2024 is coming to a close and we’ve learned a lot this year when it comes to podcasting! Reflecting on the past year can help to inform the future, too. So without further adieu, let’s take a look at what the biggest learnings were this year!
Listener Trends
Listenership has been on the rise over the past year and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. Podcasts have become a daily routine for many Americans, especially those in the younger generation. Let’s check out some quick highlights:
- According to Statista, “59 percent of respondents aged 12 to 34 years old had listened to a podcast within the preceding month…”
- Again from Statista, in 2024 it was found that “…67 percent of US consumers listened to audio podcasts, up from 64 percent in the previous year.”
- Their favorite genre? Comedy, followed by Society & Culture, and News coming up third, at least according to Edison Research. Education grew a bit, too, showing that Listeners are interested in upskilling alongside busting up from laughter.
- Per Spotify’s 2024 report, a whopping 63% trust podcast hosts more than their favorite social media influencers.
- Finally, from Edison Research, “…46% of weekly podcast listeners have purchased a product or service as a result of hearing an ad on a podcast.”
The pool of podcast listeners are continuing to grow. Long gone are the days of trying to explain what a podcast is to your grandmother, she’s now the one telling you about a new show she’s been listening to!
Alongside this growth is the growth of trust in podcasts. Listeners are more likely to trust the recommendation of a podcast host than any other content creator. Which makes sense as podcasters tend to care deeply about the communities they’re cultivating! And advertisers are taking notice of the power of podcasts these past few years.
Podcast Platform Trends
Plenty of Podcast Hosting Platforms made a big impact on the industry, including our very own OpenRAP initiative. It’s more than likely that we’ll continue to see an increase in innovation across all platforms (even distributors like Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music!) Here are some quick highlights that made a big splash this year:
- Podcast advertising revenue is expected to surpass $2.6 billion by 2026, per the IAB. And places like RedCircle are making it easier than ever to monetize your show!
- It’s never been easier to produce and place ads on a podcast! There are dozens of tools available for podcasters to source, create, place, and earn revenue for ads. Features like OpenRAP allows podcasters on any VAST-enabled hosting platform to earn additional revenue.
- Cross-Promotions, also known as podcast swaps, are growing in popularity according to Nestify. They claim there’s been a 23% increase in growth for shows that participate in Cross-Promotion! And for those readers currently on RedCircle, you’re in luck as we have our very own Cross-Promotion platform integrated with our Dynamic Insertion technology!
- Technology has come a long way from placing ads and other pieces of content directly in to the raw file of an episode. Advancements in Dynamic Insertion has allowed podcasters to easily swap in the most lucrative ad for that spot. At RedCircle, we’re always striving to improve podcasting tech! Just take it from our friend Bryan Barletta from Sounds Profitable:
General Trends
There have been plenty of advancements in podcasting as a whole including improvements to podcasting tools and a diversification of podcast monetization. There were a few less-expected trends that popped up in 2024 that impacted the podcasting industry significantly:
- This may not seem as much as a surprise for folks who frequent the internet, but AI tools have been on the rise for everyone including podcasters. While AI tools are great for helping to make a podcast, it’s not generally recommended to fully rely on it to create the entire show. As Dusty Weis from Podcamp Media puts it, “The more AI generated hokum that’s out there, The more my work, my human insight, is going to stand above the noise.”
- There are reportedly 3 million active podcasts in the world today. This number is expected to rise throughout 2025 as well. This means podcasters need to shift their focus to creating the best possible show they can. Finding a specific niche and building yourself up in that space is one of the best strategies. Creating an authentic experience by putting in the right amount of effort and passion should thrust you to the front of the pack.
Looking Ahead to 2025
There is so, so much to look forward to in 2025! Opportunities to grow and monetize your show are abundant, tools to make podcasting easier in every aspect are expected, and increasing listenership is just on the horizon.
Set yourself up right for the new year by investing in the perfect podcast platform. And if you need help deciding, then check out our article on selecting the best podcast platform for you!
Want to make a splash in the New Year? Why not give RedCircle a chance! Sign up today for a 7-day Free Trial and see how you can take your show to the next level.
