Podcasting Trends to Watch Out for in 2024
Podcast listening statistics
Podcasting is one of the fastest-growing media platforms in the world. In 2023, there were over 2.8 billion podcast listeners worldwide, and this number is expected to reach 3.3 billion by 2024. With this growth comes new trends and opportunities for podcasters, especially independent podcasters. If you know me, you know that I am extremely trendy. (Yep, that was sarcasm!) But, I did do a bit of research.
Here are some podcasting trends to watch out for in 2024:
1. The rise of niche podcasting
Niche (Neesh/Nitch…if you know, you know!) podcasting is the practice of creating a podcast that is tailored to a specific audience. This could be an audience based on interests, demographics, or even a specific profession.
Niche podcasting is becoming increasingly popular because it allows podcasters to connect with a more engaged audience. Niche listeners are more likely to subscribe to podcasts, leave reviews, and share them with their friends. Here I will toot my horn a bit and give an excellent example of a Niche Podcast: Higher Ed Jobs. This podcast may seem very targeted, yet it reaches a wider audience because the topics discussed transcend the university setting and can be utilized in all job settings.
2. The growth of video podcasting
Video podcasting is the practice of recording and publishing your podcast episodes in video format. Video podcasting is becoming increasingly popular because it allows podcasters to engage with their audience in a more visual way.
Video podcasters can use video to show their faces, reactions, and body language. This can help to create a more personal connection with the audience. Video podcasting can also be used to show visuals, such as images, charts, and videos. This can help to make the podcast more informative and engaging. I hate going back to him so often, but Joe Rogan does this so well. Jamie, his producer, is a wiz at bringing up photos and Googling last-minute articles to highlight Joe and his guest’s discussion.
3. The increasing popularity of live podcasting
Live podcasting is the practice of recording and publishing your podcast episodes in real-time. Live podcasting is becoming increasingly popular because it allows podcasters to interact with their audience in real-time.
Live podcasters can answer questions from their audience, take polls, and run contests. This can help to create a more engaging and interactive experience for the audience. YouTube, which is king is seeing that some of its streamers are choosing other platforms. Twitch, once relegated as a gamer’s streaming platform, is trying hard to become a live video podcast outlet. Still, some are choosing the rebel Rumble for their live podcasts.
4. The emergence of AI-powered podcasting tools
AI-powered podcasting tools are becoming increasingly popular because they can help podcasters to automate tasks, improve the quality of their audio, and reach a wider audience.
AI-powered podcasting tools can be used to transcribe podcast episodes, generate subtitles, and create video clips. They can also be used to distribute podcast episodes to different platforms and promote them on social media. Additionally, AI tools can be used to help create artwork for podcasts. Although one must remain conscious of the terms of use of AI-powered work, as most of the time, it can be used by you in perpetuity but is owned by the software company that produced it. Read those Terms of Use!
5. The growing importance of podcast analytics
Podcast analytics are data that track how your podcast is performing. This data can help you to understand your audience, identify areas where you can improve, and make informed decisions about your podcast.
Podcast analytics can be used to track metrics such as downloads, streams, unique listeners, average listening time, and audience demographics. All of these can be used to help fine-tune your podcast to reach your desired audience.
How independent podcasters can take advantage of these trends
Independent podcasters can take advantage of these trends by:
Creating niche podcasts that are tailored to specific audiences.
Experimenting with video podcasting and live podcasting.
Using AI-powered podcasting tools to automate tasks and improve the quality of their audio.
Tracking their podcast analytics and using the data to improve their podcast.
MW Studio Services can help
MW Studio Services can help independent podcasters take advantage of these trends by:
Helping them to develop and launch niche podcasts.
Producing high-quality video and live podcast episodes.
Providing AI-powered podcasting tools.
Helping them to track their podcast analytics and use the data to improve their podcast.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you to create a successful podcast in 2024 and beyond.
We're here to help you make your podcast a success!
Additional tips for independent podcasters:
Be yourself. The most important thing is to be yourself and let your personality shine through in your podcast.
Be consistent. Release new episodes on a regular schedule so that your listeners know when to expect new content.
Promote your podcast. Share your podcast on social media and other online platforms. Reach out to other podcasters in your niche and ask to be a guest on their shows.
Interact with your audience. Respond to comments and questions on social media and other online platforms. Attend industry events and meetups. The more you interact with your audience, the more loyal they will become.
By following these tips, you can take advantage of the podcasting trends in 2024 and create a successful podcast that your audience will love.
Comments