Do you remember being in grade school and getting your morning announcements over the P.A. system? You sat at your desk, listening intently to the information that you needed to get you through your day. It was quite an efficient way to communicate to a mass audience! 

In recent years, this strategy has moved over to the field of communication and has grown into quite a popular format for entertainers, business professionals, and even the everyday person to push out content. As of October 2020, there are more than 1,500,000 podcasts in existence, coming to a total of 34 million episodes!

So, why has podcasting become so popular? There are a number of reasons why, the first being that it allows listeners to multitask while engaging with the information – something you couldn’t do while say…reading this blog. The world is a very busy place, and allowing your audience the opportunity to explore many different topics without having to set aside time to read or watch something makes it a very appealing option. 

Another reason stems from their accessibility. Podcasts are readily available on numerous streaming platforms like Spotify, Stitcher, and Apple’s Podcast app. Most podcasts are also free to listen to, making them all the more appealing to consumers. Not only are they accessible, but they are also extremely diverse. Topics range from stock market strategy to true crime to rappers cooking dinner – you never know what you’re going to come across!

What makes it appealing to businesses and other entities is that it is a relatively low-cost and low-commitment way to grow an audience. All that starting a podcast requires is that you have a microphone, recording software, and an idea. Most podcasts release weekly episodes for their listeners at lengths anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours, meaning that the time you want to put into recording and editing can be managed to fit into virtually any schedule. As your podcast audience grows, there are also opportunities to earn from your show through sponsorships. So really it’s a win-win situation, right? 

Podcasting is quickly solidifying its place in mainstream media. Whether you’re at home, in the car, the gym, or at work, there’s really no better way to efficiently get your information (or entertainment).  If there is a certain topic or industry that you are extremely passionate about, starting a podcast might be a good way for you to explore and capitalize on it! And for those of us who are just innately curious about a myriad of topics, there are plenty of shows to choose from.

Written By: Carlyle Griffin

11/13/2020