Episode 249 | Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast | Courtney Elmer

0:02 - Is Your Podcast Aligned with Future Trends?
1:16 - The Evolution of Technology and Listener Expectations
6:28 - The Rise and Loyalty of Niche Podcasts
13:03 - Predictions for the Future of Podcast Content
17:01 - How to Make Sure Your Podcast Withstands the Test of Time

Why Going Niche is the Smartest Move You Can Make for Podcast Growth

Are niche podcasts growing faster than general ones? Are video podcasts here to stay? Why are podcast networks booming? How is the podcasting industry going to change over the next 3-5 years? And most importantly, is your podcast primed to rise with the tide or will it sink?

If you’re ready for a deep dive into the future of podcasting, read on. We’re exploring the latest trends, why they matter, and the opportunities in the “Great Divide” created as more podcasts flood the scene.

Plus, you’ll get my predictions on the rise of multimedia content, the decline of traditional interview styles, and the three questions you need to answer to keep your podcast relevant and engaging so your show can cut through the noise and stand out.

Listeners Love Niche Podcasts: Here’s Why

It’s no secret that the podcasting industry is evolving faster than ever. A survey by Edison Research found that 74% of listeners prefer podcasts with topics that interest them specifically​ (Edison Research). Another study by Nielsen revealed that 62% of listeners engage more deeply with niche content, and 80% of niche podcast listeners regularly tune into all episodes​ (FounderJar)​. Talk about serious engagement.

Why are niche podcasts so attractive? Think about it: Would you rather read an encyclopedia or binge a podcast about a subject you love? Niche podcasts deliver focused, high-quality content tailored to the specific needs and interests of their audience.

The Evolution of Podcasting: 2004 - Present Day

We’ve come a long way since podcasting was introduced by Dave Weiner and Adam Curry back in 2004. Back then, we tolerated low-quality audio because we didn’t know any better. It was like the wild west of audio content. Fast forward to today, and it's a whole different ball game. Just like we moved from those old-school car phones (remember those?) to sleek smartphones, podcast listeners now expect crystal-clear audio and top-notch production. No more recording in the backseat of your car and getting away with it.

To succeed in today’s podcasting world, you need to understand this evolution. It’s not just about having a good mic anymore. It’s about delivering relevant messaging and a bingeworthy listening experience that meets the high standards of today’s savvy listeners. Your audience knows what high-quality content sounds like, and now they won’t settle for anything less.

Navigating the Podcast Landscape: General vs. Niche

Old-school, general-interest podcasts that cover a broad range of topics aren’t as effective in today’s saturated market. Sure, these shows can still perform well because they built huge followings back in the day, but for new podcasts, specificity is your ticket to cutting through the noise. The more crowded a niche becomes, the more finely tuned your content needs to be to stand out. The more focused your content, the more you’ll attract a dedicated audience who knows exactly what they’re tuning in for. If you start a general interest podcast, prepare for it to grow more slowly than the general interest podcasts of old.

Why Specificity Matters

Being specific doesn’t just help you stand out—it builds loyalty. The more specialized your content, the more likely you are to make a lasting impact on your audience. Specificity sells, and niche podcasts are the Brene Brown bestsellers of the podcasting world, while broad-interest shows are kinda like college textbooks — important, but not riveting.

Predictions for the Future of Podcasting

So, what does the future of podcasting hold? Here’s what you need to keep an eye on:

• Specificity Will Outperform: Expect niche podcasts to continue outperforming generalized content. Stay specific and position your podcast to solve the very real problems of your unique audience.
• Innovative Content and Listening Experiences: Get ready for more creative and engaging ways to consume content. Think beyond traditional interview formats and explore adventure-based recordings, live streaming, and video components.
• Rise of Independent Creators: Just like indie musicians on platforms like Spotify, independent podcasters will seek more creative control and ownership. We’re about to see a boom in indie content creation like never before.
• Decline of Traditional Interview Styles: Listeners are getting savvy and have less tolerance for the same old interview formats. Expect to see more creative and engaging styles of content that capture attention and keep audiences hooked.

Finding Your Podcast Identity

The secret to surviving these industry shifts? Know who you are as a podcaster. Define your podcast’s identity — who it’s for, what problems it solves, and what makes it different from other shows of its kind. Keep experimenting and stay open to change because the industry will continue to evolve. Think of it as being crystal clear on who you are yet always being open to growth and improvement. Sure, there are a lot of podcasts about podcasting, but only one that talks about the psychology of your listener and creating binge-worthy messaging that attracts new listeners, keeps them hooked, and converts them to leads. The more you can identify and fill a content gap in your show category, the more successful your podcast will be.

So here’s my challenge to you:

• Decide on your podcast’s identity.
• Be fearless in experimenting with new formats and topics.
• Make sure your podcast messaging and positioning is specific enough to cut through the noise and grab the attention of your target audience.

Your podcast’s identity is its compass, steering you through the ever-changing landscape. Don’t be afraid to evolve, but always stay true to your core. And if you need a helping hand, book a free strategy call to chat with my team about how we can help you nail down your podcast’s identity and strategy.

And for more tips on how to make your podcast stand out? Follow Insider Secrets to a Top Podcast on your favorite podcast app to learn how to turn your show into a top podcast listeners can’t get enough of.