Let’s begin with a straw man, shall we?
- There is no set length for a podcast!
- Give as much valuable content as you have.
- Do NOT fill the space with fluff to reach a predetermined length.
- Love your listeners.
What is the optimal length for a podcast?
- 10 Slides
- 20 Minutes
- 30 Point Font
How many people do you need to start a podcast?
How to Start a Podcast: Every Single Step for 2021
- What's Your Podcast For? So firstly, why do you want to make a podcast? ...
- Who is Your Podcast For? So first day, get the big question in: Who are you making this podcast for? ...
- Give Them a Reason to Listen Whether you're providing information that will help someone to lose weight (in the case of our personal trainer), or doing a really entertaining ...
How to go about starting a podcast?
- Choose a topic you’re passionate about and you’ll stick to
- Research your target audience to come up with a plan for your show
- Decide on your podcast title, description, and artwork
- Buy and setup your equipment
- Prepare for recording your first episode
- Record your first episode
- Edit and publish the episode
- Launch and promote your podcast to the world!
How long does it take to launch a podcast?
Veteran podcaster reveals a step-by-step system to launch your first podcast on a budget in 7 days. , Producer of How to Live in Denmark, a weekly podcast for newcomers to Denmark.
Whats the average length of a podcast?
How Long Should Podcast Episodes Be? Currently, the average podcast episode length is about 43 minutes. This is a good place to start if you're trying to cut down or ramp up your episode times. But keep in mind that this average isn't the best length for every show.
Is a 15 minute podcast too short?
No, it can't be too short. There is no definitive time which a podcast has to reach. Shorter podcasts leave you less time to deliver information, engage and entertain, but can work well if you have a lot of useful tips to share.
How long should your first podcast be?
Anywhere from 3-6 minutes is common. It doesn't look like you're demanding too much of a listener's time – because they probably don't know anything about you at this stage, and so, have no loyalty towards you. Of course, you should never feel obliged to record any episode based on a time length recommendation.
What is the most popular podcast length?
The average podcast length is 43 minutes and 24 seconds, but the most popular podcasts in 2019 were 53 minutes long.
How often do podcasts fail?
Less than 20% of the podcasts that have launched this year will make it to next year. Most podcasts fail. If you've launched a podcast or are thinking about launching one, you don't want to put in all that work just to see your experiment get canned in a few months.
Do podcasts make money?
Sponsorships are the most common way podcasters make money. This is when the podcast promotes the sponsor during the show. You probably hear your favorite shows plug their advertisers a few times in every episode. How much you earn from a sponsor depends on the number of downloads your episodes earn.
How Short Can podcasts be?
Short podcasts are shows with episode lengths that range anywhere from a minute to around 15 minutes. They've grown incredibly popular in the past few years – over 60 percent of podcasts hosted on Anchor are short podcasts.
How do you know if your podcast is successful?
Here's a list of eight methods you might use to measure the success of your podcast:Number of listeners. ... Number of downloads per episode. ... Sponsors and advertisements. ... Audience and critic reviews. ... Website and social media traffic. ... Engagement with promotional materials. ... Networking and referrals. ... Recycled content.
Is an hour podcast too long?
But the general theory of podcast episode lengths is simple. If you have 40 minutes of good, on-topic content, and your episode lasts 1 hour, then it's too long. If If you have 40 minutes of good, on-topic content, and your episode lasts 20 minutes, then it's too short.
What makes a podcast successful?
Keep the topic simple. A podcast with focus is going to be much easier for potential listeners to understand. You might think a wide appeal will get a wider audience but more often a narrow appeal means there's less likelihood others are doing the same thing. And the listeners you get will be very excited to find you.
What is the average age of podcast listeners?
Who Listens To Podcasts? 50% of monthly U.S. podcast listeners are aged between 12-34, 43% between 35 and 54 years old, and 22% are aged over 55. In 2019, around half of monthly podcast listeners had a full-time job(51%), 17% of whom hadve a household income between $100K-$150K.
How often should I release a podcast?
Weekly. A weekly podcast publishing frequency is great if you're covering trending news or have an interview-style or storytelling-type podcast. Publishing on a weekly basis is perfect for episodes over 30 minutes because it allows your fans time to actually listen to your episode and get excited about the next one.
What happens if you don't give yourself enough time for podcasting?
If you do not give yourself enough time for audio editing after recording, then you will likely end up with a podcast that is not of the right quality for your show.
How long is a podcast?
The average podcast episode length on a Buzzsprout review is 38 minutes. 38 minutes and 42 seconds to be exact according to research. Keep in mind that people who have hours and hours to dedicate to podcast listening tend to be in the minority, which is why a lot of podcasts are between 20 minutes and 30 minutes while some get up to 60 minutes.
How long is the longest podcast?
The longest continuous podcast episode ever spanned 36 hours. Mike Russell of UK Podcasters gave up sleep to record continually for a day and a half. While this was a one-time endeavor, podcasts out there regularly record episodes that clock in at several hours long.
How long should a podcast episode be?
However, with that being said, many people enjoy consistency. If the average length of your podcast episodes is 60 minutes, but then you suddenly create one that is two hours, it may throw off your listeners. People like to know how much time they need to dedicate ...
How long does it take to listen to a podcast?
Some podcasts get across all the information they need to in just five minutes. In fact, this short time frame for episodes is actually a huge draw for on the go people who do not have much time to devote to listening to podcasts.
How long is Dan Carlin's podcast?
One such example is Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History. Nearly every episode of this podcast is longer than three hours. Some episodes even clock in at well over six hours. However, it has a huge following and is one of the most successful podcasts in existence.
Why is it important to get help on podcasts?
Getting help is a great way to reduce the burden on yourself. However, not every person has the resources to use help from others. If you are committed to your podcast show and want to make each episode the best you can, getting help may be the right move.
How long should a podcast be?
Here's the bottom line – if your episode contains a solid 20 minutes of good content that delivers on its title and serves your audience, then 20 minutes is the perfect podcast episode length.
How long is Dan Carlin's Hardcore History?
New episodes of the series are downloaded millions of times within the first month of their release. On top of that though, these episodes tend to be between 4 and 6 hours long.
Why are all episodes the same length?
They're all similar lengths because that's generally how long it takes to present your content. You can deviate from that now and then if the content dictates. But having absolutely no consistency in your episode lengths could be jarring for your listeners, and prevent you from growing your audience. It could easily give off the impression of ...
How long can you play a show on your phone?
You can play 5 minutes of a show whilst making your breakfast in the morning, another 15 on the trip to work, then listen to the rest on the way home. Or even the next day or week. It's just as easy to plug your car speakers into your phone as it is a set of earbuds.
Do you have to be wrapped up for podcasting?
You don't need to be wrapped up on the hour so they can cut to the news. Podcasting is on-demand content, so take as long as you need to create a great episode. But once you've achieved that, be mindful not to drag it out any longer.
Is 40 minutes too short for a podcast?
If If you have 40 minutes of good, on-topic content, and your episode lasts 20 minutes, then it's too short. And if you're consistent and organised with your content, then it's likely your episodes will fall within a certain length range overall. Content shouldn't be made to fit length. Length should be made to fit content.
Do you have to be wrapped up on the hour to record a radio show?
You don't need to be wrapped up on the hour so they can cut to the news.
Why are podcasts longer?
Longer podcasts can indicate that you are an industry thought leader. And they allow you to drill deeper into your subject. This results in absorbing content that keeps your listeners interested, engaged and subscribed. Longer podcasts will:
What is Joe Rogan's podcast?
A well-known US comedian, martial artist, TV host and actor, Joe interviews a wide variety of guests about anything and everything – from aerospace entrepreneurs to filmmakers, authors to comedians and many others. Joe’s podcasts are often three hours or more, yet he commands a huge following of thousands.
How Long are Podcast Episodes?
When Dan Misener, Head of Audience Development at Pacific Content, analyzed the metadata of 19 million podcast episodes (representing more than 600k distinct podcasts), he discovered that the average episode length was 41 minutes and 31 seconds .
Does Topic Affect Length?
Yes, absolutely. Some topics only require a few minutes. Others require a lot more time.
Should All Episodes Be the Same Length?
Not necessarily. While it’s important to have a general rule in place (like “my episodes are 25-35 minutes long”), you don’t have to stick to a rigid schedule. Let the content of each episode determine that episode’s length, and don’t worry if your episodes’ times vary a bit.
Does Publishing Frequency Affect Length?
Your publishing frequency can also influence your episode lengths. Shows that publish more often tend to produce shorter episodes.
Does the Hosts Preference Matter?
Of course! Even though you’re making content for an audience and needs and preferences are paramount, you also have to consider what works best for you. If you build a podcast that fails to fit into your life, there’s a good chance you’ll abandon your own show eventually.
So How Long Should a Podcast Episode Be?
So if you’re still wondering, “How long should a podcast episode be?” the best piece of advice we can give you is to let the content determine the length. Long is okay, providing you have a good reason for the length.
Podcasting is Built on Loyalty
The most successful podcasts build audiences based on loyalty. They publish high quality content on a consistent schedule. Over time, these podcasts become an integral part of their listeners’ daily and weekly routines.
What kind of content are you creating?
Content is the thing that should, first and foremost, dictate the length of your podcast. Some topics fit a shorter format, while others a long one.
Should I avoid longer episodes?
There is an understandable fear of longer episodes, but, not to sound like a broken record, it depends again.
When does your audience listen to podcasts?
You should keep the habits of your listeners in mind. Do they listen to podcasts on their way to work? The average commute time is around 30 minutes, so you may want to stick around that mark.
Should you stick to the same length for all of the episodes?
The same rules apply to each episode: “Talk as much as you need and only as much as you need.” If that means that some of your episodes are longer than others, then so be it.
Is there an ideal episode length?
I’d say there is. It is not what is the ideal length for listeners, but you. Everything rests upon the content that you create, which topic you choose. It rests upon how long you can give it your all.
How many hours should I work on a podcast?
If you work 40 hours a week, and you spend 20 hours a week working on each episode, a weekly release schedule probably isn't healthy for you. If your podcast is a five minute show with one voice, few sound cues, and one topic, releasing weekly or more often might be easy. Know your strengths and weaknesses, and use them to advantage.
How often should I release podcasts?
How frequently should you release new podcast episodes? Some producers schedule their episodes to release weekly, some every two weeks, some once a month. Others release several times a week, or daily. Just like everything else in podcasting, there is no single perfect solution for everyone.
What are some examples of podcasts?
Another interesting example of a daily podcast is the audio drama Mercury: A Broadcast Of Hope, produced by Atlanta Radio Theatre Company. Each episode disappears from traditional pod catchers after one day. To hear their back catalog of episodes, you have to become a Patreon supporter. This audio drama about a group of optimists surviving a zombie apocalypse in a radio station is exciting. Not only that, but also the method of release means that listeners have to pay close attention, invest financially, or both. If you don't join them on Patreon, you have to have a good memory and listen daily.
What happens if your podcast sounds sloppy?
If you show sounds sloppy, or doesn’t deliver on its promises, you won’ t keep listeners. The word of mouth that you generate won't be positive. Some topics and shows are good to release frequently. Again, if your podcast is just you, and a few sound cues, and you have good systems in place, terrific.
How long is Mercury's Broadcast of Hope?
She has occasional “Deep Dive” episodes, with longer discussions. Each episode of Mercury: A Broadcast of Hope runs between two and a half to six minutes.
Is it better to have good episodes?
It’s better to have good episodes, less frequently, than average or sloppy episodes, frequently. A show that’s carefully crafted, without stress, will be better than a show that’s pulled together feverishly, within minutes of a deadline. Some people like to have pressure pushing them. Some people don’t.
A Quick Clarification on Podcast Length
Ideal Podcast Episode Length Is Determined by Content
- Here’s the bottom line – if your episode contains a solid 20 minutes of good content that delivers on its title and serves your audience, then 20 minutes is the perfect podcast episode length. Why stretch that out to an hour, or cut it down to 15 minutes? That’s just putting artificial roadblocks in front of you in your quest to make the best conte...
What About Listening Habits?
- Over the years I’ve heard people try to answer the question of podcast episode length by referring to things like average commuter times. Or the time it takes someone to have a shower. I don’t buy that these are relevant to podcast listening, because you can stop and start listening to episodes wherever and whenever you like. You can play 5 minutes of a show whilst making your breakfas…
Should All My Podcast Episodes Be The Same length?
- The same rules apply here: you should never stretch something out if it’s finished, or cut it short if it’s not. There’s definitely a benefit to having some consistency here though. Loyal listeners will come to expect your episodes to be within a certain length range. But you get into that position by having a system, process, and routine in place for putting your episodes together. They’re all sim…
Flash Briefings & Daily News
- One reason to create short (sub 10 minute) episodes is if you want to do a daily news or “flash briefing” show. These are becoming increasingly popular on smart speakers, where listeners are building playlists of shows that can update them on their areas of interest on a daily basis. These shows, by their very nature, are short and to the point. But it’s the content that should dictate the …
Should I Avoid Overly Long Podcast Episodes?
- Arguably, one of the biggest shows on the planet is Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History. The term “biggest” works on two levels. New episodes of the series are downloaded millions of times within the first month of their release. On top of that though, these episodes tend to be between 3 and 6 hourslong. This length is perfect for the show’s content, which means they are in no way “too lon…
Summary: Podcast Episode Length
- As ever, there’s no single one answer here, because everyone’s podcast is different. But the general theory of podcast episode lengths is simple. If you have 40 minutes of good, on-topic content, and your episode lasts 1 hour, then it’s too long. If If you have 40 minutes of good, on-topic content, and your episode lasts 20 minutes, then it’s too short. And if you’re consistent an…
Need More Podcast Questions answered?
- So now you’ve got your answer to the question “how long should a podcast be?”. Why not let us help you with a few more frequently asked questions? 1. What’s a Good Number of Downloads for a Podcast? 2. How Do I Upload a Podcast? 3. What’s the Best Podcast Editing Software? 4. What Music Can I Use in My Podcast? 5. How Loud Should a Podcast Be? If you’re a fan of our free co…