Podcast advertisers have already mastered the art of the host read. It’s why brands love the format: listeners treat podcast hosts like friends, advisors, and trusted voices. And marketers have all the standards down pat — like endorsements, social partnerships, and studio naming rights. But today, something even bigger is happening. The next wave of podcast advertising isn’t just inserting brands into ad slots — it’s pulling them right into the story.

And it’s working.

Innovative brands aren’t just asking hosts to read ads. They’re asking them to create experiences. That’s where a whole new class of in-content formats is taking off:

Here’s the truth at the heart of all this innovation: Podcast hosts are the most trusted, most persuasive creators today.

We don’t just like our favorite hosts — we believe in them. We show up every week (or everyday) to hear their stories, their opinions, their advice. And when a host vouches for a brand, it doesn’t feel like marketing. It feels like a recommendation.

That’s why creator-led podcast ads outperform other media formats:

And here’s the real kicker: Even ads the host doesn’t personally voice perform better simply because the host has already built the relationship. The halo effect is that powerful.

If your brand is ready to go beyond the standard 60-second host read, the door is wide open.

You can:

Brands that lean into these creator-led formats aren’t just reaching listeners — they’re earning fans. Because when a podcast host brings a brand into the story, it’s no longer an ad. It’s part of the experience.