Why does everyone have a Podcast now?

Have you ever noticed that it seems like everyone is starting a podcast these days? I’ve thought about it myself.

If your YouTube channel gets big enough, or you don’t have a YouTube channel at all, the default suggestion seems to be: start a podcast.

It doesn’t matter what your background is—teachers, preachers, ex-frat boys, even people with the wildest opinions seem to have podcasts.

But how much of this content do we really need?

In this article, we’re going to know about everything related to “Why does everyone want a podcast now?“

The Evolution of Podcasts:

Before podcasts were a thing, we had talk radio, and before that, just plain radio.

Then, a couple of folks thought it would be cool to have from traditional radio shows to Podcasts.

The idea took off in the 2000s, and by 2014, the podcasting industry was booming.

Joe Rogan, one of the most well-known podcasters, helped push the medium to new heights during this period.

In 2015, Spotify added podcasts to its platform, following Apple’s lead, which had been hosting podcasts since 2005.

This move made it easier than ever for people to access podcasts.

Now, podcasts can be found everywhere, with the trending pages on Spotify going on forever.

Some podcasts have even blurred the line between formats. For example, some YouTubers re-upload their videos as podcasts.

Is that still a podcast?

Well, technically, yes.

The line between videos and podcasts has become increasingly blurry.

Even video essays and commentary videos could be considered podcasts if you just listen to them.

The Rise of Video Podcasts

Podcasts aren’t just audio anymore. The rise of video podcasts has expanded the format’s reach, with clips being uploaded on YouTube, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok.

This makes the podcast more accessible, but also pressures creators to invest in video equipment and fancy setups, making it less casual than audio-only formats used to be.

While the video podcasting trend undeniably expands the audience, it can detract from the original appeal of the medium: a casual, easy-going way to share your thoughts without worrying about appearing on camera.

For some, this added production might feel unnecessary unless they’re looking to boost their audience further.

Why Are Podcasts So Popular?

Podcasts have gained popularity for several reasons.

First, they are incredibly easy to access. With platforms like YouTube and Spotify, many podcasts are free, and you can tune in anytime, anywhere.

1. Accessibility Across Platforms:

Podcasts are easily accessible on numerous platforms, including Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and more.

With YouTube being free and widely used, it’s become a go-to platform for discovering and enjoying podcasts.

If you’re listening while doing chores or during your commute, podcasts are available anytime, anywhere.

2. Low Barrier to Entry:

The barrier to entry is incredibly low, which makes starting a podcast very appealing. All you need is a microphone and a platform to host your show. For example, a basic Blue Yeti mic costs around $100 on Amazon (though, for the love of sound quality, please consider something better).

Once you have the gear, just hit record, and you’re good to go. You can even upload your episodes to free hosting sites like Spotify for Podcasters.

The simplicity of starting a podcast has definitely contributed to the surge in new shows.

3. Casual and Easy to Consume

Podcasts are great for multitasking. Whether you’re folding laundry, cooking dinner, walking the dog, or commuting, you can easily listen without feeling like you’re missing out on anything important.

They’re typically more laid-back and casual, making it feel like you’re hanging out with friends rather than consuming heavy content.

Is Podcasting Saturated?

Yes, the podcasting industry is incredibly saturated, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

The low barrier to entry means that anyone with a voice and a microphone can create a podcast.

This gives listeners an endless variety of shows to choose from, which means you’re more likely to find a podcast that fits your vibe.

For me, I typically listen to comedy podcasts, and I think that’s the appeal for a lot of people. It’s not about creating something grand or revolutionary—it’s about finding people you can relate to, who entertain you or make you think.

Podcasts allow people to express themselves, stay connected with friends, or just talk about things they’re passionate about.

Do People Start Podcasts for the Right Reasons?

There’s this assumption that people who start podcasts must be narcissists who think everyone wants to hear their thoughts for an hour or more.

But that’s not always true. Some do it for money, especially those who already have a following. Starting a podcast can open up new revenue streams through sponsorships and ad revenue.

However, many people start podcasts simply because they have something to say and want to connect with others.

When I asked people on Instagram why they started their podcasts, the responses were varied.

Some people said it was a way to express themselves without needing heavy editing or production.

Others wanted an excuse to chat with friends and stay in touch. And for some, it was a great opportunity to share an idea or topic they were passionate about.

Why Do We Share Anything?

At the core of it, starting a podcast is just another form of sharing, much like posting on social media or sending memes to friends. We share because it’s human nature.

We want to connect with others, show a certain image of ourselves, or maintain relationships.

Podcasting allows us to do all of these things. It’s a way to express ourselves, stay connected, and even validate our opinions or experiences.

Conclusion

In the end, podcasts have become a way for people to express themselves, connect with an audience, and, for some, make money. If you’re recording conversations with friends or diving into niche topics, podcasts are a flexible medium that can be as casual or as polished as you want.