Podcasts and popularity

Why has podcasting grown in popularity? 

The pandemic is responsible for yet another change in the world, however, it is a positive one. Because of COVID-19, podcasts have been given the chance to shine for the world. Staying home has caused people to turn to podcasts to cure boredom.  

How much have they grown in popularity? 

In March 2021, Edison One and Triton Digital released their version of the annual “Infinite Dial” survey. The research showed 41% of Americans above 12 years old had listened to a podcast during the past month. 

According to Make Use Of, “That figure had risen from 37% in 2020.” This survey was released around the same time the COVID-19 lockdowns took place. Make Use Of also says since 2016, the number of people older than 12 listening to a podcast in the past month has doubled.  

Why do people like podcasts 

The first reason many like to listen is because they are easy to access. One only needs two things to enjoy a podcast, a device and the ability to listen. Most phones and tablets already have a podcasting app built into them and if not with a few taps they can be downloaded. In most cases they are also free to download.  

Podcasts have a wide range of topics, meaning they are for anyone and everyone. As reported by Neal Schaffer, there are over 850,000 active podcasts and over 48 million episodes available. Topics include true crime, politics, storytelling and lots of advice. Whatever you want to listen to and whatever knowledge you want to obtain is out there in a podcast waiting for you to press play. The Podcast Host describes this world as “content driven,” meaning people want content on topics they are interested in. With podcasts one can pick the information they want to learn.  

Podcasts are multi-task friendly, giving people the opportunity to keep up with their busy lives. In fact, most people that listen to podcasts listen while they are doing something else. Listening to podcasts is a way to obtain information without having to stop what you are doing.  

The Podcast Host says podcasts seem to have a way of building intimacy. The article describes intimacy with the host rather than with a loved one. These hosts tend to be accessible through social media. Most podcasts have a platform where listeners can go and communicate with the host or other listeners.  

This leads to podcasts providing an instant community for listeners. This community is filled with all different people that simply have the same interest in a similar topic. These people can communicate with each other on social media. The hosts and the listeners make up the community podcasts provide for the world. Some podcasts use Facebook for this, and others use Twitter. Lots of podcasts are centered around the audience and the questions they have or the advice they need. So, it is important for podcasts to have a way to communicate with their listeners and in doing so they provide a community.  

Impact on people 

While podcasts seem to be giving people the information they need while providing them with the entertainment they want, they are also lending out a hand to make listeners feel like they are not alone.  

What turned into a way to cure boredom has become a way of life. Listeners can feel good about what they are hearing and know so many other people are interested in the crazy topics they are interested in as well.  

Growth will only continue  

The popularity of podcasts is predicted to continue to grow. An article, published in February 2021 by Forbes says, “125 million people are expected to listen to one each month by 2022.” 

Statistics suggest that listening to podcasts is not a fading trend. Podcasting allows listeners to learn while connecting with others. Podcasting is everything a person could want. Podcasting is also different from any other platform, giving it an edge to stay in the spotlight. 

Podcasts can fit into everyday life and stay there. Podcasts are becoming part of routines. Podcasts are here to stay.