Podcasting has become a sensation in the entertainment industry in recent years. The history of podcasting dates back to 2004, but gained momentum only in the last decade. This is largely due to the rise of smartphones and social media, and we’re totally here for it. Not to mention, the ease of creating and sharing podcasts has now made it accessible to many more people today.
In 2019, over 50% of Americans tuned in to podcasts, and it’s estimated that there are over 1.5 million active podcasts globally today. Podcasting has since grown to become a pretty stinking profitable business, with podcast ads revenue in the U.S. alone expected to reach a WHOPPING $2.2 billion in 2023.
It seems like everyone has jumped onto the podcasting bandwagon in recent times. This has seen celebrities and businesses creating niche and diverse content to cater to specific audiences. Dedicated podcasters are launching new episodes every day, sharing knowledge, headlines, stories, and more, captivating listeners around the globe.
The truth is, there is no limit to the possibilities, creativity and reach of podcasting. It provides you with a platform to voice your thoughts, opinions, experiences, and knowledge to a potentially SUPER LARGE audience. And the best part for you? It also enables one to monetize their content, so podcasters can truly make a living off what they love doing the most.
While it is obvious that podcasting has already caught on, many still wonder why everyone is jumping on the trend. Read on as we explore reasons why it seems like everyone has a podcast.
Why Does Everyone Have A Podcast?
Here are some of the reasons why podcasts have become so favored and why it seems like literally everyone has one:
Podcasting is the perfect format for background entertainment.
One of the main reasons why people love podcasts is that they make for ideal background entertainment. Unlike TV shows, movies, or even audiobooks, listeners can enjoy podcasts while they go about their day. Whether they’re driving to work, cooking dinner, or doing some light exercise, podcasts provide a great way to stay informed. It also helps you learn new things and be entertained, all while getting things done.
All this to say: podcast listeners are everywhere! They are the perfect way to consume media while on the go. Due to the high demand, multinational media companies are creating podcast platforms for podcasters to get their content up and available for their audiences.
Podcasting offers endless options for creators and listeners.
Another thing that makes podcasts so appealing is their sheer variety. With new shows popping up all the time, there really is something for everyone out there. Whether you’re interested in politics, gaming, true crime, comedy, or anything in between, you’re sure to find a podcast that caters to your interests. At the same time, for creators, podcasts present an incredible opportunity to explore new topics, experiment with different formats, and connect with like-minded individuals.
Thanks to the podcasting format, podcasters can produce compelling, long-form content that can keep listeners engaged for extended periods. This format has a major advantage over some other media formats, as it allows for in-depth conversations and discussions. With millions of episodes on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, you can find podcasts on almost every topic imaginable. As consumers, we have more choices than ever before on what we want to listen to, when we want to listen to it.
It’s easy to get started.
Starting a podcast has become easier than ever before. All you really need is a microphone, internet connection and a little bit of creativity. Combine that with love for podcasting and you’re good to go. With so many electronic stores providing budget-friendly options, it is no surprise that this is a hobby that has caught on worldwide.
Of course, there are more advanced setups you can invest in further down the line, but the initial investment required to start a podcast is relatively low. Check out everything you need to start a podcast HERE. You might also do well to take note of some quality podcasting tips, especially if you’re a beginner. This way, you’re sure of the steps you’re taking and there’s less chance of your podcast failing.
Podcasting can be a great platform for building a following.
For people looking to build a following, whether for personal or professional reasons, podcasting offers a great platform. It allows them to connect with people on a deeper level than they might be able to do through other formats. It also allows them to build a community around their interests or expertise. This ultimately makes podcasting their best bet for building an online presence and reaching new audiences.
Social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter also make podcast marketing easy. Apple Podcasts, for instance, enables podcasters to promote their podcasts to their subscribers. They can also share their episode links to various social media platforms. Companies like Spotify also offer podcast advertising, which is a great way for podcasters to reach a new audience.
Plus, the best of the best podcast apps like Spotify and Apple Podcast allow podcast listeners to find and bookmark shows, create playlists, and share podcasts with friends. These features have all helped to further popularize the world of podcasting.
A podcast host gets to create an influential presence.
A podcast host gets to define the podcast’s brand based on their personality. This makes the platform a safe haven for most hosts where they get to be themselves. They do this while attracting a specific listening niche who are usually loyal and dedicated to their host and brand.
Podcast hosts are able to bond with their listeners in ways that other mediums can’t. Raunchy humor, meaningful anecdotes, or intricate knowledge can all add to the intimacy that listeners feel when consuming podcast content. Listeners who identify with their favorite host may eventually pursue a deeper relationship, attending live shows or purchasing memorabilia. This creates a monetizable cycle of engagement and dedication that is unique to podcasting.
Podcast Popularity Stats
Podcasting is gaining rapid popularity and has become a mainstream medium for content consumption. The convenience and accessibility of podcasts have made them a popular choice for people to consume information on a wide range of topics. The latest podcast popularity statistics indicate that the medium is here to stay and is set to grow in popularity.
Listenership statistics.
According to the latest study conducted by Edison Research, around 75% of Americans are now familiar with podcasting. The study also revealed that 55% of Americans have listened to a podcast, and 37% have listened to one in the past month. Additionally, podcasting has become more accessible through smart speakers like Amazon Alexa and Google Home, with 39 million Americans owning a smart speaker.
Active podcasts in the country.
The number of active podcasts has increased exponentially in the past few years. As of January 2023, there are over 3.02 million active podcasts available in the world, with over 50% of them being recorded in English. Apple Podcasts has the largest number of active podcasts, with Spotify and Google Podcasts following closely behind. Moreover, the emerging popularity of niche podcasts has also contributed to the rapid growth in the number of active podcasts.
Advertising revenue.
Podcasts have also become a popular medium for advertising, with its advertising revenue increasing rapidly. According to the Interactive Advertising Bureau, podcast advertising revenue in the US was valued at $1.4 billion in 2021, and expected to greatly surpass this milestone in 2022 and 2023. This more than proves that podcasts have become a lucrative advertising platform.
Do you love podcasting? We do too!!!
It is clear to see that there are many compelling reasons why everyone seems to have a podcast these days. From starting a hobby to building a personal brand, there are countless reasons why people create a podcast. With so many options for listeners, it’s not hard to understand why podcasts have become so popular in recent years.
If you’re thinking of starting your own podcast or looking for some new shows to subscribe to, look no further. There’s never been a better time to get involved in the world of podcasting and we at Dear Media are here to guide you through it. Feel free to check out our blog for all you need to know about podcasting.
So, join the trend and share your knowledge and passion with the world by launching your own podcast. Let your voice be heard!
