Podcasting

The Rise of Podcasts’ Popularity

May 9, 2023

It seems everyone has a podcast these days, and it’s no wonder why! Podcasting is a great way to share your ideas and knowledge. Whether you’re promoting a business, educating eager listeners, or creating for sheer joy and entertainment, podcasting has something for everyone. Today, we’ll discuss the undeniable rise of podcasts’ popularity and share a few tips that will allow you to create your own podcast!

Are you ready to create, collaborate, and connect with others? Let’s get started!

The History of Podcasting

Podcasting today is quite different from in the 1980s, when it was called “audio blogging.” Podcasts’ popularity started small, as bloggers recorded their thoughts with experts and thought leaders about a topic of interest. Then, the bloggers would create a recording and share the cassette tapes with others.

As the internet became more accessible, early audio bloggers began sharing their creations online, allowing listeners to download the MP3 file on their listening devices. Following the creation of the iPod in 2001, Apple officially added podcasts to its iTunes Music Library, and podcasts’ popularity has been on the rise ever since.

Podcasts’ Popularity: Why Does Everyone Listen to Podcasts?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably noticed the growth of the podcast industry in the past few years. Nearly every person with an internet connection has a podcast or has thought about creating one. And who can blame them? You only need an internet-connected device and the right software to let the world hear your voice.

With inexpensive streaming services, virtually anyone can experience the power of podcasting. Furthermore, podcast listeners can easily absorb information or be entertained, providing a crucial outlet as Americans are reading fewer books. Podcasts’ popularity is on the rise because they can help listeners think creatively and gain insight into how the world works.

5 Reasons for Podcasts’ Popularity

Of course, podcasts are convenient and fun, but there’s so much more to podcasts’ popularity than you may initially think. Let’s dig deeper into the popularity of podcasts so you can understand what modern listeners want from their podcasting experience.

1. Podcasts Offer a Tailored Listening Experience

Thanks to streaming services and content curation, podcast listeners can enjoy exactly what they want at any time. It’s easier than ever for listeners to find podcasts on any topic that interests them, whether that’s science, philosophy, social issues, entertainment, or something entirely different. Podcasts’ popularity can partly be attributed to the wide range of podcasts available at the touch of a button. 

As a podcaster, your topics can be as specific or broad as you desire, and you can format them however you like. If you’re creating podcasts independently, you can learn to draw in listeners with a simple monologue-style podcast. However, you can also interview experts, tell stories, or host panel discussions. 

2. You Can Enjoy Podcasts On Your Time

A primary reason for podcasts’ popularity is their convenience. As long as you have access to a streaming service, you can listen to podcasts on smartphones, laptops, and other portable devices. This way, you can make the most of your time while commuting or sweating it out in the gym.

If you ever get tired of listening to music, you can always listen to educational or entertaining podcasts when cooking, cleaning, and tending to other household chores. Podcasts are the ideal source of entertainment when you don’t have time to read books or watch TV.

3. Podcasts Cultivate a Sense of Community

Podcasts’ popularity skyrocketed at the start of the pandemic, and it’s easy to see why. People stuck in their houses could find a sense of community online by listening to their favorite podcasts. 

Most podcasts center around niche interests, such as sports, music, politics, or even true crime. As listeners connect with others with similar interests, they experience a sense of connection, belonging, and community. Podcasters can take this further by engaging with listeners through social media, email, and even in-person events.

4. Podcasts Offer Educational Content

Listening to educational podcasts is a great way to expand your worldview! If you’re caught in the hustle and bustle of daily life and don’t have time for formal learning, you can stream an educational podcast about a subject of interest. You can leverage the knowledge of others to learn more about different languages and history and even become a better person with personal development podcasts.

If you’re an educator, you can create student podcasts with the entire class to develop a better learning experience. Unlike lackluster lectures, educational podcasts use expert storytelling skills and engaging formats to entertain audiences. This way, your students will retain more information and foster a passion for lifelong learning!

5. Podcasting Creates Conversation

A defining factor that sets podcasts apart from movies, TV shows, and books is their ability to create an engaging dialogue between the podcaster and the listener. In contrast, other forms of entertainment tell a story through the lens of another person’s life experiences. 

Even during solo podcasts, it feels like the host is conversing with you. That’s what makes podcasts such an effective medium. Listeners can hear a fresh perspective on topics they enjoy or broaden their perspective while feeling a connection with podcast hosts and guests.

Podcasts’ Popularity: Create Your Own

Creating your podcast is much easier than you think! You can benefit significantly from podcasts’ popularity by creating your own to promote your content, market your business, or connect with like-minded individuals. And if you’re a teacher, you can even bring podcasting to the classroom as a safe space to create, collaborate, and connect with your students! 

With these five simple steps, we’ll give you a quick rundown of how you can start creating podcasts today.

1. Choose Your Topic

Of course, the first place to start when you’re interested in creating a podcast is by selecting the right topic. Once you know what you’ll discuss, you can structure each podcast episode around your chosen topic.

Consider these tips to help you choose a podcast topic:

• Focus on your goals. What would you like to get out of podcast creation? If you’re a lifelong learner, consider educating yourself and others about science, math, philosophy, or art. If you’re running a business, giving business-related tips to your target audience may be beneficial.
• Consider your interests. The best thing about podcasts is that you can start a conversation about anything that interests you. If you have a passion or hobby, consider creating a podcast about it. This will keep you motivated to release content consistently.
• Understand the pulse of the market. Think about how to present your ideas in a way that will resonate with your audience. What topics are most likely to spark their interest?

2. Plan Your Format

When creating a podcast, it’s best to stick with one format, especially when you’re starting out. Consider which podcasting format is the best way to present your chosen topic: an interview, storytelling, or a panel discussion. Choosing the right format will create a consistent listening experience for your audience so they keep returning for more!

3. Choose Your Equipment

Fortunately, you won’t need expensive equipment to start your podcasting journey! All you need is an internet-connected device, such as a laptop or smartphone with DAW software, and you’re good to go. If you’re serious about podcasting, we recommend investing in a high-quality microphone, but this isn’t necessary for most people.

4. Record and Edit Your Podcast

Now that you’ve chosen your topic, format, and equipment, you can start creating your podcast. Recording a podcast is easier than ever, but you must go to a quiet place to get the best sound quality possible. Make sure to edit your podcast by creating an intro and outro and adding a few sound effects for a polished, professional sound.

5. Publish & Promote Your Podcast

It’s time to promote your podcast! Get started by choosing a podcast hosting platform to host your podcasts, such as Libsyn, Buzzsprout, or Podbean. Then, submit your podcast to streaming services like Spotify to enthrall audiences worldwide! 

Make sure you promote your podcast on social media and other platforms to expand your audience. You can even reach out to other podcasts or influencers in your niche to collaborate and cross-promote. When it comes to podcasting, the world is your oyster!

Create Your Podcast with Soundtrap for Education

Soundtrap for Education is the ultimate audio production platform for students and teachers to create and edit audio recordings. Pupils and educators can easily tap into their artistic side with this intuitive audio platform that facilitates a creative learning environment for every subject, regardless of the student’s age or experience level.

With Soundtrap for Education, students and teachers can collaborate with advanced cloud technology at any time or place. In addition, the platform comes equipped with a robust resource portal, with tutorials, an external curriculum, and lesson plans to complete the educational experience. And to ensure privacy, teachers can keep student collaboration safe and secure with invite-only groups in Soundtrap’s versatile digital environment. 

If you’re ready to enhance your educational experience with an intuitive cloud-based audio production platform, get started today with Soundtrap for Education! And be sure to share this article with other teachers in your network to help spread the joy of learning through sound.