Curiouscast
Curiouscast is a Toronto-based Canadian podcast network and division of Corus Entertainment that produces and distributes 30+ award-winning podcasts across true crime, history, music, news, sports, and entertainment genres through global platforms and Corus Radio syndication, monetizing exclusively through podcast advertising, branded content, and network syndication for brands and listeners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersToronto, Canada
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What Curiouscast does
Curiouscast is a Canadian podcast network operating as a wholly-owned division of Corus Entertainment, headquartered at 25 Dockside Drive in Toronto, Ontario. Founded in 2018, the company produces and distributes podcasts across a wide range of genres including true crime, history, music, news, sports, paranormal, science, comedy, and talk radio. The network's catalog includes award-winning titles such as Crime Beat, Dark Poutine, Ongoing History of New Music, 13 Hours: Inside the Nova Scotia Massacre, Global National with Dawna Friesen, and Canadian History Ehx, with 30+ active shows distributed globally through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, TuneIn, and RSS feeds. The network also operates Curiouscast Discovery, an ad-free premium channel on Apple Podcasts.
The underlying technology stack consists of third-party podcast hosting and distribution platforms (Omny Studio, Megaphone) rather than proprietary infrastructure, with the core technology described simply as a 'Podcast hosting and distribution platform.' Curiouscast accepts new podcast submissions requiring a minimum of 50,000 monthly downloads and supports nationally syndicated talk shows through the Corus Radio network across stations in Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Vancouver.
Curiouscast's revenue model is exclusively advertising-based, monetizing through three streams: podcast advertising (standard host-read ads, exclusive sponsorships, preroll, midroll, and trailer audio across the network, content categories, or individual shows), custom branded content as part of multi-platform advertising solutions, and network syndication via Corus Radio stations. All podcasts are free to listeners. The company sells to two primary segments: general podcast listeners (free consumers across global platforms) and advertisers/brands seeking podcast, radio, TV, video, and social media placements. Strategic content partnerships with Global News and disease-awareness organizations (Parkinson Canada, Michael J. Fox Foundation) anchor news and health verticals.
Curiouscast firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Curiouscast
- Legal name
- Curiouscast
- Website
- https://curiouscast.ca
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Curiouscast is a Toronto-based Canadian podcast network and division of Corus Entertainment that produces and distributes 30+ award-winning podcasts across true crime, history, music, news, sports, and entertainment genres through global platforms and Corus Radio syndication, monetizing exclusively through podcast advertising, branded content, and network syndication for brands and listeners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Curiouscast industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Podcast Network
- NAICS
- Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (5162), Broadcasting and Content Providers (516)
- SIC
- Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Podcast Networks & Multi-Show Publishers (MPACADAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Podcast Ad Sales Networks & Monetization Platforms (MPACADAD), Podcast Distribution Directories & Listening Apps (MPACADAC), Podcast Syndication, Cross-Promotion & Growth Networks (MPACADAG)
Keywords
Where Curiouscast is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Toronto
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Curiouscast business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Podcast Advertising: Standard podcast host read ads, exclusive sponsorships, preroll, midroll, and trailer audio advertising across the network, content categories, or single shows.
- Custom Branded Content: Custom branded content offerings as part of multi-platform advertising solutions including podcasting, radio, TV, video, and social media.
- Network Syndication: Nationally syndicated talk shows distributed across Corus Radio network stations, providing reach for advertising and sponsorship opportunities.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free podcast access for listeners |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels5 records
Curiouscast product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Curiouscast is a Canadian podcast network that produces, hosts, and distributes a portfolio of podcast shows across genres including true crime, history, music, news, sports, paranormal, science, comedy, and talk radio. The network distributes content free to listeners across major podcast platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music) and generates revenue through podcast advertising, sponsorships, network syndication via Corus Radio stations, and custom branded content solutions for advertisers.
Product overview
Curiouscast is Canada's fastest growing podcast network from Corus Entertainment, operating as a platform hosting multiple podcast shows across diverse categories including true crime, history, music, news, sports, paranormal, science, comedy, and talk radio. The platform distributes podcasts through multiple channels including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and its own Curiouscast Discovery ad-free channel. The core portfolio includes award-winning shows like Crime Beat, Dark Poutine, Ongoing History of New Music, and Global National, alongside new launches such as Hostile History, The Last Show with David Cooper, and No BS with Brad Smith. All podcasts are free and available through major podcast apps, with advertising opportunities ranging from standard host-read ads to exclusive sponsorships and custom branded content.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Curiouscast Discovery: Ad-free podcast subscription channel available on Apple Podcasts featuring award-winning podcasts from Curiouscast's network
Companies that use Curiouscast
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Curiouscast technology and API
TechnologyAPI detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration36 records
Curiouscast partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Parkinson CanadaminorPresenting partner for the 'When Life Gives You Parkinson's' podcast, supporting Parkinson's disease awareness and research.
- Spotlight YOPDminorContent and promotional partner for 'When Life Gives You Parkinson's' podcast focusing on Young Onset Parkinson's disease.
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's ResearchminorPartner for 'Parkinson's IQ + You' content featured on 'When Life Gives You Parkinson's' podcast.
- Nighttime PodcastminorCo-producer of 'Keep Canada Weird' podcast with Nighttime Podcast's host Jordan Bonaparte.
- Global NewscoreCo-producer of multiple podcast series including 'Rising' series (Russia Rising, China Rising), 'What Happened To...?', '13 Hours: Inside the Nova Scotia Massacre', and other Global News branded content.
- Corus EntertainmentcoreParent company providing podcast hosting, distribution infrastructure, and access to Corus Radio network for syndication.
Scale indicators1 record
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Curiouscast competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- iHeartPodcasts: iHeartPodcasts is one of the largest podcast networks in North America, distributing and monetizing hundreds of shows across multiple genres with a similar ad-supported business model. Curiouscast's network-of-shows model with multi-platform distribution and advertiser-direct sales is directly analogous, though at materially smaller scale.
- Audioboom: Audioboom is a podcast hosting and ad monetization platform that aggregates shows and sells advertising at the network level. Curiouscast's structure — a curated network monetizing third-party ad inventory across a slate of shows — closely matches Audioboom's model.
- Wondery (Amazon): Wondery, owned by Amazon, produces and distributes premium narrative podcasts (true crime, history, documentary) with award-winning titles such as Curiouscast's Crime Beat and 13 Hours. Both companies pursue premium, brand-safe podcast IP with advertising and (in Wondery's case) Amazon Channels subscription monetization.
- Acast: Acast is a global podcast hosting, monetization, and distribution platform serving independent creators and networks. Curiouscast's role as a multi-show publisher offering host-read ads, sponsorships, and cross-promotion across third-party apps maps closely to Acast's network and monetization services.
- PRX (Public Radio Exchange): PRX is a public-media podcast network and distribution platform that monetizes shows via advertising and licensing. Curiouscast's model of aggregating shows, providing hosting and ad sales, and distributing through Apple, Spotify, and others parallels PRX's approach.
- Cadence13 / Audacy Podcast Network: Audacy (formerly Cadence13 / Radio.com) operates a large podcast network with ad sales, branded content, and integration with terrestrial radio stations — a structural parallel to Curiouscast's integration with the Corus Talk radio network.
- SiriusXM / Stitcher: SiriusXM (which acquired Stitcher) operates a major podcast network with national advertising sales, exclusive content, and multi-platform distribution. Curiouscast mirrors this ad-supported podcast network approach, particularly through the cross-medium integration with parent Corus's radio assets.
Emerging players
- Headgum: Headgum is an independent podcast network producing and monetizing comedy, culture, and interview shows with a network advertising model. While smaller and US-focused, it competes with Curiouscast for advertising dollars and premium talent.
Regional players
- CBC Podcasts / CBC Listen: CBC Podcasts is the public broadcaster's podcast network in Canada, distributing award-winning news, true crime, and culture programming free to listeners. Curiouscast competes head-to-head with CBC Podcasts for Canadian listener share and ad budgets, particularly in news and documentary categories.
Broad incumbents
- Spotify (Originals & Exclusives): Spotify's podcast strategy (originals, exclusives, and Spotify Podcast Subscriptions) represents both a major distribution channel and a competitive threat. Curiouscast relies on Spotify for distribution while competing with its original/exclusive content investments.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Curiouscast social profiles
Digital presenceCuriouscast financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Curiouscast leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Curiouscast funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Curiouscast 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 Curiouscast
What does Curiouscast do?
Curiouscast is a Canadian podcast network that produces, hosts, and distributes a portfolio of podcast shows across genres including true crime, history, music, news, sports, paranormal, science, comedy, and talk radio. The network distributes content free to listeners across major podcast platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music) and generates revenue through podcast advertising, sponsorships, network syndication via Corus Radio stations, and custom branded content solutions for advertisers.
Is Curiouscast a public or private company?
Curiouscast is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Curiouscast founded?
Curiouscast was founded in 2018. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Curiouscast based?
Curiouscast is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Curiouscast make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Podcast Advertising is the primary driver. The others are custom Branded Content and network Syndication.
Who are Curiouscast's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are iHeartPodcasts, Audioboom, Wondery (Amazon), Acast, PRX (Public Radio Exchange), Cadence13 / Audacy Podcast Network and SiriusXM / Stitcher. Headgum is listed as an emerging player. CBC Podcasts / CBC Listen is listed as a regional player. Spotify (Originals & Exclusives) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Curiouscast have an API?
No public API is recorded for Curiouscast.
What industry is Curiouscast in?
Curiouscast's product category is Podcast Network. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPACADAB, Podcast Networks & Multi-Show Publishers, with a secondary code of MPACADAD, Podcast Ad Sales Networks & Monetization Platforms. Its NAICS code is 5162 and its SIC code is 4832.