Full Answer
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.
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.
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.
Longer Podcasts Are Doing Very Well
In episode 93 of Libsyn.com 's The Feed Podcast, VP of Podcaster Relations Rob Walch states that at Libsyn.com
This Doesn't Mean All Podcasts Should Be Long
The bottom line is, your podcast should be as long as it needs to be and not a minute more.
How to keep a podcast short?
2. Understand Your Audience.
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 long is a one way commute?
FUN FACT: Statistics show the average length of a one-way commute in America is 27.1 minutes, which gives you a solid figure, and a number of options to consider when deciding on your ultimate average episode length. On the other hand, if your audience typically listens at night, just before going to sleep, then your episodes could be substantially ...
Why do you go back to your audience?
This is simply because an audience is the life source of a podcast. Your episode length is just another aspect of your show that should also be specifically designed ...
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.
What is the purpose of an intro for a podcast?
There is much more to audio than just words. Your podcast intro needs to convince new listeners to keeps listening. Say someone stumbles upon your podcast, or one of their friends invites them to listen. Just because they hit play doesn't mean they are going to keep listening.
What is a preroll ad?
Pre-roll ad – An advertisement that runs before the podcast begins. It can either be at the very beginning or after the intro and before the main part of the show starts. They are often pre-recorded (before the actual episode.) They are usually voiced by the host of the show (but not always.)
Why is it important to have an atmosphere on a podcast?
Sometimes an atmosphere can pull listeners in much better than a lot of words . This may be even more important to think about to keep current listeners listening. It will ultimately be your content that helps listeners decide whether or not to listen to your podcast. However, the intro may help your listeners along.
What is a pre-intro?
Pre-intro – An introduction (usually to the topic or guest of the episode), usually voiced by the show’s host, that comes right before a produced intro and sometimes before pre-roll ads. Will Rice December 11, 2019. Previous. How to Make a Good Podcast. Will Rice October 27, 2020.
How long is Joe Rogan's intro?
So, if you ask how long Joe Rogan's intro is, the answer would be ten seconds. However, that only tells part of the story since it doesn't start until nearly six minutes in. This in itself is really not that long when you consider this episode runs over three hours. Please note, this is not a criticism of The Joe Rogan Experience.
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.
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.
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 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 does method of release mean?
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. If your topic is based on current events, you might have to get your work out there frequently.
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…
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 something quick and entertaining i…
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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