What is the ideal podcast episode 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.
How long does it take to make a podcast episode?
This will of course depend on how research-intensive your topic is and how good you are at being productive and focused. If you’re a beginner and doing an interview-based show, you can expect for a fully-edited episode that’s 30 minutes in length that you’ll be investing at least two hours in preparing for, creating and producing that episode.
How long is too long for a podcast?
On top of that though, these episodes tend to be between 3 and 6 hours long. This length is perfect for the show's content, which means they are in no way “too long”. But if any podcaster is running over 1 and a half to 2 hours, there needs to be a very good reason for it.
What is the average podcast episode length on Buzzsprout?
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.
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 my first podcast episode 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.
How many hours should a podcast be?
If you know your listeners are listening in during their commute, keep your podcast to between 20 and 30 minutes. If your listeners do their housework while they listen, 15 to 60 minutes will keep them entertained.
How long is a good podcast?
If you launch podcast episodes on a daily basis, aim for about 10-15 minutes in length. If your podcast episodes come out weekly, try to hit somewhere between 15-60 minutes. And if you opt for a monthly schedule, you could do up to 90 minute episodes.
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.
How Short Can podcasts be?
Short podcasts are shows with episode lengths that range anywhere from a minute to around 15 minutes.
How long is the average podcast episode?
If you take the average of the previous five episodes of Acast's top 100 podcasts, based on weekly downloads in the past 90 days, the average length of a podcast is 38 minutes and 10 seconds (or, at least, it was on November 1).
How many episodes should a podcast have?
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to podcast season length. You might choose to release a season with only 4 episodes. Or you might release more than 20. Basically, you should make your season as long as it needs to be to cover a topic completely.
How many episodes is the average podcast?
2). 56.1% of podcasts had 10 episodes or fewer, and 17% had 50 episodes or more. The mean number of episodes was 30.1, and the median was ...
Is my podcast too long?
Summary: Podcast Episode Length 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.
How long is a solo podcast?
15 minutes to 2-3 hoursDepending on the podcast, episodes can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 2-3 hours – wow! But, what's important to remember here is that, as a solo host, you'll be the only person talking the entire time.
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 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.
How long should a podcast be?
The ideal length of a podcast comes down to: 1 How often you can consistently publish without burning out 2 Your podcast's topic 3 Your audience's commute time, habits, and lifestyle 4 The amount of time you can set aside to create your podcast
How long is Joe Rogan's podcast?
And the wildly popular podcast The Joe Rogan Experience averages about three hours, and some episodes can get close to five.
Is it better to publish a longer podcast?
When it comes to your podcast publishing schedule, more frequent episodes are not necessarily better. In podcasting, quality is always more important than quantity. Publishing one longer episode that gets 500 downloads is better than publishing three 30-minute podcast episodes a week that each get 100 downloads.
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.
Why is consistency important in podcasts?
While your podcast should be focused on providing value to your listeners and what they want, consistency is one of the most important factors when it comes to creating a successful podcast.
Is it easy to make a podcast?
Creating and launching your podcast isn’t easy, but it does have the potential to pay off when it comes to being able to share your message with the world and make a significant impact.
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 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.
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 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 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 to make a podcast longer?
The “right” podcast length can vary from topic to topic, so Strategy #1 is to always keep in mind the point that you’re trying to share in each episode. Some topics might take longer to get through because they need a little more background information than others .
How to keep a podcast short?
2. Understand Your Audience.
What happens when you record an episode?
During recording, you may become lost in your own thoughts, go off on a tangent, or simply just want to show that you’ve really researched a topic, but the result is that your episode becomes an exhibition of your talents, rather than something of value to the audience. #5 Keep to the point.
Is there a one size fits all rule for podcasts?
Closing Thoughts. What should be clear from all of the above is that there is no “one size fits all” rule in terms of the length of your podcast, and so figuring out what’s best for your show and your audience will be an equation unique to your podcast, and in some cases, unique to each episode.
Is each podcast different?
And herein lies the rub. Each podcast is different; as unique as the hosts behind the mics. You might have the same topic of discussion or cover similar content as another podcast, but that doesn’t mean that your episodes will, or should, be the same length.
Is there a perfect length for podcasts?
So what can we glean from the above? It should be clear that there really is no “perfect length” for podcast episodes, only what is perfect for your show. This is not a “one size fits all” situation.
A Quick Clarification on Podcast Length
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…
What Kind of Content Are You Creating?
Should I Avoid Longer Episodes?
- There is an understandable fear of longer episodes, but, not to sound like a broken record, it depends again. Let’s say you have enough quality content for a 60 min episode, but you don’t want to overbear your listeners with content, so you decide to cut it down. How do you choose what to cut out? You waste your time choosing what is less important at the cost of quality. And I say yo…
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. Do they listen right before going to bed? Then they have more free time, and you might opt for a longer episode. Sometimes our listeners are looking for some...
How Long Can/Should You Keep Talking?
- People are scared that if they create longer content, the audience will get bored quickly. And that might be the case, if you are droning on about a topic with a lack of enthusiasm, like most of my history teachers tended to do (and even then I forced myself to listen because I liked history). If you are talking about a topic with eagerness and joy, the attention will remain on you, and your a…
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. Listeners, however, tend to get used to a schedule. They might separate a specific time of day just to listen to your podcast. So episode lengths which vary too much may not be a good idea. Try to stick to an ave…
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. Use other podcasts as a sort of a reference, or a picture in a coloring book. However, as we all know, sometimes it’s more fun to color outside the lines, so do not restrict yourself with the leng…
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