Pocket Casts

Pocket Casts is a widely acclaimed podcast player initially developed in Adelaide, South Australia. Known for its clean design and cross-platform compatibility, it has become a staple tool for podcast enthusiasts globally. The software is primarily maintained and developed by engineers based in Australia and the United States.

The history of Pocket Casts' ownership reflects the consolidating nature of the digital media landscape. After being independent for many years, it was acquired by a consortium of public radio stations including NPR, WNYC Studios, and WBEZ Chicago in 2018. However, in 2021, the platform was sold to Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com and Tumblr. Under Automattic’s ownership, Pocket Casts has transitioned parts of its infrastructure to open-source models while maintaining its premium subscription services.