What’s Changing in Podcasting and How to Stay Ahead | James Cridland, Podnews
Dec 11, 2024
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James Cridland, Editor-in-chief of Podnews and a broadcasting veteran, shares his expertise on the transformative changes in podcasting. He highlights the booming niche podcast trend and discusses how these shows are thriving in today’s market. Cridland challenges the notion that video is essential, asserting audio's primary importance. He provides insights on measuring growth beyond downloads and stresses the keys to long-term success: consistency and community engagement. Essential listening for any aspiring podcaster!
Niche podcasts are thriving as they cultivate deep connections with dedicated audiences, allowing new hosts to focus on specialized content.
Despite the rise of video, audio remains foundational for podcasts, highlighting the importance of refining audio content before considering video expansion.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Podcasting and Radio
Podcasting has developed distinct characteristics that set it apart from traditional radio while also benefiting from its influences. Unlike radio, where hosts inherit an established audience, podcasts often start with zero listeners, creating a unique challenge for new podcasters. This allows podcasting to cultivate a more intimate relationship between hosts and audiences, as listeners engage with the content by starting from the beginning and building a connection. The discussion emphasizes that while radio has shaped podcasting, the latter offers greater flexibility in how content is consumed and creates opportunities for niche communities.
Opportunities for New Podcasters
Despite the surge in podcasting, there are still ample opportunities for new hosts to emerge successfully. With over 4 million podcasts available, approximately 300,000 are actively being updated, indicating that actual competition may not be as daunting as it appears. New podcasters can focus on specific niches instead of trying to appeal to a broad audience, which can lead to the development of tight-knit communities eager for specialized content. This specialization not only differentiates shows but also fosters deeper connections with devoted listeners who are enthusiastic about the material.
Strategies for Growth in a Competitive Landscape
Current podcasters need to adopt strategic marketing approaches in a saturated market to ensure their shows stand out. It's essential to convey, in ten words or fewer, what the podcast is about and why potential listeners should tune in. Engaging with social media and communities relevant to the podcast's topic helps amplify reach, establishing the host as a thought leader in the space. While there is a growing trend toward video podcasting, the foundation remains in audio; thus, aspiring and existing podcasters should focus on refining their audio content before expanding into video.
In this episode, I’m joined by James Cridland from Podnews to explore the biggest changes shaking up the podcasting industry right now.
So whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been podcasting for years, James shares insights on what these shifts mean for your show and how to navigate them to stay ahead.
From the rise of niche podcasts to why video might not be as essential as you think, you’ll learn what it takes to create a podcast that lasts in today’s evolving landscape.
Ready to learn what’s working now to grow your podcast? Hit play and let’s dive in.
0:00 – What’s Driving the Biggest Shifts in Podcasting Today
2:30 – The Rise of Niche Podcasts and Why They’re Thriving
5:45 – Why Video Isn’t as Essential as Everyone Thinks
9:15 – Forget Downloads: Here Are the Numbers That Actually Indicate Growth
13:50 – Two Keys to Positioning Your Podcast for Long-Term Success