Podcasting is more than just a hobby—it’s a powerful way to connect with your audience, grow your brand, and even change lives. But as we move into 2025, the podcasting landscape is evolving. To ensure your podcast not only survives but thrives, you need to keep an eye on the trends that are shaping the industry.
So, what do you need to know to succeed in the new year? Let’s dive into the top trends you should be paying attention to!
It’s About Retention, Not Just Reach
In 2025, the focus will shift from how many listeners you have to how long they’re sticking around. Podcasting isn’t just about attracting listeners; it’s about keeping them coming back for more. Are people listening to your episodes all the way through? Are they returning for every new episode? These are the questions that matter.
The key to success here? Build genuine connections with your audience. Don’t just push content—engage with them, answer their questions, and listen to their feedback. Focus on creating a community, not just a listener base. When people feel connected to you, they’ll keep coming back.
Video Podcasting is a Core Component
Video podcasting isn’t a passing trend—it’s becoming an integral part of the podcasting experience. If you’re still solely focusing on audio, now’s the time to start integrating video into your podcast strategy.
Why? Video allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Viewers can see your personality, your passion, and your reactions in real time. Plus, YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world—tapping into that platform can help you expand your reach and grow your audience.
Podcasting is Part of Everyday Life
If you’ve ever found yourself listening to a podcast during your commute, workout, or while doing mundane chores, you know that podcasts have become a part of daily life. More people are turning to podcasts to fill moments throughout their day, and that means you need to make your content accessible and easy for them to integrate into their routines.
Make sure your podcast is available on all the major platforms and that it’s easy to listen to on the go. Your listeners are multitasking, so make sure your content fits seamlessly into their day-to-day life.
Get Creative with Your Show Format
Let’s face it—nobody wants to listen to the same thing week after week. In 2025, creativity will be key to keeping your podcast fresh and engaging. Don’t be afraid to mix things up. Try different formats—solo episodes, guest interviews, panel discussions, or storytelling.
Experiment with different segments to keep your audience guessing and excited for what’s next.
The more you tap into your creativity, the more your listeners will stay engaged and look forward to each new episode.
Know Your Audience
I can’t stress this enough: To truly create a podcast that resonates, you need to know your audience inside and out. Where are they listening? What do they care about? How can you meet them where they are and create content that speaks directly to them?
Understanding your audience will allow you to craft episodes that solve their problems, entertain them, and build a meaningful relationship with them. When you know what your audience needs, you’ll create content that resonates and keeps them coming back.
-Kimberly
Ready to Take Your Podcast to the Next Level in 2025?
If you’re feeling excited (and maybe a little overwhelmed) by these trends, don’t worry—I’m here to help!
I’ve created a FREE Ultimate Podcast Marketing Checklist that will guide you through the steps to create a podcast that thrives in 2025 and beyond. Grab it Below!