Have a story you want to tell? A conversation that needs starting? Want to explore a moment in history or investigate a long-forgotten mystery?
Acast Amplifier is a new podcast incubator programme, launched to discover and mentor the next generation of podcast talent.
If you have an idea for a podcast but need help getting it off the ground, Acast Amplifier is for you.
Acast is the world’s leading independent podcast company, giving creators the freedom and tools to develop their podcast ideas, grow listener relationships, and make money from podcasting.
If you're one of three winning applicants, you'll have the first three episodes of your podcast fully produced, and we'll help create all your branding, artwork and music. You'll also receive a £2,500 grant to continue to make the show, free hosting for life with Acast, and bespoke support and free equipment from Acast and our partners – including Shure, PIRATE, Focusrite and creative agency CC Co. To supercharge your podcast, you'll also receive mentoring from Acast covering production, branding and monetisation.
Some of the UK’s most successful podcasters will shortlist and select the winning applicants, including Adam Buxton (The Adam Buxton Podcast), Chanté Joseph (writer, creator of How Not To Be Racist), Pete Donaldson (Football Ramble), Dane Baptiste (comedian, host of Dane Baptiste Questions Everything), Niellah Arboine (Growing Up With gal-dem) Tash Walker and Shivani Dave (The Log Books), Leanne Levers and Roshan Roberts (Dope Black Women), Scroobius Pip, Stu Whiffen and Adam Richardson (Pod Bible), Imriel Morgan (Content is Queen), Chal Ravens (Novara Media, Crack Magazine), and Sophia MacAskill (Curtis Brown).
Have a great idea for a podcast, or need help getting your existing show off the ground? Apply using the form below. Please introduce yourself and your podcast idea, then upload a 60-second audio clip explaining why you should be picked for Acast Amplifier
Three winners will then be awarded:
- £2,500 grant to get started
- Free hosting for life with Acast
- Equipment package from Shure (MV7 Podcast Kit)
- 24 hours of free studio time at PIRATE (any UK studio)
- Free license of Adobe Audition – industry standard editing software
- Support on artwork and design from Crack Magazine and CC Co.
- Scripting, editing and audio support from Crack Magazine and CC Co.
- Support on delivery, hosting and monetisation from Acast
- Advice and mentoring from Acast Amplifier panel.
The three winners have full ownership of all IP we create after they are selected (audio, design, original music and copy). For the avoidance of doubt each applicant shall retain any and all Intellectual Property Rights in and to any idea submitted.
Applications are open from 00:00 GMT on January 25, and close at 00:00 GMT on March 14.
Applicants need to be UK-based so we can get to know you in person and introduce you to the Acast UK family.
Successful applicants to Acast Amplifier will be asked to take part in a photo and video shoot to promote their winning podcast. These materials may be used for future promotional materials by Acast.
Applicants are limited to one entry per person, so pick your best idea. We welcome applications from duos, trios, quartets and beyond, but you’ll need to apply under one name so we can get in touch.
Applicants must be over the age of 18, but we have no upper age limit.
We cannot offer any deadline extensions or exceptions to the rules. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer feedback on unsuccessful applications. Successful applicants will be notified in March 2022