BitCade and the Future of Podcasting Monetization with Alex Austin

Geek Freaks Interviews

Frank sits down with developer and former podcaster Alex Austin to talk about BitCade, a podcast app for iOS and Android that blends listening, creator monetization, and a built in social feed. Alex explains how token based unlocks, short term subscriptions, and low cost in app ad slots help indie shows earn, why BitCade values follow back over follower counts, and how the platform plans to grow with video, live features, and community moderation. Frank also announces a giveaway for 28 Years Later codes on BitCade and Alex pledges to sponsor an extra prize. They wrap with trends across TikTok, YouTube, and video podcasting, plus Alex’s side quest running a trading card shop.

00:00 Introduction and guest welcome
00:18 Alex returns to the mic
00:34 What BitCade is and how Apple Podcast search powers discovery
00:52 Monetization with token bundles and bonus galleries
01:52 Three and six month gallery unlocks
02:22 Why add a social feed and how it differs from typical platforms
03:10 Keeping networks small and easy to filter
03:53 Rewarding mutual follows instead of chasing follower counts
04:07 Bot fatigue and why engagement beats vanity numbers
05:00 TikTok vs Twitter and centering creators in the feed
05:32 How podcasters can use the social feed daily
05:52 Indie ad slots, token costs, and seven day placements
06:59 Extra promo in the feed and merch link options
07:28 Frank’s results after buying a trending slot
08:03 Giveaway on BitCade for 28 Years Later digital codes
08:36 Alex adds a sponsored prize under fifty dollars
09:14 What is next for BitCade and scaling with creators
09:57 Live streams as a likely premium feature
10:11 Building an in house RSS API as usage grows
10:46 Plan to donate most net profits to rotating charities after recouping costs
11:12 Community voting on monthly charities and regional focus
13:00 Moderation approach and future network admin roles
14:58 Keeping the community welcoming and inclusive
16:00 Algorithm whiplash and follower fatigue
16:45 Video uploads, bandwidth realities, and premium bitrates
18:39 YouTube’s share of podcast consumption and what it means
19:33 Why audio still rules for listeners who multitask
20:26 Trend planning and real world data use
21:28 Alex’s trading card shop and pack pulling stories
23:33 The shop with the giant wizard and a dream location
25:43 Geek culture catch up and casting chatter
28:04 How to reach Alex inside the app and episode close

• Alex will sponsor an additional prize under fifty dollars to boost the giveaway.

• Roadmap items include live streaming as a premium feature and a homegrown RSS API to handle scale.

• After recouping development costs, Alex plans to donate most net profits to charities chosen by the community, potentially by region.

• Moderation focuses on safety, verified podcaster admin tools, and daily checks to keep the feed clean and welcoming.

• Video podcasting demand is growing, but audio remains the primary way most people listen while doing other tasks.

• “It should be about the content and about the podcaster.”

• “We reward follow back, not follower counts.”

• “If you are serious about podcasting, grab an indie ad slot and make it work for you.”

• “Once I make my principal back, I want to give the net profits to charity.”

• “Audio is still king for listeners who multitask.”

• GeekFreaksPodcast.com for news mentioned on our shows and network updates

• Find BitCade in the iOS App Store and on Google Play

• Need help claiming your show on BitCade
  Message Alex Austin inside the app

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