Acast launches podcast distribution deal with Samsung

Acast, the podcast publisher, has partnered with Samsung on an international deal that will see its portfolio of more than 30,000 podcasts distributed directly to users of Galaxy phones.

Acast is one of the inaugural partners for the European launch of Samsung Free, the tech giant’s new one-click podcast app that will be pre-installed on all Galaxy smartphone devices and made available to download for other Samsung users.

Samsung Free, which was previously known as Samsung Daily, is pre-installed on all Samsung Galaxy phones and will now feature a podcast player, meaning users can access podcasts in the same app they use for news, TV, and games.

Samsung Free recently launched in the US, and Acast podcasts are also being distributed to US users, but this is the first time Samsung has offered a pre-installed podcast app on its European-sold devices.

Samsung currently holds 31% of the European smartphone market, based on overall shipments.

Leandro Saucedo, chief business and strategy officer for Acast, said: “The launch of Samsung Free supports our open approach, providing a one-click solution for listeners around the world, and increasing exposure for our podcasters to millions of potential new listeners already using Samsung Galaxy devices.

“For a major household brand like Samsung to show such strong support for podcasting and the open ecosystem is positive news for the entire industry.”