Audio Up Media
Audio Up Media is a Los Angeles-based podcast production studio founded in 2020 that produces original scripted and unscripted podcasts — including horror-comedy musicals and true crime — with integrated original music soundtracks, distributed via SiriusXM, iHeartMedia, Apple, Spotify, and Audible, and monetized through advertising, music royalties, and IP licensing.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersLos Angeles, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What Audio Up Media does
Audio Up Media is a privately held digital audio and podcast production studio founded in 2020 by music production veteran Jared Gutstadt (founder of Jingle Punks, sold to Ole in 2015) with actor Dennis Quaid as co-founder. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the company produces original scripted and unscripted podcast content across more than 40 titles, spanning horror-comedy musicals (the In Hell series), true crime, celebrity interviews, and country music storytelling. Its distinguishing technical and creative capability is the integration of original music composition into scripted podcast narratives, with soundtracks released separately on music streaming platforms — a model described as first-of-its-kind in the industry.
The business operates a multi-stream revenue model: podcast advertising and sponsorship, music licensing and publishing royalties through Universal Music Publishing Group, IP adaptation and licensing for TV and film (with a dedicated division led by producer David Thwaites), and original songwriting services. Customer and distribution relationships are anchored by strategic enterprise partnerships: SiriusXM Holdings (lead Series B investor with a board seat and content agreement), MGM (equity holder and co-production partner), Primary Wave Music Publishing and Reservoir Media (equity investors), iHeartPodcast Network (distribution), Audible (content licensee), and Lava/Republic Records (label partnership). End-consumer reach extends across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Stitcher, and SiriusXM, with cumulative downloads exceeding 60 million across the portfolio and the flagship Mea Culpa show averaging 300,000 weekly downloads.
Operationally, the company is vertically integrating — building dedicated studios in Nashville to support music production in-house — and pursuing geographic and format expansion through joint ventures such as the Spiral International partnership for Spanish-language content. The company has raised approximately $27.7 million across four disclosed rounds from 2020 through 2024 and was valued at $150 million pre-money in its December 2022 Series C. Revenue figures are not publicly disclosed. The headcount range of 11-50 employees, combined with 40+ active productions and a strategic investor base, characterizes a growth-stage content studio rather than a scaled media platform.
Audio Up Media firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Audio Up Media
- Legal name
- Audio Up Media
- Website
- https://audioup.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Audio Up Media is a Los Angeles-based podcast production studio founded in 2020 that produces original scripted and unscripted podcasts — including horror-comedy musicals and true crime — with integrated original music soundtracks, distributed via SiriusXM, iHeartMedia, Apple, Spotify, and Audible, and monetized through advertising, music royalties, and IP licensing.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Audio Up Media industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Podcast Production & Audio Entertainment
- NAICS
- Other Sound Recording Industries (51229)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Creator Tools & Monetization Platforms (Podcasts/Audio) (MPAIADAG)
Keywords
Where Audio Up Media is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Los Angeles
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Audio Up Media business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Podcast Advertising and Sponsorship: Traditional podcast advertising and sponsorship revenue through listener base. Michael Cohen's Mea Culpa podcast averages 300,000 downloads per week.
- Music Licensing and Royalties: Original songs created for podcasts are released on music streaming platforms generating streaming royalties. Soundtracks from shows like Halloween in Hell and Make It Up As We Go are released separately.
- IP Adaptation and Licensing: TV and film adaptation rights for podcast IP. 'Halloween' producer David Thwaites hired to head TV & Film division. Partnerships with Audible for adaptations.
- Publishing and Songwriting: Publishing agreements with UMPG for identifying and signing songwriters to create original music for podcasts. Jared Gutstadt signed as songwriter/producer.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels4 records
Audio Up Media product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Audio Up is a podcast content production studio and music media company that creates original scripted and unscripted audio entertainment spanning horror/musicals, true crime, celebrity interviews, and music-driven storytelling. The company produces over 40 distinct podcast series featuring A-list celebrity hosts and original music soundtracks written with hit songwriters, generating revenue through podcast advertising, music streaming royalties, IP licensing for TV/film adaptations, and strategic content partnerships with major media platforms.
Product overview
Audio Up Media is a podcast content production studio that creates a diverse array of scripted and unscripted audio entertainment content. The company operates as a content production platform producing over 40 distinct podcast series across multiple genres including horror/comedy musicals (In Hell series: Halloween in Hell, Valentine's Day in Hell, Prom in Hell, Dia De Los Muertos In Hell), true crime (Where The Bodies Are Buried, Killer Tape), celebrity interviews (The Playboy Interview, Ever After with Jaleel White), music podcasts (Make It Up As We Go, Maejor Frequency), and lifestyle programming. The portfolio includes award-winning content with Ambie and Webby Award nominations, and features collaborations with major talent including Dennis Quaid, Miranda Lambert, Machine Gun Kelly, Stephen King adaptations, and Anthony Anderson. The company also produces original soundtracks for podcasts and has established partnerships with SiriusXM, iHeartMedia, Audible, and MGM.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Mazel Pod: Award given to hosts, artists, and talent that receive over 500,000 downloads on their podcast.
Products and services
- Strawberry Spring A scripted podcast adaptation of Stephen King's short story set against the backdrop of the sixties revolution on the campus of New Sharon College, following a reporter chasing Springheel Jack. Produced in partnership with iHeartMedia.
- Halloween in Hell A four-part horror/musical podcast featuring Machine Gun Kelly, iann dior, 24kGoldn, and Dana Dentata in a competition on Satan's game show stage. First installment in the In Hell series.
- Valentine's Day In Hell Sequel to Halloween in Hell, a six-part scripted musical comedy horror podcast featuring jxdn, Oliver Tree, iann dior, and Adam Carolla.
- Prom In Hell A comedy adventure podcast where dejected students stumble into a portal to hell and make a deal with the Devil to throw the party of the century. Third installment in the In Hell series.
- Make It Up As We Go A first-of-its-kind musical podcast following fictional singer-songwriter Charlotte Sayles from West Texas chasing dreams in Nashville. Features country music stars and multiple Ambie and Webby Award nominations.
- Mea Culpa Michael Cohen's raw and unfiltered podcast shining a light into dark corners of American politics, featuring candid conversations with guests. Averages 300,000 downloads per week with over 10 million total downloads.
- Where The Bodies Are Buried True crime podcast where Phil Chalmers interviews serial killers and uses Mindhunter techniques to solve cold cases.
- The Pet Show Pet culture podcast hosted by Dennis Quaid and Jimmy Jellinek, featuring celebrity pet lovers and the latest in pet care.
- Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader Audio adaptation of the classic game show featuring celebrity contestants competing against 5th graders. Daytime Emmy-nominated; co-produced with MGM.
- Ever After with Jaleel White Discussion podcast where Jaleel White interviews former child stars about their transition into adulthood.
- Tom Green Van Life Comedy interview podcast featuring Tom Green podcasting from a customized broadcast van across America.
- Radical Musings with Rosanna Arquette Intimate conversations with world leaders, tastemakers, and influencers on politics, entertainment, and social justice. Hosted by Rosanna Arquette.
- Unprotected Sets Unfiltered look at stand-up comedy featuring emerging comedians from across the country.
- Sorry We're Stoned Mother-daughter podcast hosted by Tish Cyrus and Brandi Cyrus discussing current events and family stories.
- The Playboy Interview Teleplay-style reenactments of iconic Playboy interviews featuring stars like Rosanna Arquette and Taye Diggs. Acquired by Audible as Audible Original.
- How Magicians Think Deep dive podcast into the world of magic hosted by Joshua Jay featuring interviews with top magicians.
- Once Removed: An American Family Reunion Memoir and historical podcast charting author Spenser Simrill's quest for truth across 400 years, featuring soundtrack by T-Bone Burnett.
- Grailz: Lost In The Metaverse Musical NFT-themed adventure podcast set in 2040 featuring Simon Rex and Metta World Peace.
- Killing Dad: Presents: The Miscreants True crime podcast investigating a violent crime spree from the 1994 Northridge earthquake era.
- Hip Hop Horror Stories Paranormal podcast featuring hip hop artists sharing terrifying tales, hosted by Belly. Produced in partnership with Light Sonic Division.
- Psychedelic Frequency Audio experience on psychedelics and spirituality hosted by Maejor with MAPS co-host Natalie Lyla Ginsberg. Renamed from Maejor Frequency (Adweek 2022 Podcast of the Year).
- Hero the Band Sci-fi synth-pop musical podcast about four brothers transported to 1985, starring Anthony Anderson. Partnership with Lava for Good Podcasts and Republic Records.
- Bedtime Stories of the Ingleside Inn Musical podcast set in 1975 Palm Springs starring Jason Alexander and Lance Bass. Co-production with Lance Bass Productions and Sugar23.
- All Grown Up Podcast hosted by FaZe Rug exploring stories behind building a brand and family.
- Beyond 28 Monthly podcast celebrating Black culture and community, hosted by ESPN's Marc J. Spears.
- Missed Riffs Comedic musical podcast about one-hit wonder bands, hosted by MTV legend Matt Pinfield.
- Killer Tape True crime podcast featuring David Berkowitz (Son of Sam) telling his life story from prison interviews.
- The Ballad of Uncle Drank Animated musical comedy podcast about fictional country superstar Uncle Drank, starring Will Sasso and Billy Zane.
- Dia De Los Muertos In Hell First Spanish-language project in the In Hell series, featuring original Latin music. Co-developed with Spiral International (producer of Falco).
- The Anna Delvey Show Weekly podcast exploring rule-breaking and preconceived notions, recorded from house arrest.
- Montana Mavericks Harlequin romance adaptation podcast about cowboy Gabe Abernathy and Melanie Driscoll. Part of partnership to adapt 52 Harlequin romance titles into scripted podcast series.
- Going To Bed With Garcelle Late-night talk show podcast hosted by Garcelle Beauvais featuring celebrity friends. MGM co-production partnership.
- Lipps Service Music and fashion interviews hosted by Scott Lipps featuring celebrities like Anthony Kiedis and Courtney Love.
- Hang Ups Personal transformation podcast hosted by Jon Paul Crimi and John Feldmann interviewing celebrities.
- Occupational Therapy Conversations with successful personalities across media, sports, business, and music.
- Daydrinking with Gary & Elliot Cocktails and comedy podcast featuring Gary Anthony Williams and celebrity guests.
- Showing Up with Asher Gottesman Human connection podcast featuring thought-leaders and celebrities.
- Finding Pierre Part Hoop Dreams, part 8 Mile, loosely based on NBA Champion JaVale McGee's life balancing basketball and music.
- Ego System First-ever hip hop musical written for the podcast space featuring original music.
- Hollywire 24/7 celebrity news podcast covering entertainment, music, and trends.
- Audio Up News Network Fake news podcast series produced by Audio Up Media.
- Lauren Lake's Paternity Court Audio adaptation of daytime Emmy-winning courtroom show about paternity mysteries. MGM co-production partnership.
- Killing Dad: The Crystal Howell Story True crime podcast where Crystal Howell speaks for the first time about killing her father.
- Mazel Pod Award Award given to hosts, artists, and talent that receive over 500,000 downloads on their podcast.
Quantifiable outcome
- 60 million+ total podcast downloads
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Audio Up Media
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Audio Up Media technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Audio Up Media partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Light Sonic DivisionminorPartnership with Light Sonic Division for Hip Hop Horror Stories podcast series featuring paranormal stories from rap legends.
- Z2minorPartnership with graphic novel publisher Z2 to produce Neon Empire, a graphic novel about fictional country star Kountry Boi with soundtrack.
- Spiral InternationalcoreJoint venture with Spiral International (producer of Amazon Latin America original Falco) to co-develop podcast and TV projects for worldwide release, starting with Dia de Los Muertos in Hell.
- Amazon AudiblecoreAudible acquired rights to three Audio Up podcasts including James Ellroy's Hollywood Death Trip and American Tabloid, and The Playboy Interviews as Audible Originals.
- Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG)corePublishing partnership to identify and sign songwriters to create original music for Audio Up podcasts. CEO Jared Gutstadt also signed to UMPG as songwriter and producer.
- Harlequin EnterprisesminorPartnership to adapt 52 Harlequin romance titles into scripted podcast series with potential TV series development.
- SiriusXM HoldingscoreStrategic programming and creative agreement with SiriusXM for development of new original scripted series and audio entertainment concepts. SiriusXM led a $12 million funding round in Audio Up with this strategic agreement.
- iHeartPodcast NetworkcoreDistribution partnership for multiple Audio Up shows including Strawberry Spring, Make It Up As We Go, and Sonic Leap podcasts.
- iHeartMediacorePartnership with iHeartMedia and Emmy-winning producer Lee Metzger for Strawberry Spring podcast adaptation of Stephen King's short story.
- Lance Bass ProductionsminorCo-production partnership with Lance Bass Productions for Bedtime Stories of the Ingleside Inn podcast starring Jason Alexander.
- Sugar23minorCo-production partnership with Sugar23 for Bedtime Stories of the Ingleside Inn podcast.
- James EllroycorePartnership with crime fiction author James Ellroy for Hollywood Death Trip and American Tabloid podcast adaptations.
- MGMcoreMGM took an equity stake in Audio Up and entered co-production partnerships for shows including Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader podcast, Lauren Lake's Paternity Court, and Going to Bed with Garcelle.
- Lava/Republic RecordscorePartnership with Lava for Good Podcasts and Republic Records for Sonic Leap podcast featuring Hero the Band, a sci-fi synth-pop musical with comedy twist.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Audio Up Media competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Wondery: Amazon-owned podcast production studio that produces high-quality scripted and unscripted podcasts (e.g., Dr. Death). Directly comparable as a premium content studio pursuing TV/film adaptation deals and celebrity talent.
- Gimlet Media: Spotify-owned podcast studio producing scripted and narrative podcasts (Reply All, Science Vs, Crimetown). Direct competitor in the premium scripted-podcast production space with similar IP-to-multimedia ambitions.
- Pushkin Industries: Independent podcast production company co-founded by Malcolm Gladwell and Jacob Weisberg, producing premium narrative and interview podcasts. Comparable as a content-first studio with strong IP pipeline and media partnerships.
- Audacy (Cadence13): Podcast production and distribution network within Audacy, producing original celebrity and branded podcasts. Comparable as a podcast studio serving major advertisers and talent with multi-platform distribution.
- Rooster Teeth / Roost (Audioboom): Audioboom's podcast network that produces and distributes original and partner-produced content. Comparable as a digital audio platform producing licensed, monetized podcasts with celebrity hosts.
- Pineapple Street Studios: Award-winning podcast studio (sold to Audacy in 2019) producing premium narrative and documentary podcasts. Highly comparable as a content-led production company working with major media brands and talent.
Broad incumbents
- iHeartPodcasts (Original Podcasts): iHeartMedia's in-house podcast production arm and Audio Up's distribution partner. Comparable as a scaled producer of original celebrity-driven and scripted content with a much broader portfolio and distribution footprint.
- Spotify Studios: Spotify's owned-and-operated podcast production and exclusive content arm. Direct platform competitor for original podcast distribution and monetization, with substantially larger scale and resources.
- Stitcher: SiriusXM-owned podcast platform and production entity. Indirectly comparable as a sibling platform under the same parent that also funds Audio Up, and competes for the same podcast audience and advertising dollars.
Emerging players
- QCODE: Independent scripted podcast studio producing high-production-value narrative audio with film/TV crossover (e.g., Gaslit, The Left Right Game). Closely comparable in format ambition and TV/film adaptation strategy.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Audio Up Media social profiles
Digital presenceAudio Up Media financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Audio Up Media leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Audio Up Media funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds4 records
Investors5 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Audio Up Media M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Audio Up Media
What does Audio Up Media do?
Audio Up is a podcast content production studio and music media company that creates original scripted and unscripted audio entertainment spanning horror/musicals, true crime, celebrity interviews, and music-driven storytelling. The company produces over 40 distinct podcast series featuring A-list celebrity hosts and original music soundtracks written with hit songwriters, generating revenue through podcast advertising, music streaming royalties, IP licensing for TV/film adaptations, and strategic content partnerships with major media platforms.
Is Audio Up Media a public or private company?
Audio Up Media is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Audio Up Media founded?
Audio Up Media was founded in 2020. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Audio Up Media based?
Audio Up Media is headquartered in Los Angeles, United States, in the North America region.
How does Audio Up Media make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Podcast Advertising and Sponsorship is the primary driver. The others are music Licensing and Royalties, IP Adaptation and Licensing and publishing and Songwriting.
Who are Audio Up Media's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Wondery, Gimlet Media, Pushkin Industries, Audacy (Cadence13), Rooster Teeth / Roost (Audioboom) and Pineapple Street Studios. Broad incumbents are iHeartPodcasts (Original Podcasts), Spotify Studios and Stitcher. QCODE is listed as an emerging player.
Does Audio Up Media have an API?
No public API is recorded for Audio Up Media.
What industry is Audio Up Media in?
Audio Up Media's product category is Podcast Production & Audio Entertainment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAIADAG, Creator Tools & Monetization Platforms (Podcasts/Audio). Its NAICS code is 51229.