Answering your biggest Decoder questions
Decoder with Nilay Patel
Deep Dive
Why isn't Decoder available on YouTube Music?
The primary reason is financial. Decoder uses Megaphone, a Spotify-owned platform, for dynamic ad insertion, which allows for revenue generation even after the episode is released. YouTube Music doesn't support this feature, and the ad rates on YouTube are lower, making it less financially viable.
Why aren't full video versions of Decoder episodes published on YouTube?
The team is limited in resources, as they produce two audio episodes weekly. While they do create clips for TikTok, producing full video versions would require additional effort and resources, which they are currently exploring for the future.
Why doesn't Decoder have chapter breaks in its episodes?
The lack of chapter breaks is due to technical limitations with Megaphone, which doesn't allow for dynamic ad insertion alongside chapter markers. The team is aware of listener demand and is working on a solution.
Why can't listeners submit questions for upcoming guests?
Scheduling CEOs is challenging, and the team avoids making promises they can't keep. Additionally, submitted questions often delve into technical details that CEOs may not be familiar with, which could reduce the candidness of the interviews.
How can listeners best support The Verge?
The best way to support The Verge is by subscribing to their $7 monthly or $50 annual subscription, which includes a free book for U.S. subscribers. This direct support helps maintain independent journalism without relying on brand deals.
Is there a plan for an ad-free version of Decoder?
The team is considering an ad-free tier, but it’s complex due to the need to balance revenue and listener experience. They are exploring pricing models to make it sustainable and affordable.
Why has The Verge shifted focus from Threads to Blue Sky?
The shift was due to the lack of automated publishing tools on Threads, which required manual posting. As tools improved, The Verge began automating content on Threads again. The team is interested in decentralized social media to maintain control over distribution.
Does Nilay Patel still believe in websites as a primary source of information?
Yes, Nilay believes in the importance of writing and websites. The Verge remains committed to its website, as it provides independence from platform algorithms and ensures control over content distribution.
What are the most unexplored AI topics for 2025?
Defense applications of AI and whether AI tools can deliver on the hype are the most unexplored areas. The defense sector is rapidly evolving with AI-enabled drones, while the practicality of AI in consumer products remains uncertain.
What does Nilay think is the overarching theme for tech in 2025?
Nilay predicts that tech bubbles, particularly in AI and the influencer economy, will pop in 2025. Consumer experiences with AI products will reveal limitations, and the influencer economy's unsustainable growth will likely see changes.
- YouTube Music's incompatibility with Megaphone's dynamic ad insertion prevents Decoder's inclusion.
- Creating full video versions requires significant additional effort and investment.
- The team aims to address both issues in the future, focusing on cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
Shownotes Transcript