All right, let's jump into another deep dive. Today, we're taking a look at
something I know you're all super interested in. Oh, yeah.
The world of podcasts in 2024. Big year for podcasts. Yeah.
And lucky for us. Lucky for us. Spotify just released their Wrapped for Creators
report, and it's packed with insight.
Like hot off the presses. Hot off the presses.
But don't worry. No need to read the whole thing. Yeah, we've got you covered.
We'll break it down. We'll break down all the juicy bits from the rise of video
podcasts to, you know, how creators are using personalized data.
Not that good stuff. It's going to be a wild ride. It is a fascinating world. It is. It's huge.
You know, one of the things that really stood out to me in the report was just
how many people are listening to podcasts these days. Right. It's mind-blowing.
Spotify's report says over half a billion people have tuned in since 2019.
Half a billion. That's insane. It's not just a passing trend.
It's part of our lives now.
It really is like everyone's got their favorite podcast.
Everybody and their dog. Seriously.
But OK, let's be real for a sec. Why should you as a listener care about these trends?
What's the big deal? That's a great question.
Well, for one, understanding what's happening in the podcast world can help
you discover awesome new shows.
That's true. You might not have even known existed.
Think of it as like. Like a treasure map. Yeah, a treasure map leading you to
your next audio obsession.
Ooh, I like that. And who knows, maybe it'll even inspire you to start your own podcast.
Ooh, becoming the next big podcast star. Why not?
All right, so another thing Spotify highlighted was the power of niche content.
Absolutely. It's not just about broad appeal anymore. It's about finding your
people, your tribe. Like finding your people. Right.
Podcasts thrive on that laser focus, like Crime Junkie, for instance.
Huge in the true crime world. I've heard of that one. Big one.
Then you've got Smosh Reads Reddit Stories for all the Reddit fans.
Makes sense. And for sports fanatics, there's the Bill Simmons podcast.
Yeah, there's definitely something for everyone. Just so many niches.
So many niches. Okay, but here's something that really blew my mind.
What's that? Video podcasts.
They're exploding right now.
The report said there's been an 88% surge in video podcast consumption.
88%. That's huge. It's massive. What do you think is driving this shift to video?
It's definitely changing how we experience podcasts. Video makes it so much more immersive.
You feel like you're right there with the host. Like you're hanging out with them. Exactly.
So it's not surprising that shows like the Joe Rogan experience,
Call Her Daddy, and Gabi's hack are leading the way globally.
So it's like Rogan's known for those long interviews, right?
Yeah. Deep dives into all sorts of topics. And then Call Her Daddy.
They keep it real, unfiltered conversations. And Gabi's hack.
That's a German comedy podcast. Super popular. They've got a really unique visual style.
Interesting. So we're going from like radio to TV, but for podcasts.
It's an evolution. It is. And speaking of evolution, Spotify's wrapped for creators
isn't just about us listeners.
No, it's not. It's about giving podcast creators the tools to succeed. Absolutely.
Spotify is going beyond just being a platform. They're like a partner helping creators thrive.
So tell me more about that. What kind of insights are they giving creators?
Okay. Okay, so imagine getting this personalized report that breaks down your
podcast's growth over the year. Okay.
It shows your top performing episodes. Ooh, that's interesting.
You can see trends in listener engagement and really get a feel for what resonates with your audience.
That's awesome. Like a backstage pass to understanding your listeners.
I love that analogy. Okay, so that sounds super valuable for any podcaster.
For sure. Or anyone thinking about starting a podcast, but can you give us a
concrete example of how this data can actually be put into action? Sure.
Let's see your report shows that an episode on a specific topic got way more listens than usual.
Like way more. That's a signal to create more content on that theme.
Or maybe you notice listeners dropping off at a certain point in your episodes.
Ooh, that's a good point. Time to tighten up that section.
It's like having a direct line to your audience. It is.
You see what they're into and what they're maybe not so crazy about.
Takes the guesswork out of building a successful podcast.
Exactly. So it's not just about the numbers. It's about using those numbers
to create better content.
And a stronger connection with your audience. Which is ultimately what it's all about, right? It is.
And this feedback loop is especially helpful for creators just starting out.
Like having a mentor guiding you. A mentor, yeah.
To quote Jordan Newman, Spotify's head of content partnerships.
Raft for Creators helps podcasters better understand their global audiences,
celebrate their fans, and see the macro trends that shaped our year.
So it's clear that this data is like gold for creators.
A big game changer. But even if you're not a podcaster yourself,
it gives you an amazing peek behind the curtain of the industry.
Right, like seeing how the sausage is made. Exactly. You get to appreciate all
the hard work and creativity that goes into making the podcasts we love.
It's fascinating. It is.
All right. So we've got podcasts exploding in popularity. Yeah.
Niche content is king. And video podcasts are taking over.
Big time. Plus, Spotify has given creators this incredible data to help them
level up. All signs point to a bright future for podcasting.
It really does. The podcasting world is evolving at warp speed.
But before we get lost in the data, let's take a step back and think about what
this all means for you, the listener.
Exactly. I'm curious to hear your thoughts, too. What's jumping out at you?
What kind of podcasts are you craving these days? Yeah. What are you listening
to? What are you looking for?
We'll be diving deeper into the Wrapped for Creators report in the next part
of our deep dive. So get ready for even more fascinating insights.
It's easy to get caught up in all the numbers. Yeah. But at the end of the day,
podcasting is about connection.
It is. It's creators finding their voice, sharing their passions,
building those relationships with listeners.
Like finding your tribe. Exactly. Finding your tribe.
And these insights from Rep for Creators really give podcasters the tools to do just that.
Understand their audience, figure out what makes them tick. And create content
that people actually want.
Content that adds value to their lives. It's a two-way street for sure.
It is. Listeners get awesome new podcasts.
Right. And creators get feedback and engagement. It's this cycle of creativity and community.
Speaking of community, what do you think about the rise of niche podcasts?
It's fascinating, isn't it? It is. Why do you think people are gravitating towards
these hyper-focused shows?
I think it's a natural reaction to just the sheer amount of content out there.
It's overwhelming. It can be.
Yeah. It's like finding a little oasis in a content desert.
Finding your little corner of the internet. Exactly. You can geek out about
something you're passionate about. With people who get it. With like-minded people.
And for creators, it's an amazing opportunity. To really hone in on a topic. Yeah.
Build a loyal and engaged audience. Because when you focus on a specific thing,
you attract listeners who are really invested in that subject.
They're already interested. That's got to lead to stronger connections.
Absolutely. A more vibrant community. It all comes back to finding your tribe. It does.
It's a win-win for everyone. And as podcasting keeps growing,
I bet we'll see even more niche podcasts popping up.
Covering every topic imaginable. Every niche under the sun. So exciting.
Okay, let's talk about another trend we touched on earlier. What's that?
The rise of video podcasts.
Yes. Why do you think video is becoming so popular? It's more than just a fad.
You think so? I do. It taps into something fundamental. Okay.
Our need for connection.
Seeing the host's facial expression, their body language.
That nonverbal communication. It adds a layer of intimacy.
You can't get that with audio alone. You can't. It's like you're in the room
with them. Having a conversation. Exactly.
And in a world where we're so connected through screens all the time,
that human element, it feels even more valuable.
It's like bringing back that old school radio feel. It is, but with a modern twist.
And sometimes visuals just make things more fun. They do.
Whether it's watching the host react to a story or seeing them demonstrate something. Yeah.
Video adds a whole new dimension. It's like a mini TV show. It is.
And as video technology keeps getting better. More accessible,
more accessible. Yeah, exactly.
I think we'll see even more creators embracing video. Makes sense.
So we've got niche podcasts, connecting people. Yeah. Video podcasts,
bringing that human touch and personalized data, empowering creators.
Podcasting in 2024 is a wild ride. What are your thoughts on all this? What's exciting to you?
Honestly, I'm excited about the potential for even more diverse podcasts.
Me too. It feels like we're just scratching the surface. There's so much more
to explore. But I'm also a little wary of all this data and personalization.
Ah, I see your point. Like, we don't want to lose that human touch.
That's what makes podcasting special. Exactly.
But I'm optimistic. You are? I am. I think creators will use this data responsibly
and keep pushing the boundaries of podcasting.
It's about finding the right balance. Yes.
Leveraging data, but not letting it take over. Using it as a tool for good. Well said.
All right. Before we get too philosophical, let's shift gears. I'll do it.
And dive even deeper into Spotify's Wrapped for Creators report. I'm ready.
In the final part of our deep dive. Let's go. We'll uncover even more insights.
Can't wait. And explore how this data is shaping the future of podcasting.
All right. Welcome back to our deep dive into the world of podcasts.
We've talked about. A couple of big trends. Yeah, the huge number of listeners,
the rise of video, and how niche content is really taken off. Totally.
But now it's time to dig into Spotify's Wrapped for Creators.
This report is like it's giving podcasters a secret weapon. I was going to say,
like a decoder ring. Oh, I like that. To understand their audiences.
Yeah, it's incredible, right? Creators now have all this data that helps them
understand their listeners on a whole new level.
So it's not just about, like, how many downloads you got. It's about using data
to make a better experience for everyone. For the creator and the listener.
Exactly. So imagine like podcasters can actually fine tune their content,
their format, even their release schedule based on like real feedback from their audience.
It's about having a real dialogue, a real connection.
It's like taking the pulse of your audience. I love that. So cool.
Okay. So zooming out a bit, what does all this mean for the future of podcasting in general?
Well, I think we're going to see even more diverse and engaging podcasts. I like the sound of that.
Creators now have the tools to really target their shows. Yeah.
Specific audiences in ways that weren't possible before.
It's like the evolution of podcasting, right? It is in those early days.
Just getting your voice out there. To this super sophisticated data-driven approach.
It's come a long way. But, you know, there's this whole conversation around algorithms and AI.
Yeah. Shaping the content we see and hear.
Does this data-driven approach risk making all podcasts sound the same?
That's a great question. And it's something we need to be really careful about.
Data can be an amazing tool, but we have to use it responsibly.
So it's about finding that balance.
It is. Between using data to make podcasts better, but also keeping that human touch.
That's what makes podcasting so special. Totally. Okay.
So as we wrap up our deep dive on the world of podcasts in 2024,
I want to leave you with one last thought.
I'm listening. With all this talk about niche content, video podcasts,
and personalized data, what kind of podcast would you create?
What story are you burning to tell? What are you passionate about?
Or even what kind of podcast are you dying to find? What's missing from your
playlist? What niche hasn't been filled yet? Yeah, that's your homework.
Go explore, create, and connect. The future of podcasting is wide open.
Keep listening and keep creating.