Acast Launches Free Global Ads Academy with Certification for Podcast Advertising
Podcasting has become one of the fastest-growing digital media channels worldwide, with millions of listeners consuming audio content daily. Recognizing the increasing demand for skilled podcast advertising professionals, Acast, the world’s leading podcast company, has introduced Acast Ads Academy—a comprehensive, free global learning platform designed to educate marketers on the art and science of podcast advertising.
With two expert-led courses and an industry-recognized certification, the academy aims to empower advertisers, agencies, and brands with the knowledge and confidence needed to run successful podcast campaigns.
Podcast advertising has grown exponentially over the past decade, becoming a multi-billion-dollar industry. According to IAB reports, podcast ad revenues surpassed $2.5 billion globally in 2024, with projections to cross $4 billion by 2026.
Despite this rapid growth, many marketers still perceive podcast advertising as complex or niche. The lack of structured education has been a significant barrier to entry for advertisers looking to leverage this medium effectively.
Acast recognized this knowledge gap and responded with a dedicated learning platform to bridge the divide between opportunity and expertise.
What is Acast Ads Academy?
Acast Ads Academy is an interactive online learning hub offering free self-paced courses on podcast advertising fundamentals and advanced strategies. Designed for both beginners and experienced marketers, the academy provides:
Two Certification Courses
Podcast Advertising 101 – Ideal for newcomers
Podcast Advertising 201 – Advanced level for seasoned advertisers
Industry-Recognized Certification – Earn a badge upon passing the final exam
Practical Insights – Based on over 10 years of Acast’s experience and campaign data
Global Accessibility – Available to marketers worldwide at no cost
Detailed Overview of the Free Certification Courses
1. Podcast Advertising 101: The Beginner’s Guide
Perfect for marketers new to podcasting, this course covers the basics of podcast advertising, including:
Understanding the Medium: How podcast ads differ from traditional ads
Campaign Planning: Setting goals, choosing formats, and selecting hosts
Ad Measurement: Metrics that matter—downloads, impressions, conversions
Creative Execution: Writing compelling scripts, voice integration, and ad tone
2. Podcast Advertising 201: Advanced Techniques for Growth
This course is designed for experienced advertisers and agencies looking to optimize campaigns and scale performance:
Advanced Targeting: Audience segmentation, behavioral data, and contextual targeting
Programmatic Buying: How automated ad buying works for podcasts
Omnichannel Optimization: Integrating podcasts with social, video, and display campaigns
Innovation in Audio Ads: Dynamic ad insertion, host-read vs. pre-recorded strategies
Why Acast Ads Academy is a Game-Changer
Free Access to Expert Knowledge – Unlike paid courses, Acast offers this at no cost
Flexibility – Self-paced learning means you can complete it on your schedule
Credibility – Certification from an industry leader with a global footprint
Practical Approach – Real-world examples and actionable strategies
Expert Insights: Why Acast Created Ads Academy
Joe Copeman, Global SVP Advertising at Acast, explains the vision behind the academy:
“Podcast advertising is a powerful and trusted medium, yet many marketers still see it as unfamiliar or complex.
As the industry leader, we built Acast Ads Academy to set the standard—sharing our expertise so any user can learn from the best, gain confidence, and put podcast advertising into practice effectively, no matter their experience level.”
How to Enroll in Acast Ads Academy
Enrolling in Acast Ads Academy is simple and completely free:
✅ Step 1: Visit the official Acast Ads Academy website ✅ Step 2: Sign up with your email address ✅ Step 3: Choose your course (101 or 201—or both!) ✅ Step 4: Complete the self-paced modules ✅ Step 5: Pass the final exam to receive your Acast Certification Badge
Benefits for Marketers and Brands
By completing the courses, marketers can:
Gain a competitive edge in the booming podcast advertising sector
Boost ROI with better targeting and optimization strategies
Build trust with clients by showcasing an industry-recognized certification
Stay ahead of trends in digital audio marketing
Industry Impact: Elevating Podcast Advertising Standards
The launch of Acast Ads Academy is expected to train thousands of marketers globally, creating a new standard for podcast ad education. This initiative will likely:
Reduce entry barriers for brands hesitant to invest in podcast ads
Increase advertiser confidence, driving more ad spend to the medium
Promote innovation through advanced training on dynamic and programmatic ads
Podcast Advertising: The Future of Digital Marketing
With audio consumption at an all-time high, podcast advertising is no longer optional—it’s essential. Marketers who master the medium early will reap significant rewards as the industry continues to expand.
Acast Ads Academy positions itself as the go-to resource for anyone looking to capitalize on the audio revolution.
FAQs About Acast Ads Academy
Q1: Is Acast Ads Academy really free? Yes, both courses and certification are completely free.
Q2: Do I need prior experience in podcast advertising? No. There’s a beginner course (101) for newcomers and an advanced course (201) for experienced marketers.
Q3: How long does it take to complete a course? Each course is designed for self-paced learning and can be completed in a few hours.
Q4: Will I get a certificate? Yes, after passing the final assessment, you’ll receive an industry-recognized certification from Acast.
Final Thoughts
Acast’s new Ads Academy is a strategic move that will transform how brands and agencies approach podcast advertising education. By making expert-level training free and globally accessible, Acast sets a benchmark for the industry and empowers marketers to unlock the full potential of audio advertising.
Now is the perfect time to enroll in Acast Ads Academy, gain a competitive advantage, and lead in one of the fastest-growing sectors of digital marketing.
