不良研究所

Just Released: State of Audio - Modern Measurement Playbook

The Power of Hosts at Closing the Deal & Driving Purchase

By Deepika Das, Senior Manager, Research & Insights, 不良研究所

When it comes to Audio advertising, there鈥檚 a special kind of magic that happens when a trusted host champions a brand. Whether it鈥檚 a podcast influencer weaving a product into their storytelling or a radio host passionately sharing their favorite go-to restaurant, host endorsements pack in an unmatched energy, delivering results that are hard to ignore. But what exactly is the true impact of these influential voices on consumer behavior? How powerful is a host at driving purchase? 

Hosts are the Main Attraction

Audio hosts have significant influences in their fans鈥 lives. Nearly two-thirds of radio listeners say they choose radio for the on-air talent and hosts. They like the content, but they love the hosts, and those influencers impact both their listening and buying habits. 

This connection creates a unique opportunity for brands. When hosts share their genuine experiences with a product or service, it feels more like a trusted friend鈥檚 recommendation than an ad.

Audio Hosts Drive Deeper Engagement


Host-led brand messaging drives deeper engagement, with listeners paying more attention and brands getting more than regular commercials1.

Broadcast AM/FM Radio Listeners
2.7x more likely to agree than disagree
Podcast Listeners
5x more likely to agree than disagree

Audio Hosts Unlock Consumer Action: Convert Purchase Decisions


Audio hosts have the unique ability to take listeners through every stage of the purchase funnel. Their authentic, trusted voices help brands connect with consumers in ways that traditional ads can鈥檛, truly underscoring their impact on consumer behavior2.

chart

Audio hosts get the ball rolling! A compelling Audio endorsement can significantly impact consumer behavior. They feel positively about the brand and actively seek out more information.

Audio listeners are 67% more likely to agree to purchase a brand after a host recommendation.

This isn鈥檛 just advertising 鈥 Audio host endorsements foster a relationship built on trust. When listeners hear recommendations from someone they admire or feel connected to, those messages carry weight. Those recommendations feel authentic, shaping consumer perceptions and driving action.

Take the example of Liquid I.V., a hydration product that partnered with podcast host Payne Lindsay during a season of his podcast, Up and Vanished, set in Alaska.

CASE STUDY: LIQUID I.V. AND AUTHENTIC HOST STORYTELLING

Tenderfoot  |  Up and Vanished |  Liquid I.V. 

Liquid I.V. teamed up with Tenderfoot TV’s “Up and Vanished” and took host reads to the next level with ads that were seamlessly woven into the show鈥檚 narrative with a thematically relevant custom segment.


The season takes place in Alaska, and host Payne Lindsay aligned his highly produced read for Liquid I.V. by sharing how he used the product while researching and recording the season to stay hydrated through elements, terrain, and long hours. This clever integration made the ad feel authentic and relevant, enhancing its impact and memorability.

This clever integration didn鈥檛 just feel relevant鈥攊t was relevant. The authenticity of the message made it memorable and impactful, showcasing the power of aligning brand messaging with the host鈥檚 real-life experiences.

The Takeaway for Advertisers

Audio host reads and endorsements are more than just ads鈥攖hey鈥檙e moments of genuine connection that build trust and inspire action. If you鈥檙e looking for a way to amplify your brand鈥檚 voice, it鈥檚 time to lean into the power of audio influencers. Because when a trusted voice says your name, listeners don鈥檛 just hear the message鈥攖hey embrace it.

Want to talk more about reaching your target audience?

SOURCES

1Jacobs Media Techsurvey 2024, Radio in the AI era

2 Audacy Power of Influencers Study 2025, Online study fielded in Dec 2024, A18+, M:F = 50%:50%, 1050 respondents, Base = Audio listeners (AM/FM Broadcast or AM/FM Streaming or Podcasts)

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