The vision is to build a network of hubs that gather some of the most inspiring figures that can learn from each other and grow together through a transformative podcasting experience.
Poddster, the renowned network of video podcast production studios and Dubai’s first podcasting community, has embarked on its global expansion journey with the inauguration of its first location in Singapore. Situated in the Bukit Merah area, this marks Poddster’s initial venture outside of Dubai, boasting four expansive professional studios and a sprawling community space spanning 4,000 sqft.
Co-founded by serial entrepreneur Vuk Zlatarov in April 2022, Poddster swiftly ascended to become Dubai’s most-recognised podcast hub, now boasting three thriving locations within the city. The core mission of Poddster revolves around democratising top-tier podcast production, enabling individuals and enterprises alike to encapsulate their knowledge and narratives, harnessing the transformative potential of podcasts.
The genesis of Poddster traces back to 2020 when Zlatarov, spurred by his own podcasting journey with The Change Officer, sought a more intelligent approach to cultivating meaningful connections with individuals capable of positively influencing his life and business. Fast forward two years and 200 episodes later, Poddster emerged, democratising professional podcast production for all.
Speaking about the opening of the Singapore studios, Zlatarov said: “Our vision entails crafting a network of hubs where some of the most inspirational figures converge to learn, grow, and undergo transformative podcasting experiences collectively. Strategically, Singapore stands as one of the pivotal cities, serving as a nexus for influential personalities and commercial ventures across the Asia Pacific region. The burgeoning podcast industry in Singapore and its environs signifies an expanding landscape, with podcast consumption witnessing a notable surge in popularity.”
Borko Kovacevic, Co-Founder and Asia Pacific CEO of Poddster, added: “Singapore presents an immensely promising market for us. Historically, it has attracted a plethora of international organizations. Moreover, recent statistics highlight a 53% surge in daily and weekly podcast listenership over the past year, with listeners now engaging with three to five podcasts weekly. Notably, over 90% of listeners in Singapore have reportedly taken actionable steps following exposure to podcast advertisements. These trends underscore the discernible demand for premium studios like Poddster that prioritize unwavering service excellence.”
With an eye on global expansion, Poddster envisions further proliferation, with plans in motion to establish a presence in Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Australia by 2025. According to YouGov, the projected number of podcast listeners is slated to soar to 504.9m in 2024, with the MENA region ranking among the highest proportion of podcast consumers worldwide.
