So, you're thinking about starting a podcast in 2024? That's awesome! But you might be wondering, with millions of podcasts out there, is there still room for new content creators?
The truth is, the podcasting world has blown up in recent years, but there are still plenty of opportunities for new voices to make their mark and build a loyal following.
Sure, there are some challenges you might face as a newbie podcaster. It can be tough to get noticed when there are so many shows out there. But with the right strategies and a bit of creativity, you can make it work!
Let's dive into what the podcasting scene looks like in 2024 and chat about some of the obstacles you might encounter as a new creator.
First things first: how healthy is podcasting?
Here’s what Reddit thinks
There’s a rumor on Reddit that podcasting is about to die. The discussion started with Apple's recent changes to how they count podcast listeners. In short, Apple stopped auto-downloading episodes for users who haven't listened in a while, which has led to a noticeable drop in listener numbers for some shows. To be more precise, this change has caused listener numbers to drop by 5 - 40%.
But here's the thing: not every podcast is feeling the pinch. In fact, newer shows seem to be doing just fine, with some even seeing growth. One Redditor mentioned that their podcast, which launched after the Apple changes, has been steadily gaining listeners, while older shows with inactive subscribers are taking a hit.
So, what does this mean for new podcasters? Well, it highlights the importance of keeping your audience engaged and consistently putting out quality content. If you can keep your listeners coming back for more, you'll be in good shape, no matter what changes come your way.
Another interesting trend that Redditors have noticed is the shift towards video content, particularly among younger listeners. Apparently, a lot of Gen Z folks prefer to watch their podcasts on YouTube rather than just listening to audio. One user even found that their podcast's YouTube numbers were nearly the same as their stats on audio-only platforms.
This suggests that new podcasters might want to consider incorporating video elements into their shows or at least repurposing their content for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
But, is podcasting dead? The consensus on Reddit seems to be a resounding "no." While the medium might be evolving and becoming more competitive, most users believe that podcasting is here to stay – it's just changing. As a new creator, the key is to be adaptable, stay on top of trends, and focus on creating content that truly resonates with your target audience.
Here's What We Think
At Podcastle, we recently conducted our own study on the state of podcasting in 2024. According to our data, 18% of Americans are starting a podcast this year, which suggests that the medium is not slowing down—in fact, it's thriving!
Our study also revealed some interesting insights about what makes a successful podcast in 2024. For example, we found that the average podcast episode length is 65 minutes and that 68% of the most popular podcasts follow an interview format. Additionally, only 22% of the top podcasts offer video content, which aligns with the trend Redditors have noticed about the growing popularity of video podcasts among younger listeners.
Overall, our study confirms that podcasting is alive and well in 2024, with plenty of opportunities for new creators to make their mark.
What does peak podcast look like?
Some argue that we've reached "peak podcast," and that not every opinion needs a platform. They might say that certain genres are oversaturated with shows that rehash the same ideas or drag out stories that could be told in half the time. Here are a few examples:
– True crime podcasts: While incredibly popular, some listeners criticize these shows for being too long and drawn out, arguing that the same stories could be told in a fraction of the time.
– Comedy podcasts: Critics claim that not everyone has the chops for comedy, and that some beginner stand-up comedians rely too heavily on viral TikTok clips to grow their listenership.
– Alpha male podcasts: These shows, which often feature hosts sharing outdated and sometimes offensive views on women and relationships, are a genre that many believe we could do without entirely.
But here's the thing: just because there are a lot of podcasts out there doesn't mean there isn't room for yours. The beauty of podcasting is that it's a medium for everyone. Whether you're into knitting, true crime, or underwater basket weaving, there's an audience out there for you.
And sure, you might face some criticism along the way. Some listeners might think your jokes fall flat or that your stories are too long. But that's okay! Not everyone is going to love your content, and that's just part of putting yourself out there.
The key is to focus on creating a show that you're passionate about and that provides value to your listeners. If you're doing that, then who cares if there are a million other podcasts out there? Yours will stand out to the people who matter most: your dedicated fans.
It’s 2024, can you make money podcasting?
Despite the criticisms and the crowded field, there's no denying that some podcasters have found incredible success. Just look at Joe Rogan, whose show "The Joe Rogan Experience" secured a whopping $200 million exclusivity deal with Spotify. Or the true-crime podcast "My Favorite Murder," which earned its hosts a cool $15 million in 2019.
So, can you make money podcasting? Absolutely. While not everyone will reach Rogan-level success, it's definitely possible to turn your passion for podcasting into a profitable venture. The key is to create high-quality content, build a loyal audience, and explore various monetization strategies like sponsorships, advertising, and listener support.
At the end of the day, the number of podcasts out there might feel overwhelming, but it's also proof of the democratization of media. Yes, anyone can start a podcast, but isn't that a beautiful thing? While some might argue that not every opinion needs a platform, the variety ensures there's something for every listener out there.
So, what is the future of podcasting looking like for new creators?
As podcasting continues to grow and evolve, many are wondering what the future holds for this exciting medium. While nobody has a crystal ball, there are some interesting trends and predictions that new podcasters should keep an eye on.
1) Exclusive content and private communities
One trend that seems to be gaining traction is the idea of exclusive content and private podcast communities. Instead of trying to reach the widest audience possible, some podcasters are opting to create more intimate, curated experiences for their most dedicated listeners.
Think of it like a VIP lounge for your podcast fans. By offering exclusive episodes, bonus content, or even access to private online communities, you can create a deeper connection with your audience and create a sense of belonging that keeps them coming back for more.
This approach aligns with the trend we're seeing in other areas of content creation, like social media influencers focusing on private groups and communities. By providing a more personal, tailored experience, you can stand out in a crowded market and build a loyal following that will support you for the long haul.
2) Podcasts as corporate communication tools
Another intriguing development in the podcasting world is the growing use of shows as internal communication tools for businesses. Companies are starting to recognize the power of podcasts for keeping employees engaged and informed, especially in the era of remote work.
Imagine being able to listen to your CEO's updates and insights during your morning commute or while you're out for a jog. With these private, company-specific podcasts, businesses can develop a stronger sense of connection and culture among teams, even when everyone is working from different locations.
As a new podcaster, this trend could open up some interesting opportunities for collaboration or even full-time work creating content for corporate clients. If you have a knack for storytelling and a deep understanding of a particular industry, you could carve out a niche for yourself as a go-to resource for businesses looking to launch their own podcasts.
3) Multitasking content
One of the biggest advantages of podcasts is that they're perfect for multitasking. Unlike video content, which typically requires your full attention, podcasts allow listeners to consume content while doing other things like commuting, exercising, or even doing household chores.
For new podcasters, this trend presents a big opportunity. You can create content that's engaging, informative, and easy to follow. Even when the listener is doing other things, you can tap into a huge potential audience of busy multitaskers.
To capitalize on this trend, consider focusing on topics that lend themselves well to audio-only content, such as:
– Storytelling and narrative-driven shows
– Interviews and conversations with experts or interesting personalities
– Educational content that teaches listeners new skills or knowledge
– Inspirational or motivational content that uplifts and energizes listeners
So, as you're planning and creating your podcast, keep the multitasking listener in mind. Think about how you can structure your episodes, use descriptive language, and provide clear takeaways that will resonate with someone who's listening while doing other things.
4) The rise of repurposed content
Finally, one trend that's likely to shape the future of podcasting is the rise of repurposed content. As people's attention spans continue to shrink and the demand for on-the-go content grows, savvy podcasters are finding ways to repackage their shows for different platforms and formats.
For example, you might turn your podcast episodes into short video clips for social media, create blog posts or newsletters based on your show's themes, or even develop an online course or e-book that dives deeper into your area of expertise. As a new podcaster, this is a great way to maximize your efforts and ensure that your hard work pays off in terms of both reach and impact.
So, while the future of podcasting might be a bit uncertain, one thing is clear: there are plenty of exciting opportunities for new creators who are willing to adapt, innovate, and stay focused on serving their audience.
Create Podcasts with AI Using Podcastle
We’ve talked about the future of podcasting in terms of podcast consumption, but if you want to create podcasts yourself, here’s what you need to know: podcast production will be all about AI tools very soon. In fact, it already is. You don’t need all your money and hours of recording and editing to start a podcast anymore. With Podcastle, you can easily access studio-quality audio recording and AI-powered editing and enhancement tools all in one place. All it takes from you is to have an idea and let Podcastle take care of all the technical aspects of production. Give it a try, and let us know what you think about it!
