require from your agency.
For example, are you looking for:
- Full-service podcast production companies
- Podcast producer services
- Post-production only
- Podcast advertising
- Podcast marketing
From here, take your time researching different podcast agencies, and analyzing which one is truly the best fit for you. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask key questions to assist in the decision-making process.
To help you, we've listed a few different areas to look at when reviewing podcast agencies:
What services do podcast production companies offer?
Different podcast production companies offer or specialize in different podcast services. Before talking to any agency, establish what you're looking for.
- Which services are non-negotiable?
- Which are nice-to-haves?
Maybe you're looking for end-to-end production assistance all the way to audience growth and measurement. Or maybe you're just looking for some help with the post-production on your show.
Once you have a brief of what you're looking for, begin the research process.
All podcast agencies should have a page on their website that covers the services they offer (like this one here). If they don't offer non-negotiable services then this will be an easy way to rule out any agencies you know won't be a good fit.
If you still have questions about some of the service offerings, reach out to the production companies for a more in-depth overview of what they can do for you and your brand.
What type of podcasts do the podcast production companies typically produce?
The majority of agencies will sometimes fall into the same genre or industry that they produce in. For example, some agencies may specialize in B2B production while others may focus on B2C.
Some podcast agencies may produce primarily journalistic formatted podcasts while others produce a standard interview or discussion format. Or maybe some podcast agencies work with larger, global brands and others with smaller brands.
Just because an agency typically produces B2B content and you're looking for a B2C podcast doesn't mean that they won't have the capabilities to successfully create your show, but it can give you some insights into what they're best at.
What's your budget?
Something you should keep top of mind while looking for an agency is budget. The size of your budget can provide direction regarding the type of podcast agencies you can work with or the scope of services you receive.
Many of the best podcast production companies cover a variety of budgets, everything from a couple thousand dollars to tens of thousands.
Typically, when you're looking at an agency's website, you'll be able to get an idea of their pricing tier based on the clients they work with or some will ask for a general budget when you inquire.
Quality of past and current podcasts
Next up, check out some of the podcast agency's production work. Do you like the podcasts that they've produced so far? Listen for quality, format, creativity, sound design, etc., and whether you think the agency will be able to capture your vision, ideas, and goals for the podcast.
If you don't think their work suits what you're looking to create, cross them off your list. Typically, as you listen to some of the agency's work you'll be able to hear their overall style and formats they work with.
This doesn't mean they can't break away from their standard format for your podcast but it's something to ask them about if you decide to have a more formal or in-depth exploratory conversation with them.
Do your team and their team connect?
And last but definitely not least, does your team and the podcast agency mesh well? This is a key question to ask yourself when selecting any type of vendor to work with. Especially with a creative content medium, collaboration is critical.
The podcast agency you're working with is a subject matter expert. Because of this, you don't want a “yes” agency where anything you propose or say they completely agree with or implement. But on the flip side, you don't want an agency that ignores your thoughts or opinions for the show.
Look for a team that you feel comfortable sharing your ideas for the podcast since you know the brand best, but a team that's also comfortable sharing their own ideas on how to make the podcast achieve the results you desire.
Podcasting is meant to be a fun, creative medium. Don't lose sight of that while producing your show and working with an agency.
Does their proposal get you and your team excited?
Any of the best podcast production companies should provide you with a proposal covering what they can do for you.
After getting in touch and meeting with the agency's team, it is time to request and review their proposal. This proposal will serve as a guiding document to help you make an informed decision about which agency is the best fit for your needs.
A well-crafted proposal not only outlines the agency's capabilities but also demonstrates their understanding of your unique requirements and goals.
It should effectively communicate how the agency plans to leverage their expertise and resources to help your podcast thrive.
When reviewing a podcast agency proposal
When you receive a proposal, it's essential to evaluate it not just on its surface-level appeal but also by considering the following factors:
Alignment with your vision:
Look for indications that the agency has understood your target audience, messaging goals, and desired outcomes.
A proposal that demonstrates a deep understanding of your podcast's essence and values is more likely to resonate with you and your team.
Innovative ideas and strategies:
A compelling proposal should showcase fresh ideas and innovative strategies to enhance your podcast's reach and engagement. P
Pay attention to how the agency plans to differentiate your podcast in a crowded market, attract new listeners, and retain existing ones.
Comprehensive and customized solutions:
Evaluate the proposal's comprehensiveness and level of customization. Look for evidence that the proposed strategies and services are tailored specifically to your podcast's unique needs and goals.
A customized solution can generate enthusiasm within your team, knowing that the agency has crafted a plan designed with your podcast in mind.
Measurable results and ROI:
Assess how the agency plans to track and measure the success of their strategies. The proposal should outline key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide a clear roadmap for achieving measurable results.
A proposal that manages to excite and inspire can be a strong indicator of an agency's potential to drive your podcast forward.
The search for the best podcast agency
Selecting the right podcast agency is a crucial step in either taking your podcast to the next level or starting out. With so many leading podcast agencies available, it's essential to consider your specific needs and goals.
We recommend companies conduct thorough research, read reviews, and assess their expertise in podcast production, marketing, and monetization.
Look for agencies that offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to your requirements, ensuring they align with your vision and budget. And finally, remember to prioritize communication, creativity, and a strong track record of success.
By carefully evaluating these factors, you'll be well on your way to finding the best podcast agency for your needs that can help elevate your podcast and amplify its impact in the ever-evolving podcasting industry.
If you're looking to get started on creating your brand's podcast, chat with our team of experts.