In recent years, podcasts have grown significantly in popularity, with over 1.5 million podcasts estimated to be active globally. So why have podcasts become so popular?
Podcasts make it easy for listeners to consume media while multitasking, as the format enables them to be suitable for background entertainment. Even if you might not have time to sit down and watch a TV show or movie, you could easily listen to a podcast while commuting, cooking, or being active. Podcasters recognise the advantage of this format over conventional entertainment, allowing them to connect with a wider audience.
Many audiences also prefer podcasts over traditional audiobooks because of the connection that can be built between podcaster and listener. Listening to a podcast can feel like you’re taking part in a conversation on topics you care a lot about, or with people you can relate to.
One of the leading reasons why people are making podcasts is how easy it is to get started. For the initial investment, all you really need is a microphone and a topic you care or are curious about. From there, a number of different platforms are available to distribute your podcast on.
In addition, social media platforms are making it even simpler to share your podcast to a wider audience, using algorithms found on TikTok and Youtube to reach new listeners. This is especially significant as discovery is often one of the greatest challenges for podcasters. On platforms like TikTok, not only can clips of engaging moments from your podcast be used to draw interest to the full episode, but bloopers and behind-the-scenes can also help listeners to relate to you better.
There’s also no limit to what niche can be turned into a podcast. If you have thoughts, experiences, or knowledge on a specific niche, there is a space for you to share it. If there’s a topic or theme that you really want to share and build a community around, perhaps creating a podcast is the way to go!
If you’re looking for a few podcasts to try out, here are some of our recommendations in the business and creative industries:
Youpreneur
The Youpreneur podcast discusses what it takes to build a successful personal brand, covering topics including marketing, monetising your skills, and launching personal products.
How to Fail
Failure is a necessary part of the creative process. This podcast celebrates the things that didn’t go right and teaches you to learn from failures to succeed better.
How I Built This
How I Built This is a podcast about innovators, entrepreneurs, and their stories on how they built their movements and brands. In each episode, you learn from founders about leadership and how to navigate various challenges.
99% Invisible
99% Invisible is a podcast about the unnoticed design and architecture shaping our world. It explores the difference between what you see and what a designer sees, investigating the power of everyday design.
Being Boss
Being Boss explores the mindset and tactics to achieving your creative ambitions, investigating what it takes to become a creative business owner, entrepreneur, and freelancer.