Acast links podcast audio and YouTube video into one marketplace – eMarketer

The news: Podcast monetization platform Acast unveiled the UK’s largest integrated audio-and-video podcast marketplace, introducing a major YouTube expansion through a new partnership with Little Dot Studios. The deal gives Acast creators access to Little Dot’s 11 billion monthly YouTube views across premium sports, entertainment, and documentary channels—instantly elevating Acast’s inventory to one of the biggest omnichannel offerings in the country. More than 20 top UK podcasts will pilot the program. Together, these shows already generate more than 45 million monthly plays across audio feeds and YouTube. Acast says it now reaches 8 in 10 UK podcast fans weekly. Acast will pair premium CPMs with dynamic YouTube video ads, branded video sponsorships, and unified analytics that combine audio, YouTube, and social performance into a single reporting layer. The beta launches in January 2026, with full rollout later in the year. Why it matters: Video is increasingly central to podcast consumption, especially in the UK. According to EMARKETER, 48% of consumers in Great Britain now prefer watching podcasts , compared with 42% who prefer audio-only. Nearly 4 in 5 listeners worldwide interact with podcast video in some form , per Acast research; 40% primarily listen but watch occasionally, 27% blend formats
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