Why my download numbers have changed with the Analytics 2.0

If you've noticed a sudden change (most probably a drop) in your podcast stats, you're not alone. Several factors can cause this, and it's important to understand why these changes happen. One key reason is the alignment with the updated (May 2024) IAB guidelines for podcast measurement. Let's dive into what this means and how it can impact your statistics.

What are IAB standards?

The IAB has established standards for measuring podcast downloads and listens to ensure consistency and reliability across the industry. These guidelines help in accurately tracking real audience engagement by filtering out invalid traffic, such as bots or repeat downloads from the same user within a short period.

Impact on Your Stats

Following updated (May 2024) IAB guidelines, many podcast hosting platforms, including ours, have adjusted their analytics to comply with these standards. This means that some of the downloads or plays that were previously counted might now be filtered out as invalid or duplicate. As a result, you might see a drop in your reported stats, but it's important to remember that this change reflects a more accurate measure of your actual audience.

Common Reasons for the Drop

1. Bot Traffic Filtering: Automated downloads by bots are now more effectively excluded from your stats.

2. Repeat Downloads: Multiple downloads from the same user within a specific timeframe are counted only once.

3. Partial Downloads: Only complete or substantial parts of a download are considered valid.

Why This Is Good News

Although seeing lower numbers can be disheartening, the IAB standards help provide a clearer picture of your true audience engagement. Accurate data is crucial for understanding your podcast's performance, making informed decisions, and attracting potential advertisers or sponsors.

By following updated (May 2024) IAB standards, we're committed to providing you with the most reliable and precise data. This helps you focus on creating great content and growing your podcast with confidence.

For more details on how the IAB guidelines impact your stats or if you have further questions, feel free to reach out to our support team.