I’ll keep this article up to date as new reports come out. Therefore, below, you should find the latest numbers, according to the podcast industry.

So, let’s get into it. Here are the questions we’ll cover. Take your pick!

Podcast Industry Statistics

How Many Podcasts Are There, Right Now?

In total, how many podcasts are there in the world, right now?

There are 4,198,326 total podcasts registered, around the world.

podcastindex.org – June 2024

This is down from 4,449,114 (-5.6%) in December 2021.

So where did over 250,000 podcasts go?

We reached out to the Podcast Index to ask if they’d changed anything at their end. In short, they’ve tightened up their criteria on what gets considered to be a valid podcast.

Unsurprisingly, there were a lot of “hey, is this thing on!?” 20-second 1-episode “podcasts” out there on the free hosting platforms, especially during the pandemic. The new criteria are that shows must have at least three episodes (one is often a trailer), and at least one of those episodes has to be 3 minutes long.

So now that we know the total number of podcasts, let’s look at one of the most in-demand of podcast statistics: how many of them are registered in the biggest listening platform – Apple?

Apple Podcasts hosts 2,697,376 podcasts as of June 2024

Podcast Industry Insights courtesy of Daniel J. Lewis

This is up from 2,332,900 (+13.5%) in September 2021. To show growth over the past few years, here’s what Apple announced at WWDC in 2018:

In 2018 there were 550,000 active podcasts on iTunes

Apple, WWDC 2018

How Many Podcast Episodes Are There?

There are currently over 95,387,932 episodes published in Apple Podcasts, as of June 2024

Podcast Industry Insights courtesy of Daniel J. Lewis

This is up from 52,990,000 (+44%) in June 2021. Again, to compare, these stats came from Apple at WWDC in 2018:

In 2018 there were 18.5 millions episodes published, total

Apple, WWDC 2018

How Many Active Podcasts Are There?

The stats show that 17.2% of the podcasts on Apple Podcasts are currently active. That means they’ve released a new episode in the past 90 days.

There are currently 460,526 active podcasts on Apple Podcasts, as of June 2024

Podcast Industry Insights courtesy of Daniel J. Lewis

The percentage of active podcasts has been steady at 17% since October 2023

There was a big drop through the COVID boom year (2020 to 2021) but since the start of 2022, we’ve been relatively steady between 21% and 17%, and a bit of a rebound in mid 2023.

Here are the recent stats, on a percentage basis.

There was certainly a huge increase in new podcasts during the early stages of the pandemic. 2020 was a bumper year for growth as potential podcasters found more time and space to create, and therefore, turned into active podcasters. Combine that with companies turning more to digital to either market themselves, or to communicate with staff, and you have a podcasting growth spiral the likes of which we’ve never seen.

But, now – with everyone back to “normal” work and life – many of those podcasters have lost enthusiasm, and internal podcasting projects have been abandoned. So, the 2020 boom raised our numbers, and now many of those shows have turned inactive. This isn’t a bleak sign of the state of the industry; it’s just that things were so different in 2020 (and most of 2021) that it’s hard to make any reasonable comparison.

And, though the percentage of people making podcasts (and sticking at it) has been pretty stable the past couple of years, the percentage of people knowing about them and, most important of all, consuming them, has risen.

How Many People Know What a Podcast Is?

There continues to be growth in the simple act of knowing what a podcast is, year on year:

84% of people in the US are familiar with the concept of Podcasting

Up from 75% in 2020, 78% in 2021, 79% in 2022, and 83% in 2023

Infinite Dial 2024

What Does This Mean?

“Familiarity” doesn’t necessarily mean that the respondent has listened to a podcast, or even really knows how podcasts work, but that they have been exposed to the term.

As podcasts grow in their references in more traditional media and enter general conversations, so too will we see growth in familiarity; it’s a good benchmark for analyzing entry into the mainstream consciousness and out of the podcaster bubble. Indeed, this year, familiarity continues to rise at a rapid pace, with more than 3 out of 4 Americans now aware of the term “podcast”.

How Many People Listen to Podcasts?

Familiarity is one thing, but how many people have actually gone ahead and listened to a podcast?

Well, in mid-2023, data from Edison Research revealed that, for the first time ever, on-demand audio (like podcasts and streaming music) has leapfrogged linear audio (like radio) when it comes to ear-time in America.

On top of this, here are the latest Infinite Dial stats, released early 2024.

67% of people in the US have listened to a Podcast, at least once

Up from 55% in 2020, 57% in 2021, 62% in 2022, and 64% in 2023

Infinite Dial 2024

What Does This Mean?

Infinite Dial analyzes listenership in steps:

• Have ever listened to a podcast
• Monthly Podcast Listeners
• Weekly Podcast Listeners

The gap between listenership and familiarity has often seemed insurmountable. How do we get the people familiar with the term to become interested in trying a podcast, or invested enough to learn how to listen? What kind of tools can we use to get them there?

Listenership continues to grow, with a 10% climb over the past four years!

On top of this data, the Share of Ear study by Edison Research indicates that podcasts now occupy 9% of Americans’ total audio consumption time, with an all-time high 31% of all spoken word audio listening going to podcasts.

How Many People Listen to Podcasts on a Monthly Basis?

Both monthly and weekly listenership fell slightly in 2022 but came back stronger in 2023 and has continued to grow into 2024.

What Does This Mean?

In 2022, we saw the first drop in regular monthly podcasting listening in almost ten years (since 2013), but these have bounced back with interest.

• Monthly listening fell from 41% in 2021 to 38% in 2022 but has now far exceeded its 2021 numbers.
• Weekly listening fell from 28% in 2021 to 26% in 2022 but has now far exceeded its 2021 numbers.

Let’s look back on our take during the slight downturn in 2022.

“Is this disheartening? I don’t think so. Overall listenership grew really strongly (those who have started listening at all to podcasts). So, those new listeners might take a while to develop into more regular listeners, and that might drag down our % here a little.

Or, the general world craziness may just have disrupted enough routines to contribute to lowering that number. We all know 2020 and 2021 were crazy in all sorts of ways, and that was bound to change people’s habits.

I think we’ll have to wait until 2023’s numbers to see if it’s a true trend.”

Well, we have, and it wasn’t, so that’s great news for the medium as a whole.

Of course, that doesn’t mean there won’t be more plateaus and dips in the future. It just means that we shouldn’t get too downhearted when they occur. (Or, get too carried away when we see big leaps in growth, for that matter!)

How Many People Listen to Podcasts on a Daily Basis?

In November 2022, Edison Weekly Insights revealed that daily podcast listening among Americans continues to grow.

In 2014, the first year of the Share of Ear survey, podcasts reached 5% of those in the U.S. age 13+. As of our most recent data, Q3 2022, podcasts now reach 18% of those age 13+ in the U.S. — a 20% increase in the past year (Q3 2021), and over three times the reach of 2014. 

When Do People Listen to Podcasts?

A YouGov survey ‘What situations do Americans listen to podcasts?’ asked listeners when they’re most likely to listen to shows.

The most popular podcast-listening situations respondents gave were the following:

• 49% said they listen to podcasts while doing chores (the gender split was 43% male vs 55% female)
• 42% said they listen to podcasts on their work commute
• 29% said they listen to podcasts while working out.

Car & Commute-Based Podcast Listening

According to Edison Research, individuals with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in their vehicles tend to engage with podcasts for nearly twice the duration compared to those without these features.

Data on Podcast Trust, Engagement, & Authority

Podcasts are gaining trust and engagement as a source of news and information. A study by The Pew Research Center shows that two-thirds of listeners hear news discussions on podcasts, expecting accuracy.

Research by the University of California suggests that headphone listening is twice as effective for message reception, with 93% of podcast consumption happening on headphones.

According to data presented in Audacy’s Spring 2023 State of Audio guide, advertisers benefit from podcast host reads, which outperform social media.

And a Spanish listener survey by Acast reveals that 97% of listeners have a positive perception of brands advertised on podcasts.

Overall, this data helps build a picture that podcasts have become a trusted medium for content and advertising.

Demographic Stats: The Women’s Podcast Report

The Women’s Podcast Report surveyed 1,500 Americans who self-identify as women, aged 18+ in August of 2022 and listen to podcasts monthly.

Over 1 in 3 U.S. Women 18+ (35%) have listened to a podcast in the past month. This is up 67% over the past 5 years, and now represents an estimated 47 million women.

And

Women listen to a variety of podcast content – on average, they listen to 5.7 different genres or topics. Some groups are even more voracious, with women aged 25-34 listening to 6.9 topics, Hispanic women listening to 6.8 topics, and moms listening to 6.5 topics.

Read the Women’s Podcast Report

Popularity of Spoken Word Audio

Podcasting doesn’t have a monopoly on audio content. The medium must still compete with audiobooks, radio and streaming music platforms.

• Spoken word’s share of audio listening has risen 45% over the last eight years
• There’s been a 25% increase in spoken word audio listeners in the US from 2014 to 2022 (105 million to 131 million)
• Gen Z (aged 13-24) spends 22% of their listening time on spoken word, compared to just 9% of the same age group back in 2014. That’s a whopping 214% growth.

Source: The Spoken Word Audio Report

How Popular Are Audiobooks?

• Audiobook listening in the US has grown 10% since 2022
• Audiobooks’ share of overall time spent listening to audio has grown 106% since 2017
• Daily reach of audiobook consumption has grown 94% since 2017
• 44% of UK adults said they listened to audiobooks in their spare time in 2021 (27% said they listened at least once per week)
• The number of audiobook titles published in the US increased 66% between 2018 and 2022.
• The global audiobook market was worth $4.2 million in 2021 and is set to grow annually at a rate of 26% between 2022-2030
• 41% of audiobook listeners say they subscribe to at least one audiobook service.

U.S. Radio Stats

Statista reported that radio had a weekly reach of around 82.5% among adults in the US, as of April 2022. There are over 15,445 radio stations competing for a share of this market.

What About Streaming Music?

• Music streaming revenues have multiplied more than 28 times since 2012
• The number of music streaming service subscribers worldwide grew 72% between 2019 and 2021 (305 million to 524 million).

Source: Statista

UK Podcast Audience Statistics

How Many People Listen to Podcasts in the UK?

Let’s break out the UK podcast statistics, based on the recent Ofcom survey, in April 2023, and Rajar’s regular survey. The situation in the UK is a little different, with lower listening stats across the board, and not much movement for the past couple of years.

50% of adults in the UK have listened to a podcast

Ofcom podcast survey, April 2023

The UK’s 50/50 split of podcast listeners to non-listeners hasn’t changed since 2021.

25.5% of adults in the UK are regular podcast listeners

Regular means once per week or more (Ofcom podcast survey, April 2023)

This is up 0.5% since last year, so, again, not much has changed.

However, the Spring 2023 MIDAS Report from RAJAR reveals a doubling in weekly podcast listeners over the past five years, reaching 22.8% of the population. The report highlights a significant increase in time spent listening to podcasts, more than 2.3 times higher than before. Interestingly, 80% of podcast listeners in the UK enjoy between one and three episodes per week.

What Age Group Listens to Podcasts Most?

Men aged 25-34 make up the core audience of podcasting, according to data from Edison Research. They spend 16% of all of their audio time with podcasts.

Here are more age and demographic stats from Edison Research’s Infinite Dial Report 2024:

What do these Podcast Statistics Mean?

59% of 12 to 34 years olds listen to podcasts on a monthly basis, while 27% of 55+ listen at the same frequency.

Infinite Dial 2024

It looks like podcasting is a young person’s game! Proportionally, people in the 12 to 34-year-old age group listen to podcasts more frequently than their older counterparts. Well more than half of all 12 to 34-year-olds listened to a show within the last month, which has even exceeded the 2021 pandemic boom.

The segmentation still shows a steep drop-off in the overall number of regular listeners once it hits the 55+ range (27% in 2024), but that number has also exceeded its 2021 high, so there are encouraging signs.

The 35-54 range has shown consistent growth for the past four years, too, climbing 15% since 2020.

Podcast Listening in Ages 55+

A study released in April 2023 by Edison Research and NPR found that podcasting has a largely untapped audience in the age 55+ demographic.

The new data reveals that while podcast listening has grown dramatically over the last five years overall, listening among “Baby Boomers” has not grown and is at a far lower level than younger demographics. According to the report from Edison Research and NPR, Boomers have the tools and the interest to listen, but increased education and targeting are required.

Hit Play, Boomer!

Men aged 55-64 spend only 4% of their total audio time with podcasts according to another report by Edison Research.

Kids Podcast Listening

A 2022 survey from Kids Listen reported that nearly half of all kids who listen to podcasts do so daily. Kids podcasts also show a high level of trust amongst parents compared to other mediums like TV and social media influencers.

Meanwhile, data in the Kids Podcast Listener Report from Edison Research suggests that 29% 6-12 year olds in the US are monthly podcast listeners, and that 87% of them have shared a takeaway or lesson with others.

Gen Z Podcast Listening

SXM Media’s Gen Z Podcast Listener Report examined the podcast listening habits of individuals aged 13 to 24 in the United States. The report, based on research conducted by Edison, reveals that 47% of Gen Z listeners have engaged with podcasts within the past month. Notably, this group demonstrates greater diversity compared to the overall monthly podcast listener base in the US. When it comes to discovering new shows, Gen Z podcast listeners primarily rely on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

According to a recent report from Spotify in the UK, Gen Z represents the music and podcast streaming platform’s most rapidly expanding demographic. In the first half of 2023, this generation has witnessed a remarkable 58% increase in year-on-year podcast plays. Additionally, 39% of these Gen Z listeners opt to listen at an accelerated playback speed.

Weekly Podcast Listener Stats

Just under 100 million Americans age 12 and older now listen to podcasts every week.

Infinite Dial 2024

With an estimated 34% of the US population listening to podcasts on a weekly basis, here’s a further breakdown of weekly podcast consumption.

Average number of podcast episodes listened to in a week:

• 8.3 – total weekly podcast listeners
• 9.5 – female weekly podcast listeners
• 7.2 – male weekly podcast listeners

Podcast fans consume over 8 episodes per week, on average, whilst female podcast fans consume between 9 and 10 episodes per week.

Infinite Dial 2024

What Day of the Week Do Podcasts Publish Episodes?

Wednesdays and Thursdays seem to be the most popular day for publishing podcasts, according to this 2022 report by Podchaser. The weekend sees a big dip in new uploads, with Saturday being the least popular day.

How Many Listeners Do Podcasts Get on Average?

This is the number everyone cares about: how do you compare to other podcasters? Here are stats from Buzzsprout, one of the biggest podcast hosting providers in the world, on how many listeners podcasts tend to get.

Here is your position, based on downloads per episode within the first seven days, as of June 2024:

• Top 1% of Podcasts > 4,824
• Top 5% of Podcasts > 1,101
• Top 10% of Podcasts > 471
• Top 25% of Podcasts > 114
• Top 50% of Podcasts > 30

So, if you get 30 listens per episode or more, you’re about the same as the middle-of-the-road average Buzzsprout podcast user, right at the 50% mark!

These stats give you a gauge of how your show stacks up against ultra-popular podcasts. But remember, podcast downloads are never the full story.

Here are the previous stats:

January 2024

• Top 1% of Podcasts > 5082
• Top 5% of Podcasts > 1123
• Top 10% of Podcasts > 478
• Top 25% of Podcasts > 121
• Top 50% of Podcasts > 32

January 2023

• Top 1% of Podcasts > 4588
• Top 5% of Podcasts > 975
• Top 10% of Podcasts > 405
• Top 25% of Podcasts > 105
• Top 50% of Podcasts > 30

November 2022

• Top 1% of Podcasts > 4683
• Top 5% of Podcasts > 938
• Top 10% of Podcasts > 386
• Top 25% of Podcasts > 101
• Top 50% of Podcasts > 29

April 2022

• Top 1% of Podcasts > 3994
• Top 5% of Podcasts > 795
• Top 10% of Podcasts > 335
• Top 25% of Podcasts > 93
• Top 50% of Podcasts > 30

Feb 2021

• Top 1% of Podcasts > 3188
• Top 5% of Podcasts > 584
• Top 10% of Podcasts > 244
• Top 25% of Podcasts > 74
• Top 50% of Podcasts > 27

What are the Top Podcast Listening Apps? (What do People Use to Listen to Podcasts?)

Everyone has to listen somehow! But what listening app do people use to listen, whether mobile or computer-based? Apple Podcasts was traditionaly the leader here – but Spotify has leapfrogged them, recently!

Spotify is the most popular podcast listening app (35.8%) (Via Buzzsprout).
Apple Podcasts is in 2nd place (33.8%)

Updated June 2024.

Here are the top 10, according to Buzzsprout’s podcast statistics:

How Many People Listen to Spotify?

Spotify is a behemoth in the realm of online audio. Podcast listening has grown steadily on the platform these past few years, but streaming music is still what it’s best known for. 35% of people in the US (12+) have listened to Spotify in the last month.

• Up from 20% in 2018
• Up from 25% in 2020
• Up from 29% in 2021
• Stable at 35% from 2022

35% of people in the US (12+) have listened to Spotify in the last month

Up from 25% in 2020

Infinite Dial 2024

What Devices Are People Using to Listen to Podcasts?

Long gone are the days of downloading podcasts on your computer and sticking them on your iPod. In this “internet of things” era, you could probably download an episode on your teapot.

The top 10 podcast listening devices as of June 2024, according to Buzzsprout.

1. Apple iPhone – 62.1% (down from 68.6% in Jan 23)
2. Android Phone – 22.8% (up from 18.1% in Jan 23)
3. Windows Computer – 6.8%
4. Unknown Device – 4.1%
5. Apple Computer – 1.6%
6. Apple iPad – 1%
7. Amazon Smart Speaker – 0.6%
8. Unknown Smart TV – 0.4%
9. Unknown Computer – 0.2%
10. Android Tablet – 0.2%

So, no teapots, then.

Yet.

What Is the Most Popular Podcast Genre in the U.S?

Edison Research announced the Top Podcast Genres in the U.S. for Q2 2022. The list ranks the most popular podcast genres based on audience size from Edison Podcast Metrics.

1. Comedy
2. News
3. Society and Culture
4. True Crime
5. Sports
6. Business (up from #7 in Q1 2022)
7. Arts (up from #8 in Q1 2022)
8. TV and Film (down from #6 in Q1 2022)
9. Education (up from #10 in Q1 2022)
10. Religion and Spirituality (down from #9 in Q1 2022)

In April 2023, Edison also published data suggesting that True Crime is the genre “most likely to place a show in the top 200”. Sounds Profitable’s Tom Webster expressed some legitimate concerns about how this data might be interpreted.

Podcast Ads & Advertising Stats

Podcasting is a big money industry these days, and it’s not all food hampers, mattresses, and socks.

Here are some statistics and data from the iab’s U.S. Podcast Advertising Revenue Study.

• For the first time ever, the podcast advertising market surpassed one billion dollars in 2021
• Revenues increased 72% YoY to $1.4B and are forecasted to exceed $2B in 2022 and almost triple by 2024 to over $4B.
• Revenues continue to grow faster than the total internet advertising revenue market – up 72% YoY vs. 35%. (IAB 2021 Internet Advertising Revenue Report)
• Podcast advertising categories are diversifying: the “Other” category—which contains an increasing number of ad categories with lower spend—more than tripled share in just two years.
• As advertisers demand surged, pre-roll advertising increased its share of revenue to 32% from 22% in 2020.

• Investments in ad tech made podcast advertising more digitally-enabled, expanding its capabilities and value for advertisers
• Dynamic ad insertion expanded to 84% of ad revenue, almost doubling in 2 years. Both host-read and announcer-read ads are largely being served via DAI (84% and 85%, respectively), creating greater scale, flexibility, and targetability for advertisers.
• Announcer-read ads continued to grow its share of ad revenue to 40% from 35% in 2020 as it enables efficient ad creation and deployment.

And these stats are from the IAB and PwC Digital Adspend report:

• Podcasting ad spend in the UK is up 23%, year on year.
• £58m in 2021
• £68m in 2022
• £83m in 2023

Which Podcast Formats Will Be the Most Popular for New Creators in 2024?

There are various podcast formats you can use for your show. Running podcast interviews was almost considered the default choice for many years. These podcast statistics suggest that the future may look a little different, however.

Data from our free Podcast Planner Tool suggests that 43% of new podcasters plan to release solo episodes. Is this a sign of post-pandemic remote call fatigue? Or are podcasters starting to realise that going solo is an optimal way to become the authority on their shows? Only time will tell.

What Audio Equipment Do Podcasters Most Commonly Use?

Finding the right podcast equipment is always an exciting job, but it can be daunting. So, what’s the most popular gear out there? In Spring 2019 we published our latest findings around podcast equipment statistics: The Podcast Host Gear Survey 2019. Here are some of the top-line numbers based on responses to this survey.

According to our survey respondents:

Rode is the most popular microphone brand (19%) with Blue in 2nd place (17%)

The Podcast Host Gear Survey 2019

The Blue Yeti (17%) is the most popular mic, with the Blue Snowball in 2nd place (9%)

The Podcast Host Gear Survey 2019

35% of people use a dynamic mic, 29% use a condenser mic and 33% use a USB mic

(stats not mutually exclusive – the Blue Yeti is Condenser AND USB)

74% of podcasters record with headphones, while the rest choose not to monitor

The Podcast Host Gear Survey 2019

You can also see 2018’s podcast equipment stats here: Podcast Equipment Statistics: The Most Popular Equipment, Software & Tools

Do Podcasters Record Video Too?

In most cases, no! These stats are from the IndiePod Census 2023, where we asked about video podcasting:

Only 11% of respondents record video & publish the full episode

IndiePod Census 2023

32% of respondents don’t record video & have no plans to

IndiePod Census 2023

What Software Do Podcasters Use?

There’s definitely a big range of podcast software in use, by podcasters, but one option commands the bulk of podcast editing and recording usage:

48% of respondents use Audacity to edit their podcast, with Adobe Audition in 2nd place (31%)

The Podcast Host Gear Survey 2019

How Long are Podcasts, on Average?

If you’re trying to decide on how long your podcast should be, then it might help to get an answer to the question: how long is the average podcast?

The most common podcast length is between 20 and 40 minutes (32%)

Across all Buzzsprout Podcasts

Here are the stats from Buzzsprout, as of June 2024, drawing from 123,962 active podcasts:

• Less than 10 minutes > 16%
• 10 – 20 minutes > 15%
• 20 – 40 minutes > 32%
• 40 – 60 minutes > 22%
• Over 60 minutes > 16%

For comparison, here are the same stats from Feb 2021, April 2022, and January 2023. You can see that these numbers remain fairly consistent, despite there being thousands of new podcasts active on the platform.

January 2023

• Less than 10 minutes > 16%
• 10 – 20 minutes > 15%
• 20 – 40 minutes > 31%
• 40 – 60 minutes > 20%
• Over 60 minutes > 17%

April 2022

• Less than 10 minutes > 14%
• 10 – 20 minutes > 15%
• 20 – 40 minutes > 31%
• 40 – 60 minutes > 22%
• Over 60 minutes > 17%

Feb 2021

Less than 10 minutes > 13%
10 – 20 minutes > 14%
20 – 40 minutes > 31%
40 – 60 minutes > 23%
Over 60 minutes > 18%

Episode Length & Time Data From Over 1500 Aspiring Podcasters

Data from our free Podcast Planner Tool suggests that 53% of new podcasters plan to publish episodes that are between 20 and 40 minutes long.

How Often Does the Average Podcast Publish an Episode?

Similarly, if you’re asking, how often should I release my podcast, here’s what Buzzsprout’s Podcast statistics show about the average.

The most common podcast publishing frequency is every 8 to 14 days (40%)

Across all Buzzsprout podcasts

Percentage of podcasts and the frequency by which they release episodes:

• 0 – 2 days > 6%
• 3 – 7 days > 34%
• 8 – 14 days > 39%
• 15 – 29 days > 19%
• Over 30 days > 1%

Updated June 2024.

These are virtually identical to March 2021 and January 2023. Again, this is interesting, given that there are thousands of new podcasts active on the platform.

Release Frequency Data From Over 1,500 Aspiring Podcasters

Data from our free Podcast Planner Tool suggests that 55% of new podcasters plan to publish on a weekly basis.

How Do People Find New Podcasts to Listen To?

Let’s find out how listeners are actually finding new shows. These are the results of a discoverability survey we ran in 2020. According to our respondents, here is how they find new shows:

• Search My Podcast App’s Directory – 40%
• Directly Ask Someone I Know Who Likes the Same Stuff – 18.3%
• Ask on Social Media or Online Community – 15.2%
• Search on Google – 13.6%
• Browse Through a Podcast Chart or ‘Featured’ Section– 13%

This was one result from The Podcast Host Discoverability Survey. The report is essential reading for anyone who wants to grow an audience. It highlights the most effective areas to concentrate on when it comes to promotion and marketing.

We’re always looking to run interesting new surveys too, so if there are any specific podcast data you’d like to see here in future be sure to give us a shout!

Where in the World is Podcasting Growing Fastest? Podcast Population Stats

Voxnext released a set of podcast stats in 2019, which showed the countries in which podcasting is growing fastest. It makes for an interesting read:

Chile (83.9% growth)
Argentina (55.28%)
Peru (49.1%)
Mexico (47.84%)
China (43.62%)

Voxnest, March 2019

Reuters Digital News Report 2018 also reported that, in South Korea, 58% of people said that they listened to a podcast at least once a month.

And, Not So Fast…

Japan is a country with lots of room for podcast growth. Though listening increased in 2022, overall uptake remains low at 15.7%. 28.1% of 15-29 year olds use podcasts monthly in the country. This data is presented in the Podcast Report in Japan survey by Otonal and The Asahi Shimbun Company.

Writing for Podnews, Guang Jin YEO takes an insightful deep dive into slow podcast growth in Japan, and what can be done about it.

Which Country Has the Highest Percentage of Podcast Listeners?

According to the Edison Research Infinite Dial 2023 Australian Audio Report, it’s Australia. The study highlights that 43% of Australians tune in to podcasts monthly, surpassing the US’s 42% figure. Additionally, a significant one-third of Australians engage with podcasts every week, outpacing the US’s 31% statistic.

Why Do People Start Podcasts?

People start new podcasts every single day. But why? Data in our recent Podcaster Cares Survey shows that the majority our respondents (38.4%) launch shows “as a hobby”.

Is the term “hobby” slightly patronising, though? Many “hobbyist” podcasters prefer to describe their endeavours as a “creative outlet”.

Other common reasons for starting are to build a personal brand (21%) and to grow a business (19.7%).

What Do Podcasters Struggle With Most?

Our Podcaster Problems Survey showed that the vast majority (47.7%) of our respondents get stuck on podcast promotion.

Ideas, scripting, and episode planning caused problems for 17.9%, whilst editing was the issue for 13.4% of respondents.

How Do Podcasters Measure Success?

The term “success” means different things to different people. Our Podcaster Cares survey revealed that the most common way responding podcasters measure it is through spikes in their download numbers.

Feedback from listeners, either via email or podcast reviews, was also shown to be something podcasters put a lot of onus on. The amount of ‘likes’ an episode gets on social was the thing that had the least impact.

Are Podcasters Concerned With Censorship & Content Moderation?

There are an increasing number of conversations about censorship and content moderation in podcasting. We asked about this in our Podcaster Cares Survey.

49.2% said that they were “concerned about harmful, dangerous, and misleading content in podcasting”, but felt that censorship was a “slippery slope”.

19.3% felt it was the responsibility of hosting platforms to “weed out harmful, dangerous, and misleading content”, whilst 17.4% believe this should be the job of the listening apps themselves.

14.2% don’t want to see any content moderation whatsoever, stating that “it’s nobody’s right to try and police podcasting for everyone else.”

What Organisations Are Collating Podcast Statistics?

The Infinite Dial report, a survey conducted by Edison Research and Triton Digital, is probably the most popular databank and survey on the state of Podcast industry statistics in the United States, especially audio. The Rajar Midas survey is the equivalent in the UK.

Infinite Dial has conducted phone-based surveys since 1998, including podcasts since 2006–that means since nearly the inception of podcasting, making this incredibly valuable data. The respondent pool of 1500 is composed of people aged twelve and over, weighted against the US census data for population, and split proportionally between landlines and cell phones.

Podcast Industry Statistics: References

I’ve drawn from a range of great sources of Podcast Industry stats in this article, including:

• Edison Research Infinite Dial 2024
• Rajar Midas Audio Survey Summer 2022
• The Podcast Host Gear Survey 2019
• The Podcast Host Discoverability Survey 2020
• The Podcaster Problems Survey 2021
• The Podcast Host ‘Podcaster Cares’ Survey 2022
• Reuters Digital News Report 2018
• Podcast Industry Insights courtesy of Daniel J. Lewis
• Buzzsprout Podcasting Stats
• Ofcom Podcast Survey April 2023
• Statista – U.S. Radio Industry – Statistics & Facts
• iab U.S. Podcast Advertising Revenue Study.
• The Spoken Word Audio Report

Podcast events are great for learning about podcasting technology and content creation ideas. It’s a networking opportunity for independent podcasters, whether at in-person events or virtual events. As the industry grows, podcast events can range from a day of webinars to a multi-day conference taking over huge convention centers and hotels.

Whether you think of yourself as an introvert, an extrovert, a hobbyist doing it for love, or an entrepreneur building a brand, there’s always something you can learn as long as you keep an open mind. On top of that, nothing beats getting together in person with folks who share your passion and enthusiasm for the podcasting medium.

As event coordinators update their events, we’ll update this page. Pack your headphones; here’s The Podcast Host’s Guide to Podcast Events in 2024.

Run a podcasting event and don’t see it mentioned here? Please give us a shout so we can include it.

January Podcast Events in 2024

Outlier Podcast Festival

• Outlier Podcast Festival
• Date: Jan 11-12, 2024
• Cost: $27.59 
• Location: Salt Lake City, UT, USA

Join us at the Outlier Podcast Festival for an unforgettable experience filled with keynotes, workshops, panels, and live shows! Meet industry experts and your favorite podcasters, and gain insights into the latest trends and techniques in podcasting. Whether you’re a seasoned podcast professional or just starting out, the Outlier Podcast Festival has something for everyone.

From hands-on workshops to thought-provoking panels, from inspiring keynotes to electrifying live shows, you’ll leave the festival with a wealth of knowledge and a newfound passion for podcasting. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with the Outlier podcast community!

She Podcasts Unplugged

• ShePodcasts Unplugged
• Date: Jan 24-26, 2024
• Cost: $147 
• Location: Wyndham Orlando Int’l Drive, Orlando, Florida USA

She Podcasts Unplugged is the ultimate experience designed exclusively for women podcasters, offering expert-led workshops and unparalleled networking opportunities. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your voice and amplify your impact—secure your spot today!

(This event overlaps somewhat with Podfest Expo.)

PodFest Expo 2024

• Podfest Expo 2024
• Date: Jan 25-28, 2024
• Cost: $99-$599
• Location: Wyndham Orlando Int’l Drive, Orlando, Florida USA

Podfest Expo is a community of genuine people who are interested in and passionate about sharing their voice and message with the world through the powerful mediums of audio and video. They’re proud and famous for uniting as many people as possible to learn, get inspired, and grow better together. Reach out to andrew@podfestexpo.com if you have any questions about the event.

February Podcast Events in 2024

On Air Fest

• On Air Fest
• Date: Feb 28-March 1, 2024
• Cost: $140-$700 Early Bird pricing ends Dec 25, 2023. 
• Location: Wythe Hotel, Brooklyn, NY, USA

On Air Fest returns to Brooklyn’s Wythe Hotel for its annual flagship festival, bringing together the vanguard of storytellers, audio creatives, multimedia artists, musicians, industry leaders, and inspired listeners who are shaping the culture of sound. Led by a lineup that places media powerhouses alongside emerging voices and visionary thinkers, On Air Fest brings the medium far beyond the limits of personal listening devices through an array of real-life experiences that give talent the opportunity to step forward and people the chance to connect. 

March Podcasting Events in 2024

Podcast Movement: Evolutions

• Podcast Movement Evolutions 2024
• Dates: March 26-29,. 2024
• Cost: Ticket prices start at $164, discounts available if you sign up for their mailing list
• Location: JW Marriott at LA Live, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Each year, Podcast Movement events unite and educate thousands of podcasters and industry professionals to grow their shows, the podcast community, and the podcast industry.

The topics at Evolutions all focus on the latest research, tools, technology, and cutting-edge information that podcasters and professionals need to stay at the top of their game.

Podcast Movement: Evolutions features educational and informative breakout sessions and panels spread across three distinct content tracks, enlightening and encouraging keynote talks, and podcasting’s best networking events and parties.

Radiodays Europe 2024

• Radiodays Europe
• Date: 17-19 March, 2024 (Podcast Summit on Sunday 17th March)
• Cost: 100 EUR- 649 EUR
• Location: Munich, Germany

Radiodays Europe is the event in the Radio, Podcast and Audio World, bringing together over 1,300 visitors from 65 countries over three days. The event is organised into sessions, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive sessions, summits, workshops and networking events.

April Podcasting Events in 2024

NAB Show 2024

• NAB Show 2024
• Date: April 13-17, 2024
• Cost of Admission: TBA. In 2023, they were $109-$1099
• Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

NAB Show is produced annually by the National Association of Broadcasters at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. NAB is the premier advocacy association for America’s broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.

May Podcasting Events in 2024

The Podcast Show 2024

• The Podcast Show 2024
• Date: 22-23 May, 2024
• Cost: £49- £295
• Location: Business Design Centre, Islington, London, England, UK

The Podcast Show is a unique global gathering of the broad and diverse podcasting community. By day, the show will welcome industry pros, independent creators and business leaders to masterclasses, workshops and over 100 global brands. By night, The Podcast Show is proud to present a week-long line up of live podcasts, bringing some of your favourite voices and shows to life in theatres across London.

June Podcasting Events in 2024

Podcast Power-Up Summit

• Radiodays North America Podcast Power-Up Summit
• Date: Sunday, June 2, 2024, 11:00 am-7pm
• Cost: Early Bird rate: $75, ends May 10. Regular price: $100. 
• Location: Regatta Room, Westin Harbour Castle Hotel, Toronto, Canada

The Podcast Power-Up Summit isn’t just an event; it’s a chance to hear from, and network with, some of the top experts and podcasters from across North America. It’s a community where you can exchange ideas, gain insights, and forge meaningful connections that can propel your podcasting journey forward. Don’t miss this must-attend Summit during CMW and Radiodays North America! We can’t wait to welcome you to The Podcast Power-Up Summit!

August Podcast Events in 2024

Podcast Movement 2024

• Podcast Movement 2024
• Date: August 19-22 2024
• Cost: $239-$539 (payment plans and discounts available) 
• Location: The Gaylord Rockies Resort, National Harbor, MD, just outside of Washington D.C., USA

Every year since 2014, Podcast Movement has gathered thousands of passionate podcasters and industry professionals from around the world under one roof to learn, grow professionally, and, most importantly, evolve and improve the podcast community. In August 2024, Podcast Movement will make its debut in the nation’s capital! Join the world’s largest gathering of the podcast industry for four days of 100+ educational sessions and workshops, the best networking events and parties, plus podcasting’s biggest and best expo and trade show!

September Podcast Events in 2024

London Podcast Festival

• London Podcast Festival
• Date: Sept 5-15, 2024
• Cost: Varies between shows
• Location: Kings Palance, London

Kings Place, the festival runs from 5 – 15 September with a programme that celebrates the best in UK and international podcasting talent. Taking place in front of a live audience at Kings Place, the festival is a chance to celebrate the fast-growing popularity of podcasts whilst giving listeners the chance to meet their favourite podcast hosts. A number of the events will be livestreamed to audiences across the world via KPlayer, the Kings Place pay-per-view platform. The London Podcast Festival was founded by Kings Place in 2016 and has since welcomed over 60,000 visitors and over 700 podcasters.

October Podcast Events in 2024

Afros & Audio 2024

• Afros & Audio 2024
• Date: Oct 18-20, 2024
• Cost: $100-$375 (Pre-Sale ends March 1, 2024)
• Location: Baltimore, MD

Afros & Audio is a community of Podcast Creatives and Professionals that come together annually for our Flagship event. Our primary mission is to shift the conversation beyond the issues of diversity, inclusion, limited resources, and industry barriers. As a collective of creatives and professionals, we are change agents for real strategies that will transform the current landscape of the Podcast Industry. Together, we will design and maintain infrastructures of sustainable resources and consistent support.

Podcast Events in 2024 And Beyond

New podcast events are constantly planned and announced, so this list will always be a work in progress.

We’ll update this page as promoters inform us that they’ve added or changed events. You might also want to bookmark pod.events (run by the excellent Podnews email newsletter), which gives you a comprehensive rundown of everything happening in the next few months.

If you’re promoting a future podcast event, contact us directly so we can include it here.

Why is a Good Podcast Microphone Important?

It might seem obvious, but it’s a question worth asking – Why bother investing in a good podcast microphone at all?

However you record, there’s no denying that a podcast recorded on a decent-quality microphone is massively more professional than someone blabbering away on a tinny headset mic.

After all, it’s the mic that captures your voice and translates it from physical sound waves into digital bits and bytes.

Just to let you know, all of the product links in this article are affiliate links. That means we get a small commission if you buy anything, but it doesn’t cost you any extra. Don’t worry; we’re always honest, open, and impartial with our reviews – we only recommend the good stuff – but this affiliate income helps us keep the site running.

Should I Choose an XLR or USB Microphone?

XLR and USB simply refer to the type of cable a mic plugs in with. XLR mics are considered to be the more professional, but many USB mics are good enough to go toe-to-toe with them these days. If you buy an XLR mic you’ll need some additional kit (like a USB Audio Interface, Mixer, or Podcast Recorder) to run it into, whilst USB mics work right out of the box. Some podcast microphones actually do both, though, so you can have the best of both worlds!

Should I Choose a Dynamic or Condenser Mic?

The terms “Condenser” and “Dynamic” refer to two different ways microphones are built, and function. Both types of mic have their potential pros and cons. Dynamic mics are often more durable and can handle high volumes without distortion. Condenser mics, on the other hand, are often capable of recording a more crisp and detailed sound. These are broad generalisations though, and there are always exceptions. Here’s our full guide to Condenser Vs Dynamic Mics in Podcasting for a deeper dive on the subject.

Best Podcast Microphones for All Budgets & Prices

We’ve organised this Best Podcast Mics roundup by cost to make your choice as easy as possible.

Budget Level Podcast Microphones for Under $100

A good podcast microphone can cost hundreds of dollars, but luckily there are a lot of much more affordable options.

Don’t let the term “Budget Level” put you off – I only recommend good quality kit! These are relatively cheap, though, and very easy to set up, so they’re well-suited for beginners. But, I know many a veteran podcaster that still uses this kit, even years down the road.

1. Samson Q2U

• Average Cost: $70 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR & USB
• Function: Dynamic
• Pros: Our favourite podcast mic of all time
• Cons: Can be difficult to buy in certain regions

The microphone that I often recommend people start off with is the Samson Q2U. This is a really versatile little beast, being both XLR and USB. It’s also a significant quality increase over a cheap headset mic or your internal microphone.

The dual output (XLR & USB) means that you can plug it directly into your computer via USB, recording to Garageband or Audacity. Or, use that USB mic to run an online call with remote guests.

Then later on in your journey, when you get yourself an audio interface or a decent digital recorder, you can change to XLR. The other benefit of the Q2U’s dual output is that you can easily back up your recordings. This means even if one device crashes or runs out of batteries, you’ve still got a copy of your session.

2. ATR2100

• Average Cost: $80 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR & USB
• Function: Dynamic
• Pros: Almost identical to the Samson Q2U
• Cons: Similarly, availability can vary depending on your region

An alternative, and very similar mic, is the ATR2100. There’s not much to tell between the two, and it all comes down to availability. Depending on where you are in the world, one might be easier to find than the other.

These mics are ideal for heading out and about, capturing live audio interviews.

3. Rode Smartlav+

• Average Cost: $53 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: 3.5mm
• Function: Condenser
• Pros: Super portable, fits in your pocket
• Cons: Sound quality isn’t as good as most XLR or USB mics

The Rode Smartlav+ is a lavalier or tie-clip mic, specifically built for smartphones. It works like a dream on any modern phone with a 3.5mm input (or a 3.5mm > lightning adapter for new iPhones).

I love this little mic for two main reasons:

1. It’s tiny! You can have it in your bag ALL the TIME, for just-in-case interviews.
2. For a minuscule little package, it sounds great.

Even better, the Rode Smartlav+ can be bundled with the SC6 adapter to plug a pair, of mics into one Smartphone.

Because of this versatility, suddenly, you have an on-the-go in-person interview kit that’s smaller than your wallet! Just bumped into Prince Harry in the street? Well, whip out your smartlavs and grab a great quality interview on exactly what it’s like to be that famous for no particular reason.

4. The MXL990

• Average Cost: $70 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR
• Function: Condenser
• Pros: Great audio quality at a very low cost
• Cons: Quite fragile, and needs a boom arm to mount it

The MXL990 was the first condenser mic that I owned, and I loved it. I used it for all of my recordings for about two years. It’s ridiculously good value at about $70 and it was worth every penny at the time. Even though it’s a condenser, it was decent in a normal office room, not picking up too much of the room noise. So this is a good choice if you have a reasonably quiet space, and you’re looking for a rich sound on a budget.

5. The Blue Snowball

• Average cost: $45 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: USB
• Function: Condenser
• Pros: Nice looking mic at an affordable price
• Cons: Not the best sound quality

The Blue Snowball is an old and famous piece of kit. It, alongside its bigger (and better) brother, the Blue Yeti, is ubiquitous in the world of podcast microphones. There’s no getting around it that you’ll find better audio quality in any other mic mentioned here, but the Snowball’s unique look and cheap price point still make it an appealing option for some hobbyist podcasters.

6. The Shure SM58

• Average Cost: $99 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR
• Function: Dynamic
• Pros: Almost indestructible
• Cons: If you’re bothered about aesthetics, this looks more like a “musician’s mic” (predominantly, it is!)

I have to mention the workhorse that is the Shure SM58, just in case you’re looking for a high-quality podcast mic that’s more mobile.

The SM58 is a handheld mic more commonly spotted at music events, usually in the hand of a screaming lead singer. It can be dropped, pounded, drowned and still survive. It also has a built-in pop filter. The SM58 is perfect for anyone that’s looking to do more out-and-about recording than in-studio.

We use the Shure SM58 along with a Zoom H5 or Zoom H6 recorder for all of our in-person interviews (find out more about the setup here). If you think you’d like to take your mic on the road and can budget for a good digital recorder too, then this could be the choice for you. It’ll work just as well in the studio, mounted on a stand, for when that’s called for.

7. The Audio-Technica 2020

• Average cost: $99 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR (USB version available, too)
• Function: Condenser
• Pros: Great vocals at a budget price
• Cons: Requires additional gear

A new addition to this best podcast mics roundup, but certainly not a new mic. The Audio-Technica 2020 is twenty years old, but it still more than holds its own in 2024. With the XLR version, you’ll need some sort of interface or recorder to run it through, as well as a stand or boom arm. But at only $99, this mic is tremendous value for money. Our AT-2020 review focuses on the XLR model but a USB alternative is available, and you can buy the mic in a “podcasting pack” with additional gear, too!

Mid-Range Podcast Microphones: $100-$200

These microphones are all you need for podcasting up to six or seven-figure audiences. They are also within the normal podcaster’s budget, and provide great quality recordings to boot.

8. The Rode Podcaster

• Average Cost: $170 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: USB
• Function: Dynamic
• Pros: Essentially the Rode Procaster, in USB form
• Cons: Needs a boom arm

The price of the Rode Podcaster definitely creeps up a little when you include stands and a shock mount, but you’ll notice a significant difference if you compare it directly with any of the entry-level microphones above. This is what we use in our podcasting studio right now.

If you like the look of the Rode Podcaster, but would rather opt for an XLR mic so you can plug it into things like mixers or digital recorders, then check out its sister mic – the Rode Procaster.

9. The Blue Yeti

• Average Cost: $130 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: USB
• Function: Condenser
• Pros: A nice-looking mic on its own stand
• Cons: Easy to use incorrectly

Whilst the Rode Podcaster is a Dynamic, this next one is a Condenser. The Blue Yeti is one of the most popular USB podcast microphones in the world, and it comes in at around $130.

The Blue Yeti offers great quality audio thanks to its condenser capsules. It’s also amazingly easy to use with a plug and play USB connection.

One of its biggest advantages, though, is its range of polar patterns. The Yeti offers settings for solo recording, two-person face to face recording, and group recording. So, it’s flexible and can adapt to just about any situation. For best quality sound, you need to be quite close to the mic, so prepare to get pretty cosy when you’re recording two people or groups.

Lastly, the Blue Yeti comes with its own stand, so it’s a good mic if you want to jump in at the high-end and not have to worry about additional kit. Click here for more info about the Blue Yeti and its various accessories.

The Yeti might not quite match the MXL990 or the Rode podcast mics for sheer quality, but the ease of use and the fact that it’s entirely standalone make it a really serious choice at this level. See our Blue Yeti review for the full lowdown.

It’s also worth mentioning that, in late 2019, the Blue Yeti X was released. This model offers a few upgrades to the original, such as higher recording resolution and an additional condenser capsule. Whilst these are nice technical improvements, the difference in audio quality will unlikely be noticeable to most podcast listeners. That said, as a podcaster, you might prefer the Blue Yeti X over its predecessor due to its improved sleek design.

10. AKG Lyra

• Average Cost: $150 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: USB
• Function: Condenser
• Pros: One of the best-sounding USB mics out there
• Cons: Limited availability

The AKG Lyra is a strong competitor to the Blue Yeti, in that it has very similar features, from polar patterns to an in-built stand.

To my ear, it actually sounds better than the Yeti, but it can be harder to pick one up, depending on where you are in the world. If they are available in your region, and you’d like to find out more, then have a read of our full AKG Lyra review.

11. Sennheiser Profile

• Average Cost: $130 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: USB
• Function: Condenser
• Pros: Intuitive controls and small size
• Cons: Reported setup issues

The Sennheiser Profile is an excellent microphone for those looking to take their spoken-word audio a little more seriously without shelling out for a more professional setup. It looks and sounds great, the controls are intuitive, and the small size, even if fiddly at times, means you don’t need a lot of desk space for it.

That said, our reviewer Dev did report some setup issues in their review – “Even with the workaround I used for recording, I couldn’t get the mic working with OBS as either input or output. While I’m aware this could be a computer/software issue, the ‘plug-and-play’ ethos of microphones like these imply it should work right away with no problems, and that was not my experience in this case.”

12. PreSonus Revelator Dynamic

• Average Cost: $145 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: USB
• Function: Dynamic
• Pros: Works well in less-than-ideal conditions
• Cons: A little pricey for a USB mic

The PreSonus Revelator Dynamic is a mic built with two common podcasting problems in mind – background noise and reverb. That isn’t an excuse to rely on tech to fix poor-sounding and ill-prepared environments, but it’s great backup if you struggle to find a consistent or permanent space to record your show. It isn’t the cheapest option out there, considering it’s USB-only, but its forgiving audio features will make it an appealing option for many.

13. PreSonus PX-1

• Average Cost: $130 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR
• Function: Condenser
• Pros: Great podcast mic for recording voice
• Cons: Needs a well-treated environment

The PreSonus PX-1 is perfect for anyone looking to own a Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone without breaking the bank. You’ll want an above-average recording environment for this one, so better to opt for something like the Q9U (below) or the Shure MV7 if you tend to podcast from inside the broom cupboard. See our review of the PreSonus PX-1 to get the full lowdown on this great podcast microphone.

14. Samson Q9U

• Average Cost: $120 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR & USB
• Function: Dynamic
• Pros: Versatile, plugs straight into computer, or, into interface or digital recorder
• Cons: Needs a boom arm

We talked earlier about the Samson Q2U. A newer mic on the market is the Samson Q9U which, like the Q2U, can be used in both USB and XLR form. The Q9U sounds better than the (already good sounding) Q2U and doesn’t cost that much more, either!

Samson Q2U Review: Is This (Still) the Best Microphone for Podcasters?

15. The Rode NT1-A

• Average Cost: $199 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR
• Function: Dynamic
• Pros: A low-noise microphone
• Cons: Not an overly-durable build

The Rode NT1-A popped up as a surprise entry in our Gear Stats Survey a couple of years ago. It turned out to be the most popular high-end podcast microphone amongst our respondents. It’s not surprising, really, when you hear the quality it offers, combined with a relatively low price for a mic at this level. You can usually pick one up new for around $200.

The NT1-A is a super-low noise XLR microphone, with a really rich sound behind it. The pack comes with a shock mount and a pop filter, so all you need is a mic stand and a recorder, audio interface, or mixer to get it up and running.

Fans of the Rode NT1-A might also be interested in the Rode NT-USB and the Rode NT-USB Mini. You can plug multiple NT-USB Mini mics into your computer at the same time and record them in multitrack using Rode’s free Connect software.

Premium Podcast Microphones for Over $200

At this level, we’re starting to look at some serious cash. These are microphones that wouldn’t look out of place in a professional recording studio. These are probably overkill for most podcasters, even if you’re broadcasting to millions. Take Tim Ferriss, for example – millions of downloads per episode and still mostly recording on an ATR2100 or an SM58, last time I looked.

16. The Shure SM7b

• Average Cost: $380 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR
• Function: Dynamic
• Pros: One of the highest-quality podcast mics out there
• Cons: Needs a strong preamp to optimise it

The Shure SM7b is a legendary mic in the industry. It’s one that discerning audiophiles hold in great esteem. And yes, it does indeed live up to the hype.

But one barrier to using the SM7B (aside from the price) is that it needs a strong preamp to get the most out of it, so you’ll likely need to invest in additional gear and add extra components to your setup.

Presuming you can do that, though, and you can afford the cost, this is one hell of a microphone.

17. The Shure SM7db

• Average Cost: $500 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR
• Function: Dynamic
• Pros: Like the SM7b, but with a built-in preamp
• Cons: Costs even more than the SM7b

Shure recently built a solution to the SM7b preamp problem called the SM7db. This mic is essentially the legendary SM7b with its own preamp built-in, offering users up to +28 dB of gain at the flick of a switch. The SM7db costs more than the SM7b, but it gives you the freedom of being able to run it through a much wider variety of audio interfaces. Check out our full Shure SM7db review for the lowdown.

18. The Shure MV7+

• Average Cost: $280 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR & USB
• Function: Dynamic
• Pros: Similar to the SM7b, but cheaper and more versatile
• Cons: Not the strongest of signals when used in XLR form

The original Shure MV7 – marketed as offering “perfect sound in imperfect rooms” – quickly became one of the most popular podcast mics. Nevertheless, Shure saw fit to update it in 2024 with their release of the MV7+. Just like its predecessor, it works as both a USB mic AND an XLR mic, so you can plug it directly into your computer, or, via a USB audio interface or digital recorder. If you’re intrigued, check out our review of the Shure MV7+ to find out more.

19. Rode NT1 5th Gen

• Average Cost: $250 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR/USB
• Function: Dynamic
• Pros: 32-bit float digital output makes it “unclippable”
• Cons: 32-bit floating only works in USB form.

A new kid on the block from gear giants Rode, the NT1 5th Gen works as both a USB and XLR microphone. One of the standout features of this mic is the ability to work with a 32-bit float digital output if used in USB form. Whilst that term might not sound very exciting, it basically means that the mic is “unclippable”. As Rode say themselves, this is “a revolutionary recording format that allows you to record everything from a whisper to a scream, the softest guitar to the loudest drummer without having to worry about setting your gain – simply adjust your audio after recording and all the dynamics of your performance will be maintained, with zero risk of clipping or distortion.”

Check out our Rode NT1 5th Gen review for the full lowdown and some sound samples.

20. Apogee HypeMic

• Average Cost: $350 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: USB
• Function: Condenser
• Pros: Built-in Compression features
• Cons: Very expensive for a USB-only mic

The Apogee HypeMic boasts built-in Compression tools, giving you the ability to boost and level out your voice without the need to do it in software in post-production. However, our reviewer Sarah described these settings as “hit or miss” for podcasters. Overall, this is still a good mic, but at this price point, you’d hope it would be!

If you have $350 to spend on a mic, then your money will go a lot further with something like the Rode NT1 5^th Gen or the Shure MV7. In fact, both are $100 cheaper and will work in XLR form, as well as USB.  

21. The Heil PR40

• Average Cost: $375 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR
• Function: Dynamic
• Pros: Premium sound quality, even in less-than-ideal environments
• Cons: Hard to justify the price

The Heil PR40 is touted by many high-level showrunners as the go-to podcast mic for anyone who wants the best sound they can get. I won’t deny it’s a good microphone, but I will say it’s a bit overhyped.

The sound quality is good, and, being a dynamic mic, it’s a great fit for the non-professional environments most of us are recording in. So, if you can get your hands on one to test it out, either borrow or on sale and return, then definitely give it a try.

22. The Electro-Voice RE20

• Average Cost: $450 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR
• Function: Dynamic
• Pros: Amazing sound quality
• Cons: Extremely expensive

The Electro-Voice RE20 is a mic with a very loyal following… If you know an Electro-Voice fan, you’ll know this to be true!

The EVs are certainly amongst the best microphones in podcasting, or the world of audio in general!

Those who love the EV speak fondly of its rich tones, depth, and resonance. There’s a body to the recordings that’s as memorable as it is undefinable.

You’ll pay for this sound quality, of course. The EV microphones are NOT cheap. But they’re world-class equipment and justify the cost. If you’d like to read more about the mic, and hear some samples, then you can read our Electro-Voice RE20 review here.

The RE20 also has a little cousin in the form of the EV R320 – not a mic we’ve managed to test ourselves before, but a few people we know use it and speak highly of it!

23. Rode Wireless Pro

• Average Cost: $430 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: USB, DSLR, Smartphone, & more
• Function: Condenser
• Pros: Gives you a lot of kit, and a lot of options
• Cons: Costly, and unnecessary for most podcasters

The Rode Wireless Pro is Rode’s premium wireless option, succeeding the Rode Wireless Go and Wireless Go II.

This is more a full kit than “a mic” – you actually get four mic options in the box. You can record directly into the two transmitters, or, plug in the two included Rode Lavalier II mics instead.

The receiver can plug into pretty much anything, from your phone or computer to a DSLR camera. It receives (the clue is in the name) the audio from the transmitters, but the transmitters themselves can both independently store over 40 hours of audio.

The kit has a “safe” range of up to 260 metres. In our Rode Wireless Pro review, you’ll find out more about that distance, including the fact that it’s longer than a row of eight blue whales. This makes it an ideal kit for podcasters who record on the move in varying environments. But, by contrast, it isn’t something you’ll need if you record in the same room each week.

24. Rode Interview PRO

• Average Cost: $249 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: USB/Wireless/Standalone
• Function: Condenser
• Pros: Brilliant portable handheld mic
• Cons: Needs a Rode transmitter (not provided) to use it in its wireless form

The Rode Interview PRO is the latest from a long offering of quality Rode mics that are perfect for podcasters. If you love the thought of roaming an event or conference, mic in hand like a sports reporter, then the Interview PRO could be perfect for your needs. It has on-board recording so no cables are needed, though to transmit your audio on a wireless basis you’ll need to own a compatible Rode transmitter, which isn’t included with the mic. Check out Sarah’s Rode Interview PRO review for more info.

25. Lewitt RAY

• Average Cost: $350 (check prices on Amazon)
• Connection: XLR
• Function: Condenser
• Pros: Keeps you sounding “on mic” even when you move further away
• Cons: High cost

The Lewitt RAY is one of the most unique mics in this roundup. After all, which other models can boast of having their very own laser built-in? (spoiler – none!).

So, what’s this laser all about? Well, it can keep track of where you are in front of the mic and adjust your sound accordingly if you start getting further away. It can also automatically mute you if you get too far away. These are novel features that can come in super handy in the right circumstances. Check out our full review of the Lewitt RAY for more info.

Strengthen Your Setup: Headphones, Audio Interfaces, & Microphone Stands

Podcast microphones don’t work in isolation, and you can use various bits of kit and gear to power, support, or enhance them.

Headphones are a must for any podcaster. Use them for monitoring recordings so that you can hear exactly what’s being recorded, as it’s being recorded. Then, use them to edit and produce your audio, too. Check out our guide to the best podcast headphones for more on this.

If you’re using a digital mic, you’ll need a computer to plug your USB cable into. There’s every chance you already have a computer, but bookmark our best computer for podcasting and best laptop for podcasting guides should you ever need to upgrade.  

If it’s an XLR mic you plan to use, then you can’t plug an XLR cable directly into your computer. Instead, you can buy a USB audio interface to link it all together, giving you greater control, flexibility, and a wider range of options. Depending on the model, you can plug two or more mics into your interface, making them ideal for recording local co-hosts or guests. Some will even include a separate headphone jack for each participant.

Most podcast microphones mentioned here will also be optimal when mounted on a stand or boom arm. Check out our guide to the best boom arms, which offer the most flexible and professional-looking setups for mic mounting and podcast presentation.

Podcast Microphone Polar Patterns

Mic polar patterns are also known as pickup patterns. These are settings which determine the areas a microphone “hears” sound. For example, a cardioid polar pattern will focus mainly on the front of the mic whilst rejecting some sound from around the back. This makes the cardioid pickup pattern ideal for voice recordings, and almost every mic mentioned here either has it by default or makes it available in its range of settings. Check out our full guide to microphone polar patterns to learn more.

Background Noise, Mic Technique, & Sound Quality

It’s not purely about which mic you buy – it’s about where and how you use it. Though there’s nothing wrong with ambient noise, you want to avoid distracting background noise in your podcast, which means optimising your recording space. Make a habit of using your mute button, too, whether that’s built into the mic, or in your recording software. We can edit out and clean up after the fact, but many disturbances don’t need to make it into your recording in the first place.

Mic technique is also pivotal to your audio quality. You want to maintain an appropriate distance, avoid handling or hitting the desk, and use a pop filter if you love to record in close proximity.

Looking for Help With Your Podcast?

Did you know we have courses on all aspects of launching and growing a show over at Podcraft Academy? Not only that, we run weekly Q&A sessions, too, so you can always get the help, advice, and answers that you need!

Quick Question Time: The “Best Podcast Mic For”… FAQ

Here we answer frequently asked questions to help you choose your perfect podcasting microphone.

Best Dynamic Microphone for Podcasting?

For best overall, go Electro-Voice RE20. For best value, go Samson Q2U.

Best Condenser Microphone for Podcasting?

For best overall, go Neumann U87. For best value, go MXL990.

Best Podcast Microphone for Mac?

I’d say the AKG Lyra, but any of these USB Mics will do.

Best Durable Podcast Mic?

It’s got to be the Shure SM58, eh?

Best XLR Microphone for Podcasting?

For best overall, go Electro-Voice RE20. For best value, go Samson Q2U.

Best USB Microphone for Podcasting

For best overall, go Shure MV7+. For best value, go Samson Q2U.

Best Mics for Multiple USB Use

You can run multiple Rode NT-USB Mini mics into the Rode Connect software.

Best Mic for an Echoey Room

The Shure MV7+ and PreSonus Dynamic Revelator can perform well on this front. Always try to sound treat your room as best you can, though.

Best Shotgun Mic for Podcasting

We love the Zoom SSH-6 capsule for the Zoom H6 recorder.

Best Portable Podcast Microphone

The Rode Interview PRO, but see lavalier options below.

Best Lavalier Microphone for Podcast

Definitely the Rode SmartLav+ or Rode Wireless PRO.

Best Headworn Microphone for Podcast

The Sennheiser PC 8 USB Headset, but if you already own a good pair of headphones, opt for the Antlion ModMic USB attachment.

Best Omnidirectional Microphone for Podcast

Tricky as you should avoid sharing a mic. Solo-use omnidirectional mics are usually lavaliers like the Rode SmartLav+ or Rode Wireless Go.

Best Bluetooth Podcast Microphone

The SmartMike+ is a decent budget option. You can also create a great Bluetooth setup using the Zoom PodTrak P4.

Best Microphone for YouTube

There are so many video variables here, so best to check out our dedicated guide to the Best Microphones for YouTube to find the scenario that best suits you.

Next up in the Quest to Sound Your Best… Recording

Choosing a podcast microphone means you’ve something to record with. But there are a few additional steps in the recording chain.

Using an XLR mic and need something to plug it into? Here are your 3 options…

• Best USB Audio Interfaces
• Best Podcast Mixers
• Best Digital Recorders

And, if you’re recording directly into your computer you might fancy trying out Alitu. Alitu is an all-in-one podcast maker tool that lets you record (solo or remote calls), edit, and publish episodes from directly inside its interface. Alitu does all the production magic (EQ, Noise Reduction, Volume Levelling) for you automatically too, so you can really enhance the sound of your shiny new podcast mic without knowing the slightest bit about audio engineering!

Try Alitu free for 7 days and see for yourself.

There’s no shortage of debate out there around the ethics and even the risks or dangers of AI. Whilst these are conversations worth having, it isn’t our purpose here. Rest assured, though, that there are several reasons why AI can’t and won’t replace podcasters. Think of AI more as a helping hand with the heavy lifting and onerous tasks in your workflow. If they can free you up to dedicate more time and energy to the creative side of things, then podcasters and listeners both win.

Let’s dive in, then, to this AI tools for podcasters roundup. We’ll break it up into sections, including text-to-speech, AI podcast editing and production, transcription, translation, and more. Some of our links are affiliates, meaning we may earn a small commission should you choose to sign up through them. This is never at any extra cost to you, and helps support all the free (human-generated!) content we put out there.

TLDR: Our Favourite AI Tools for Podcasters

Short on time and just looking for some quick recommendations? Here you go:

• Alitu: For recording, production, and publishing. AI podcast editing tools include text-based editing and automatic removal of breath sounds, filler words, and long pauses.
• Wondercraft: AI voice cloning and dubbing tools, with features to create shareable videos.
• Podpage: Build a podcast website in minutes, supported by a suite of AI writing and growth tools.
• Suno.ai: Powerful AI song and music generator.
• Beehiiv: Email newsletter software with AI writing assistant, translator, image generator, and more.
• Capsho: AI tool that repurposes your podcast episode into 38 types of content marketing assets, from social media captions to blog posts and more.

AI Tools for Planning Your Podcast

When you have an idea for a new podcast, there are hurdles like impostor syndrome, writer’s block, or self-doubt. These can hold you back and keep you from progressing. Unfortunately, there isn’t an AI software that generates Pure Genius and Performance Excellence. But, there are a few tools that can give you a crutch to lean on as you get started.

ChatGPT

ChatGPT is the behemoth that brought large language model AI into the mainstream. There’s really nothing it can’t do with text, and its powers have even increased to analysing images and surfing the web in ChatGPT 4. Here are seven of the best prompts for podcasters to help you get the best from this tool.

Price: tiered – free or $20/month

Key uses: research, shownotes, transcription, idea generation

Try ChatGPT

Alitu Showplanner

The Alitu Showplanner can help you flesh out your podcast idea and more. Part cheerleader, part strategist, this tool asks you questions about different aspects of your idea and uses your answers to formulate a launch plan. Here’s some more info about how Alitu can generate a launch kit so encouraging it even shows you how “a podcast about watching paint dry” is a good idea.

Price: free (no login or signup required)

Key uses: podcast launch plan, name generator, trailer script, audience profile, episode ideas

Try The Alitu Showplanner

Semrush ContentShake AI

ContentShake AI is a tool by SEO and keyword research specialists Semrush. You enter details about your niche and it gives you multiple topic and content ideas. ContentShake AI analyses your competition as well as questions your audience asks online.

Price: tiered – free or $60/month

Key uses: content ideas, SEO optimised AI blog posts and shownotes

Try ContentShake AI

AI Tools for Speech & AI Voices

No matter what you do with your podcast, two central concerns are what you say and how you say it. Some people need help getting the words recorded, whether in audio or text form. Here are some AI tools that can help you make your podcast more accessible, and enable you to try out some novel strategies.

Image to Audio Ad by Adthos Creative Studio

Adthos are an AI Audio Platform whose latest feature employs AI technology to convert images into fully produced audio ads. Users can upload various pictures, such as social media ads, flyers, product images, or billboards, and the technology will go to work, generating a fully scripted, voiced, and sound-designed audio ad in minutes.

Price: tiered – $50/month, $75/month, & $100/month

Key uses: Image to AI audio ad generator

Try Adthos Creative Studio

Wondercraft

I first heard about Wondercraft through Mike Russell of Music Radio Creative. He’s using it to make a daily news podcast, and he mentioned the term “the Canva of audio”, which prompted me to check it out. Wondercraft allows you to “Create ads, podcasts, audiobooks, meditations, ads and effortlessly translate your content for a global audience”. This is another AI tool that paradoxically saves you time by creating pro-sounding media in seconds, but you can lose hours into tinkering, experimenting, and having fun with it.

 Price: tiered – free, $24/month, or $109/month

 Key uses: Voice generation, audio translation, audio branding

Try Wondercraft

Descript

Descript started as a nifty transcription tool with artificial voices. Over time, it’s proven itself as a dependable podcasting tool for transcripts while growing to include video and storyboarding features. As Descript’s Lyrebird AI research decision continues to grow, their stock voices have changed to seem more natural. If you record a 30-minute script for descript’s Overdub voice training, it can generate new dialogue using an Overdub voice based on your recording.

Price: tiered – free, $12/month, & $24/month

Key uses: overdub, transcription, filler word removal, script generation

Try Descript

FineShare Online Voice Changer

FineShare Online Voice Changer is an online voice changer powered by AI voice cloning technology. This tool offers tons of voice effects, including characters and celebrities, helping podcasters to spice up their content with funny voices.

Price: tiered – free, $6/month, or $12/month

Key uses: voice generation

Try FineShare Online Voice Changer

AI Tools for Podcast Translation

Only a year or two ago, it was unthinkable that you’d have the ability for an AI voice to translate your audio into other languages. Now, we live in an era where it isn’t only possible, but practical. Whilst these tools still can’t match the natural delivery of a human, the tech is improving all the time. And it’s still a brilliant new way of expanding your reach into new audiences.

Eleven Labs

The voices Eleven Labs generates are beautiful. They should be: the founders’ original motivation was to create better voice dubbing in their native Poland for Hollywood movies released in English. If, for whatever reason, you can’t speak and you need to make a podcast, Eleven Labs’ Speech Synthesis has hundreds of artificially generated voices for nearly any accent, age, and gender you can imagine. All you do is add the text. Their voice library can speak in 29 languages. Many are tagged with tones such as “Calm” or “Hyped.”

Price: tiered – free, $5/month, $22/month, $99/month

Key uses: AI audio voice translation

Try Eleven Labs

HeyGen

HeyGen is meant for people who need to make many videos quickly and who want an AI avatar in front of the camera. All you need for this sort of translation is a script. If you already have a video, you can upload it and let HeyGen make more videos with your face and voice, incorporating some mannerisms. Or, you can pick out an avatar based on the video and audio of different actors. HeyGen can do this in 28 languages. 

Price: tiered – free, $24/month, $72/month

Key uses: AI audio voice translation

Try HeyGen

AI Podcast Editing & Production Tools

AI can offer a helping hand with some of the tricky and time-consuming aspects of recording, editing, and production. This isn’t necessarily about creating great-sounding audio for you out of thin air – it’s more about using tech to streamline and enhance what you’re already doing.

Neural network noise reduction, anyone?

Alitu: The Podcast Maker

Alitu is our very own ‘podcast maker’ app. With one single login and subscription, you can record (solo or calls), edit, publish, and distribute your podcast. Where the “AI” part comes in is mainly during the production process. Alitu automatically applies noise reduction, compression, and EQ to your audio. It levels everything up and optimises your loudness levels. It’ll also generate AI episode transcripts, cover art, and suggested episode titles for you, making it a fantastic tool for saving time and money.

Price: $38/month for everything

Key uses: recording, editing, filler word removal, transcription, cover art, hosting & publishing

Try Alitu

AI Tools for Podcast Music

You don’t need podcast music, but it has its benefits. Music can add a layer of professionalism and immediately make your show recognizable to podcast listeners. There are many ways to find and buy podcast music, including the AI route…

Suno: AI-Generated Songs

Trying Suno was probably the biggest “mind blown with AI” moment since ChatGPT first appeared on the scene. Your input can either be more general (genre of music, topic, etc.), or you can enter your own lyrics and request a particular style instead. My prompt was “a song about covering the best AI tools for podcasters on the podcast host dot com”

 Price: tiered – free, $10/month, or $30/month

 Key uses: AI music, song, or themtune generation

Try Suno.ai

Melobytes: AI-Generated Music

Melobytes is an AI music platform you can lose hours playing around in. It’ll generate songs for you based on lyrics you enter, or even, images you upload. There are text-to-speech features, as well as loads of other tools you can tinker with. Quality of output can vary quite drastically, but if you achieve nothing else, you’ll have a good laugh.

Price: tiered – free or $14/month

Key uses: AI music, text or image to song, image generation

Try Melobytes

AI Tools for Podcast Marketing, Transcription, & Shownotes

This is where we’ve seen the biggest boom in the AI tools for podcasters realm. There are whole load of platforms out there offering to write show notes, summaries, social posts, and other marketing materials for you. Most will transcribe your episodes, too. The more of these tools there are, the harder it is for any one to stand out. Most will give you decent first drafts, but any AI-generated text will always benefit from a human edit prior to publishing.

Podpage

Podpage isn’t a flash-in-the-pan tool built purely on AI. It has been around for a long time and remains the best way to generate a great website for your podcast in only a few minutes. The recent rollout of Podpage’s AI tools just increased the value of this service even more, though. Now, you can get a helping hand with show notes, written content, and promotional assets.

 Price: from $12/month

 key uses: Instant podcast website generator with AI writing and growth tools.

Try Podpage

Beehiiv

Beehiiv was the first email marketing platform to introduce a suite of AI tools for its users. Running a newsletter is a brilliant way to keep in touch with your audience beyond audio, and Beehiiv’s features can help you go that extra mile. As you’d expect, AI writing and text tools are a big part of this, but you’ll also gain the ability to translate text and even generate images.

 Price: free or $42/month

 key uses: Newsletter software with AI writing assistant, translation, and image generation.

Try Beehiiv

Whisper

Whisper is another tool by OpenAI (the team behind ChatGPT). Whisper has been trained on 680,000 hours of audio data on the web, meaning it can generate some of the most accurate auto-generated podcast transcripts to date.

Price: free

key uses: transcription, text-based translation

Try Whisper

Dubb Media

Dubb Media, as Katie wrote, is an AI podcasting tool that’s a lot of fun to play with. It can help you figure out what stands out most about your episode and make a transcript and video clips that look cool on social media. Dubb can save time; once you upload your information, it works independently and sends you a summary after a few hours.

Price: tiered – free, $24.99/month, or $59.99/month

Key uses: media kit generation, social media content, transcription

Try Dubb Media

Podcastmarketing.ai

Podcastmarketing.ai is another tool that transcribes your podcast and then uses artificial intelligence to distil it into show notes, episode descriptions, episode titles, quote cards, and social media posts. Animated audiograms are coming to the platform soon, too.

Price: tiered – free, $9/month, $16/month, or $30/month

Key uses: transcription, show notes, quote cards, social media content

Try Podcastmarketing.ai

Capsho

Capsho repurposes your podcast episode into 38 types of content marketing assets (from social media captions to blog posts and more). The tool displays what appears to be an uncanny level of understanding when its AI generates your marketing materials. What makes Capsho work so well is that it asks you more questions than other AI marketing tools.

Price: $79/month

Key uses: titles, descriptions, soundites, quotes, emails, blog posts, transcription

Try Capsho

Buzzsprout’s Cohost AI

Buzzsprout has been one of the best things to come out of Florida since Tom Petty. It’s an inexpensive and straightforward podcast hosting service. I’m one of those podcast snobs who doesn’t like their audio at 96 kbps mono, but most podcasters don’t care. Now, with Cohost AI, Buzzsprout has taken a big chunk off of your podcast publishing workflow. For an additional $10-$30 per month (depending on how many hours of data you upload each month), Cohost AI transcribes your podcast episode, offers five titles, and an episode description of roughly 230 words. It also breaks your episode into chapters and helps you place chapter markers.

Price: $10-$30/month on top of your hosting fees

Key uses: transcription, title ideas, show notes, chapter markers

Try Buzzsprout’s Cohost AI

Ausha’s Social Media Posts with ChatGPT

Ausha has unveiled their Chat GPT-powered Social Media Manager, available for all Ausha customers. When you’re logged in, click on the “Communication” tab, and then “start a post on Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook or Instagram and use the button “Generate with AI” to help you get the perfect text for your social media publications.”. Handy if you already host with Ausha, but if not, you could just use ChatGPT at its source.

Price: tiered – $15/month, $35/month, or $83/month

Key uses: social media posts

Try Ausha’s Social Media Posts with ChatGPT

Podsqueeze

Podsqueeze transcribes audio or video episodes and then makes promotion assets based on those transcripts. Enter your RSS feed, select the episode you want to work on, and Podsqueeze will deliver the goods in about ten minutes. The Podsqueeze free tier has a lot of uses for someone who makes less than an hour of podcasts per month. 

Price: tiered – free, $12/month, or $24/month

Key uses: transcription, timestamp and chapters, descriptions, social media posts

Try Podsqueeze

Texo

Texo generates promotion assets based on a podcast transcript. It “automatically extracts Headlines, Show Notes, Key Themes, Questions, Quotes, Social Media Posts and Hashtags.”

Price: tiered – free, $35/month, or $80/month

Key uses: transcription, show notes, titles, social media posts

Try Texo

Podium

Podium transcribes your podcast and makes shownotes and chapters, evaluates possible episode titles, highlights quotable moments, generates a list of SEO keywords, and makes social media posts based on that transcript. The free trial is good for up to three hours of audio. For $16 a month, you can get all of this for six hours a month of audio with Podium’s Creator plan. For $149 a month, you get this for 60 hours of audio.

Price: tiered – free, $16/month, or $149/month

Key uses: transcription, show notes, chapters, titles, social media posts

Try Podium

ToastyAI

ToastyAI lets you upload your episode and receive over 20 pieces of content in return. It takes about five minutes, which is similar to making a slice of toast. It has a no-credit-card-required free trial offering an hour’s worth of uploads.

Price: tiered – $25/month, 49/month, or $97/month

Key uses: transcription, timestamps, show notes

Try ToastyAI

Flowsend.ai

Another platform designed to streamline content creation from audio and video recordings, Flowsend offers features such as instant transcription, speaker identification, and AI-powered content transformation, converting recordings into diverse, high-quality text assets like blog posts, social media content, and newsletters.

 Price: $15, $42, or $144/month

 Key uses: Transcribes podcast episodes and creates re-purposed content from them.

Try Flowsend.ai

PLAUD NOTE AI Voice Recorder

The PLAUD NOTE (NO IDEA WHY ALL THE CAPS, SORRY) is unique here because it’s a device. It attaches to your phone and records calls before summarising, organising, or transcribing the info. It probably goes without saying that you wouldn’t want to use it without the caller’s consent. Podcasters could use it to record interviews and create additional content around them, but it might also come in handy if you run a podcast with others and have regular planning and strategy meetings.

 Price: $160 for the device & $79 for the year’s subscription

 Key uses: Call recording, transcription, summarising, organising, and presentation.

Try the PLAUD NOTE

Swell AI

Swell AI is another automated AI writing tool with over 100 supported languages. It integrates with Dropbox, Google Drive, RSS and more. It has written over 130 million words in 2023, roughly about the same word count as this article.

Price: tiered – $29/month, $49/month, or $96/month

Key uses: transcription, YouTube to article, chatbot builder, clip generator

Try Swell AI

AI Tools for Short Video Clips

Imagine that you could feed your podcast episode into software, which would transcribe it and make it into short videos for social media, YouTube, or both. Well, imagine no longer…

heyLisa

The heyLisa website has a lot of nice quotables on it. “ChatGPT meets video editing” is one, “creating shorts with Lisa is easy like chatting with a friend” is another. We’re told that heyLisa is the first (and only) conversational video editor, specifically targeted at podcasters. You simply chat to Lisa (their AI persona) and tell her how you want your episode edited and “she” will do it in seconds.

 Price: tiered – free or $12/month

 Key uses: AI-generated video via chatbot prompts

Try heyLisa

Opus Clip

Opus Clip is an AI video clipping tool that repurposes long videos into shorts in one click. On their website, they market this as “one long video – ten viral clips”. They also assign a “virality score” to each generated clip “based on AI’s analysis on thousands of viral videos.”

 Price: tiered – free or $9/month

 Key uses: Video clip generator

Try Opus Clip

Flowjin

Flowjin is another tool that’ll make you ten short videos from one longer video recording, giving them automatically generated titles, descriptions, and keywords that can double as hashtags.

 Price: tiered – from $29/month

 Key uses: Video clip generator

Try Flowjin

Headliner

Headliner offers a way to create video content even if you don’t actually record video. This tool lets you combine static images with dynamic waveforms or captions and publish them to social media or YouTube.

 Price: tiered – free or $10/month

 Key uses: Audiogram generator

Try Headliner

Wavve

Wavve is similar to Headliner as it focuses on creating audiograms rather than clips of video footage. Again, ideal if you don’t record video but would still like to post content on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, etc.

 Price: tiered – free or $20/month

 Key uses: Audiogram generator

Try Wavve

Vidyo.ai

Vidyo.ai is designed to repurpose long-form video content into short, engaging clips tailored for various social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and LinkedIn. Its features include automatic video clipping, scene detection (CutMagic), and AI-generated subtitles, which help create concise and captivating videos efficiently. You can further customise your content by adding captions, logos, and emojis, and utilizing a wide range of templates to match your branding.

 Price: $ free, $29, or $41/month

 Key uses: Repurpose long-form videos into short shareable clips

Try vidyo.ai

AI Tools for Podcast Covert Art & Logos

Making podcast cover art is not hard, but it takes special effort and a good eye for attractive visuals. Design programs like Canva have templates to help you make a good one. There are dozens of tutorials on YouTube to show you how to make a podcast logo using open-source (free) image editing software, like Glimpse or GIMP. Then there are AI art generators like Midjourney…

Midjourney

Midjourney, like DALL-E and/or Stable Diffusion, is a program that generates images based on text descriptions. Founder David Holz says it’s intended for professional artists to quickly make prototypes for clients before making a complete product. None of these AI podcasting tools that make art are identical, but they work similarly. You enter a text description of what you want the art to look like. It generates an image based on that description.

Price: tiered – free, $10/month, or $30/month

Key uses: artwork and image generation

Try Midjourney

AI Tools for Podcasters: Summary

There’s no doubt that AI will become a big part of the podcasting industry in the next few years. Everyone, from listening apps to podcast hosting platforms, will look for ways AI can enhance their services and user experience.

There are many reasons for software developers to make and promote AI podcasting tools. Podcasts provide a never-ending fountain of spoken text about all kinds of topics, with various languages, opinions, inflections and attitudes. They’re the perfect training ground for AI.

Like anything else in podcasting, it’s all about what works best for you. Often, less can be more, and going all-in on a stack of AI podcasting tools might be counter-productive. Use one or two selectively and carefully to get the maximum benefits here. And remember that they’re here to support you, not to replace you.

From AI podcast editing to marketing and growth: are you using any AI tools in your podcasting workflow? Want to tell us which ones you’d recommend, and which you’d avoid? Join us in the IndiePod Community and let’s chat!

• Help shape future episodes and seasons
• Support your favorite podcaster and give them the emotional fuel to keep going
• Help other people to choose the show (or, warn them away from it) 

Writing a meaningful podcast review is tough if you’re writing for The New Yorker. However, writing reviews on your favorite podcast platform is easy, provided you use a reliable format and keep it simple. In this article, I’ll show you how to write podcast reviews and provide information about how to do this on different directories. 

But, let’s start with the nuts and bolts stuff: Where exactly can you review podcasts, and how do you publish them?

Part 1: How to Write a Podcast Review on Your Favorite Platform or App

Every podcast directory with a review component wants your review (Full disclosure: they want everyone else’s reviews, too.), so they’ll make it as easy for you as possible. That being said, podcast apps don’t always have the most obvious user interface for reviews. Some apps require users to follow and listen to at least one episode before posting a review to prevent trolls from having a field day. Let’s look at different podcast-listening apps and check out how they help you review a podcast.

How to Rate and Review a Podcast on Apple Podcasts

The process is the same whether you’re using the desktop or mobile version of Apple Podcasts. On the show’s page, scroll down past the most recent episodes. Tap on the stars to rate, or click “Write a Review.”

Apple set the standard for podcast reviews: in the next few sections, you’ll see how other podcast listening apps follow or deviate from this example.

How to Rate a Podcast on Spotify

Unlike Apple Podcasts, Spotify:

• will help you rate, but not review, a podcast
• only lets you do so in the mobile app
• doesn’t have support documents about how to rate or review a podcast
• requires users to follow, and listen to at least some of the podcast, before rating it.

Other than that, the process is simple. Navigate to the podcast’s page. Beneath the name and artwork, you’ll see options to follow, get notified, settings, and a vertical line of three dots.

Click on the three dots, which opens a sub-menu. This gives you options to follow, rate, or share the show. “Rate Show” has a star next to it.

If you don’t already follow the show or haven’t listened, the interface cheerfully encourages you to listen to a few episodes before rating it.

How to Review a Podcast on Podchaser

Podchaser is my favorite place for podcast reviews because it’s focused on helping people find their next great listen. This website doesn’t have a mobile app, but its mobile version is excellent. Podchaser not only helps people write reviews of shows but also individual episodes. You can make themed lists of any kind. “Top Five Podcasts about Beer and Ducks?” Make it happen, Captain.

Once you’ve made a Podchaser login, navigate to the show’s page. If you want to review a particular episode, you can select that, too.

Click the “rate” button, or those nifty stars. This opens up the review interface.

Type your review in the text box.

Podchaser says they “factor ratings and reviews in our ranking charts. That means your Podchaser reviews support your favorite creators in growing their shows.” Voilá! You’re an influencer now, if you weren’t already.

How to Rate a Podcast on Podcast Addict

Podcast Addict displays reviews posted in their own app, as well as reviews from iTunes. In the app, navigate to the show you want to review.

Click on the icon that looks like a notepad and pencil that says “reviews,” to read reviews or post your own. Then, click on the notepad & pencil icon in the upper right corner. In the Review interface, you can rate and write your own review, up to 500 characters.

How to Review a Podcast on Podbean

Rather than reviews or ratings, Podbean has comments. Once you navigate to the show page, you can:

Click on the horizontal line of three dots in the upper right-hand corner. A sub-menu pops up with options, including “Comments.”

You can also rate a particular episode. Click the three dots next to the podcast title to open a new menu. This includes “ Like” as an option.

Never underestimate the power of The Line of Three Dots. Coincidentally, that’s the title of a Sherlock Holmes murder mystery audio drama that Matthew and I are working on. Coming soon, wherever you get your podcasts.

How to Review a Podcast on Castbox

Like Podbean, Castbox allows users to comment on a show or episode rather than rate or review it. Again, you need to look for the mysterious three dots. In this case, they’re in a rectangular voice balloon on the preview or Now Playing page.

Castbox’s comments can include a timestamp, which is useful to draw attention to a particular aspect of the show.

How to Review a Podcast on Audible

Audible’s podcast review process is similar to Apple’s in terms of user interface. And, like Spotify, you have to listen to at least some of the podcast to rate or review it.

I bet you can guess what you’ll click on.

Yes, once again, it’s The All-Powerful Three Dots. But wait: Audible also used The Rectangular Voice Balloon icon. It’s a confluence of user interfaces!

Audible includes prompts that help users focus their rating and review, while also respecting their intelligence.

As a final piece of advice to bring the curtain down on this section, if you’re a podcaster, you might be thinking that there are quite a lot of places you’ll need to check to find out what listeners are saying about you. Well, Rephonic lets you see them all in one place (freely and with no login required). Just search your podcast there, and you’ll see what I mean.

Part 2: How to Write Effective, Helpful, & Authentic Podcast Reviews

Now that you know how to write podcast reviews in terms of “there’s the text box and the publish button,” let’s think about how you actually write them. And for that, I mean THINK.

THINK About How to Write Your Podcast Reviews

I’m not using all-caps because I’m shouting; it’s an acronym. THINK is a trustworthy acronym for any kind of digital activity, including writing podcast reviews. The THINK acronym is meant to remind you, before posting or hitting send, to ask yourself if what you’re about to post is: 

• True?
• Helpful?
• Inspiring?
• Necessary?
• Kind? 

This may seem overly simplistic and unnecessary for anyone over age five. But Twitter/X didn’t turn into a dumpster fire all by itself, so it can’t hurt to keep it in mind. If what you’re about to post doesn’t meet the THINK criteria, maybe you should put it in your Notes app and let it sit for a while. 

Once you’re ready to go and write that first podcast review, what are some other things to keep in mind?

Don’t Let Autocorrect Write Your Podcast Review

In part one, we saw how podcast directories and listening apps all have different user interfaces. Don’t let mistakes erase your carefully written review, or change it from “This podcast was awfully great” to “The forecast calls for grapes.”  Write your review with paper and pencil, or type it into a note. Take some time to think about it. Then, type it into the directory’s review option or copy and paste it from your note. 

Your post will be clearer and more thoughtful, make you look good, and be more intriguing to the people who make the podcast. 

What to Include in Your Podcast Review

Sometimes, podcast hosts ask questions to prompt reviews. For example, they might ask, “What’s your favorite episode?” or for opinions about an interview with a special guest. These prompts are great. If the podcast you want to review has these kinds of questions, answering them makes it much easier to write a podcast review. 

But, what if the podcaster doesn’t? 

Personally, I’m a big fan of Liz Lerman’s Critical Response Process. This is a proven strategy for giving constructive feedback on anything, as she says, “from dance to dessert.” But I’ve condensed it to make it easier to write short podcast reviews quickly. Write down:

• how you found, or why you went looking for that particular podcast or episode,
• what’s most memorable about the podcast, or stands out the most
• what was confusing, or any questions you have
• any aspect of the podcast that makes you have a strong opinion, if necessary 

The first point is hugely helpful to podcasters because it tells them what part of their promotion strategy works. 

The second point is what will make or break the show for other people. If you can’t stop thinking about the show’s theme music, mouth noises or unique puns, this could possibly bring in or drive away other people. In a short review, this is what most needs the podcast producer’s attention. 

The third point gives the podcasters room for improvement. “I couldn’t understand what they meant when they discussed hydrochlorofluorocarbons and dolphins” or “Why doesn’t the co-host talk much?” are valid questions. The podcasters need to know what to polish or clarify. 

The fourth point is good for when you have something to get off your chest, as long as the THINK concept applies to what you want to say. A negative sweeping value judgment will simply make the podcaster roll their eyes and ignore it. But, when you want to express an opinion, saving it for last strengthens your overall review. Strong opinions gather attention, but at the start of the review, they appear to be a gut reaction instead of reasoned feedback.

What To Exclude From Your Podcast Review

The worst you can do is offer an opinion without explaining what it’s based on or why you feel that way. Even “It was good” without anything else is unhelpful. When that opinion is negative, you lose credibility. When you write a podcast review, you don’t have to be nice or even complimentary. But if you’re going to say something negative, be able to justify it. 

Here’s an example:

“Difficult second season: S1 great S2 lost it somewhat” with a five-star rating is confusing for anyone reading the review. Most podcast listeners know that S1 and S2 mean “season one” and “season two” respectively. But, the people who need these reviews most are new to podcasts, and jargon adds a point of friction. 

“Great” and “lost it somewhat” don’t help anyone. What about the podcast do you feel is great? Why? In the case of the second season, what is “it,” and how did the podcast “lose it somewhat?” Coupled with a five-star rating, this review’s conflicting parts and lack of evidence make it too confusing to take seriously. 

You can use the aforementioned template to write a negative review. Be able to back up your claims with evidence, though. For example;

“I found this podcast in my local paper’s list of Scottish podcasts, and since they said it was funny and scary, I thought I’d try it. The first season was hilarious, and the paranormal investigations in remote Scottish locations gave me the shivers. The next season had a lot of scatological humor and profanity that distracted me from the main plot. I’m giving it five stars because I believe this show can regain the magic of the first season.” 

Nobody has to write positive reviews, as long as the THINK concept applies and you can back up your claims. For example: 

“I found out about this podcast from a list of gardening podcasts in Architectural Digest magazine and thought I’d try it. The hosts’ voices sound flat. I get that they want to promote gardening as a relaxing pursuit, but they sound like they’re bored. Also, one of them (I can’t remember which) is too close to his microphone, so all the pops and mouth clicks made me feel coated in spit. At one point, they talked about peonies and fertilizer, but it wasn’t clear what kind of fertilizer they recommended. To be honest, I think this podcast would have been better as an email, because then I could understand the information without disturbing the hosts’ nap.” 

Is it negative? Yes. Is it helpful? Yes. The hosts now know to clarify their points, bring some enthusiasm to their delivery, and back off the mic. They also know that their show was mentioned on a list in Architectural Digest magazine, so they may be able to follow up with an editor there for future cross-promotion opportunities. It might not make the podcasters feel great, but reading between the lines of this review offers actionable tips for improvement.

Negative reviews can also help in cases of plagiarism or fraud. If you hear a podcast episode that appears to be a rip-off, write a review of what you heard and why it’s not kosher. 

Conclusion: How to Write Podcast Reviews

I thought the significance of the three dots was a magic symbol, like the Holy Trinity, or The Moirai, the Norns, or the Morrigan. Turns out, developers use the ellipsis to mean “More.” That’s what you get, and provide, when you write a thoughtful podcast review. You’re giving the podcaster the feedback they need to improve, the response they need for motivation, and you help others find the right podcasts for them. When you write a podcast review, be mindful of the person on the other end of this relationship. You’re working together to make better podcasts for everyone.

Next up: Are you a podcaster looking to get more podcast reviews? Then check out our handy guide for some tips and tactics. Oh, and be sure to link to this page through your own podcast or website, too. That way, your listeners will know exactly what to do, and where to do it!

Rode, the podcaster’s trusted microphone company, is back with a new wireless device – the Interview PRO.  But what sets the Interview PRO apart from other wireless microphones? How does it perform? And what sort of features does it have to compete with what seems like an unending number of microphones aimed at podcasters? I’ll be answering all these questions and more in my Rode Interview PRO review:

What is the Rode Interview Pro?

It is a wireless microphone that requires a receiver to transmit its signal to a recording device. It is important to note that not any receiver will do, nor does it come with one. Currently, the Rode Interview PRO can only be paired with Rode Series IV receivers like the Wireless Pro, Rodecaster Pro II, Rodecaster Duo, and Streamer X.

You can still use it without a transmitter, just not on a wireless basis.

The Interview PRO can be used as a standalone field recorder, but for wireless operation, a RØDE Series IV receiver or compatible product is required.

Rode

In the box, you get:

• The mic itself
• 1 Mic Clip
• 1 SC34 superspeed USB C to USB C cable
• 1 USB C to USB C cable (long)
• 1 foam sock (pop filter)
• 1 zipper pouch

Features of Note for the Rode Interview PRO

This mic definitely has bells and whistles geared toward live audio usage. However, it can still be used for an edited after-the-fact show. The Rode Interview PRO can record internally. It gives you about 30GB of storage and records at 32-bit floating point. This means two really neat things—it can be used as a 32-bit floating point field recorder OR as a backup source. Wireless recording devices can drop signals without warning; when that happens, it’s dead. There’s no way to recover the missing audio from a dropout. 

With the Rode Interview PRO, you have the ability to record internally as a backup source.  If you pair it with a compatible Rode Receiver, you can utilize a time code track to more easily sync afterwards if you’re working with video with audio.

Cost of the Rode Interview PRO

At the time of writing, you can buy the Rode Interview PRO brand new for $249 USD. Bear in mind, though, that you’ll need a Rode Series IV receiver to use it to its full capacity.

Our link to the Rode Interview PRO is an affiliate link, meaning we’d earn a commission if you buy through it. Affiliate income helps support all of our free content, though it never clouds our judgment when reviewing products or services. You’ll always get our honest opinions, no matter what!

Check Rode Interview PRO prices on Amazon

Quality of the Rode Interview PRO

Onwards to some audio testing, then. Overall, I thought the tone was very neutral, which is great! The Rode Interview PRO is marketed as an omnidirectional handheld wireless mic.  So, of course, I simulated what an on-camera journalist would do, moving the mic from me to an interviewee. There was no handling noise, which is a huge plus!

Rode Interview PRO Auto-Gain Test

I transmitted the Rode Interview PRO to the Rodecaster Pro II, where I was able to take advantage of its auto-gain features.  Both auto and dynamic settings resulted in mostly healthy recording levels of -28LUFS.  It’s not as nice/tight as Shure’s auto gain from the MV7 or MVX2U, but it’s by no means bad.  My personal sweet spot is -24LUFS for healthy recording levels, but -28LUFS is still okay.

Rode Interview PRO Plosive Test

Take a listen to the following audio sample that was recorded with the foam sock on:

As you can hear, there are no popping plosives with very little effort put in to prevent them!

Directional Test

In theory, an omnidirectional mic should not have tonal issues caused by off-axis recording… in a perfect world.  So, again, I simulated myself as a reporter, perhaps not aiming the mic towards the mouth as much as they should.  Take a listen:

The Rode Interview PRO compensates very well for poor mic-to-mouth placement. There’s virtually no change in tone—perfect!

Distance Test

Below is an audio file of me talking about this mic from a distance of 20 feet from the receiver, with a wall between me and the receiver and a bunch of wireless devices streaming. How would it handle this test?

The actual recording is a lot longer, but no drops occurred. No hums were introduced. The Rode Interview PRO is advertised to be able to transmit up to 200 meters (656.168 feet) but with a direct line of sight. The more physical obstacles and other wireless signals you introduce, the more this can fluctuate. However, the Rode Interview PRO seems to be fairly stable in undesirable circumstances.

Rode Wireless PRO Review: Specs

Here’s the technical lowdown…

Frequency Response

This microphone doesn’t have a flat response. There is a slight boost around 100Hz and a slight boost around 10kHz where the sibilance sounds like “ess” are more prominent. However, with my voice, this response didn’t cause any issues.

Maximum SPL

This mic has a maximum SPL (sound pressure level) of 122dB SPL. This means that, in theory, it shouldn’t overload the mic’s capsule in most interview situations, like on the floor of a large convention with lots of people making noise.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

The Rode Interview PRO has an SNR of 74dB. Performance-wise, it means any self-noise it may create is still lower than most recording studio room levels.

Rode Interview PRO Review: Conclusion

Now that you’re clued up about what the mic does, what it costs, and how it sounds, let’s summarize with a few pros and cons:

Pros

• Internal 32-bit-float recording internally
• Internal recording can be used simultaneously while transmitting to a receiver
• Sounds good
• No handling noise
• No interference issues when used around other wireless devices – though this can fluctuate on a case-by-case scenario
• Fairly user-friendly when setting up as a wireless microphone
• There’s a detailed user manual on the Rode website

Cons

• Doesn’t come with a receiver
• The number of compatible devices it can transmit to is limited
• To take advantage of the auto-gain functionality, you need one of the supported gears from Rode, like the Rodecaster Pro II or Rodecaster Duo

If you’re only recording in your home or studio or you’re looking for your first startup gear, the Shure MV7+ is still probably a better choice (other great podcast mics are available). However, the Rode Interview PRO really shines in live and/or on-location scenarios, where it has some very useful options.

• Build Quality: 5/5
• For Studio Use: 4/5
• For live/on location: 5/5
• Features for Price: 5/5

In 2024, the average advertising purchase for The Super Bowl was $7 million for 30 seconds of advertising. Brands shell out fortunes to make short films, hoping to excite consumers into buying anything from doughnuts to luxury cars. These mini-movies, often with A-list talent, are like throwing a huge rock in a small pond. You get a big splash, but after a little while, everyone forgets about it.

A podcast, however, is significantly less expensive and can become part of your customers’ habits. When your brand’s podcast arrives on their phones routinely, trust builds.  Brands should make podcasts so they can control the narrative about their products and services, use soft power diplomacy to build relationships and create and maintain a scaleable avenue of communication with their customers.

Let me show you some examples of great brand podcasts and break down what makes them effective so you can take advantage of how podcasts build trust for your brand. 

Great Brand Reputations and Podcasts

The Axios Harris Poll 100 is an annual study of the companies with the best reputations in America, ranked. Most recently, the top five companies were:

• Patagonia
• Costco
• John Deere
• Trader Joe’s
• Chick-Fil-A

Four of the top five have at least tried producing a brand podcast. Costco tried but stopped after two episodes. Chick-fil-A is rumored to be creating a streaming app for family entertainment (as if they saw podcasting, and doubled down). Some companies see podcasts as an amplifier for their press releases. Other companies have made podcasts that are an extra stream of knowledge and information about the problem the company wants to solve.  For example, Teamistry, a podcast about teamwork by Atlassian, won the 2023 Tribeca X Best In Audio award for their series about the making of The Concorde. Your brand podcast doesn’t have to be a window into your company’s day-to-day activities. The best brand podcasts focus on the company’s mission, and bring it to life in a novel and unexpected way.

Five Examples of Great Brand Podcasts

The podcasts that these brand reputation all-stars produce aren’t all perfect gems. But their strengths and weaknesses can show you what makes a great brand podcast (which I’ll wrap up afterward). 

1. Patagonia Stories 

This outdoor outfitter company’s history is not without controversy, and internet rumor mills still churn with stories about hazardous chemicals in clothing fibers or a connection to the military. But, in 2018, Patagonia rewrote its mission statement, including, “We’re in business to save our home planet.” Patagonia Stories focuses on the present and future of our environment and how people can interact and preserve it. 

Episodes range from accounts of climbing expeditions to investigative reports and interviews with environmental activists. This podcast isn’t just for people who fantasize about “getting away from it all” and can afford a $400 rain jacket. It’s about the real world, its beauty, and what it takes to maintain it for everyone. 

2. Inside Trader Joe’s

Wherever great brand podcasts are mentioned, three shows are ubiquitous: The Sauce, Life After/The Message, and Inside Trader Joe’s. The first two wrapped up production long ago, but Inside Trader Joe’s still produces new episodes a few times a year. 

Though the producers don’t consistently release new episodes, they do when they have an important issue to address, such as rising grocery prices. The playful, inquisitive mood and high quality of the multi-layered audio make Inside Trader Joe’s a listening experience on par with This American Life.  Not only does this show remind their audience of Trader Joe’s values, but it can remind them to pick up a pack of uncured grass-fed hot dogs on their way home. 

3. Toyota Untold

Toyota Motor Corporation came in at #6 in the Axios-Harris Poll 100, only losing to Chick-Fil-A by 0.4 points. Whether this says something about the power of kids’ and family entertainment is a debate for another time. Toyota Untold uses its podcast to leverage the power of the world’s most potent drug: nostalgia. Episodes linger over vehicles evoking a near-spiritual effect, such as “the massively influential 2000 GT,” the car from 1967’s You Only Live Twice, or visits The Land Cruiser Museum. 

Toyota also created a limited series to showcase its corporate commitment to diversity. Exclusively available through Toyota’s website, After The Nudge shares interviews with “some of the most dynamic grassroots leaders in the nation.” This series also highlights the company’s $300,000 donation to historically black colleges and universities: a better investment than $7 million for 30 seconds of airtime. 

4. Tell Me What Happened (OnStar)

You wouldn’t know what brand Tell Me What Happened promotes until after the cold open: by then, you’d be hooked. Maybe the little blue star in the podcast cover art would be a clue, along with how the title appears to skid and fall across the visual field. In any case, this show shares terrifying accidents and “chronicles inspiring moments of kindness and bravery. When the unimaginable happens, strangers step up and help save the day.” 

The title comes from the words you want to hear when you’ve been in an accident. The brand is OnStar, the crisis assistance network. Tell Me What Happened makes the most of the itch for cautionary tales that podcast audiences usually scratch with true crime, coupled with the uplifting message that strangers can help each other. 

Considering that people tend to listen to podcasts while driving, the brand podcast is tailor-made for Onstar, not to mention Toyota.

5. Life After/The Message (GE)

GE’s foray into branded podcasts is legendary for its uniqueness. Over two seasons, General Electric produced The Message and Life After, two science fiction audio dramas about the intersection of technological advances and the human condition. Considering GE’s long history entwined with RCA, NBC and radio, producing a brand podcast was the next logical step for GE’s PR department. Neither Life After nor The Message referred to actual products made by GE. Like the radio (and later TV show), General Electric Theater, fiction podcasts were, apparently, a way for GE to show that they have their finger on the pulse of trends. Or so it seems. GE’s press team declined to comment for this article. 

Why bring it up? Because no other brand is putting their money behind fiction podcasts like GE did, and people are still talking about Life After and The Message. I’m happy to be proven wrong: if there’s an equally mesmerizing fiction podcast with a brand behind it, let me know in the comments. These immersive, compelling science fiction thrillers are exciting examples of what a branded podcast can be. They show that GE is willing to try new things and think outside the box. Audiences who enjoy the stories are likelier to think, “GE is a company for people like me.” 

If you think a podcast can’t promote your brand, sponsoring a podcast that ostensibly has little to nothing to do with your company may surprise you. 

What Makes a Great Brand Podcast? 

Consistency. Produce episodes regularly and make it easy for your brand podcast to become a habit. If you don’t plan to produce your branded podcast forever, describe it as a “limited series” with a focused topic (such as After The Nudge). 

Quality matters more than most people realize. Your podcast succeeds or fails not only because of what you say, but also how you say it. Poor audio quality leads to distrust, according to a recent USC study. Don’t ask your marketing department to add “producing a podcast” to their workload. Once, I listened to a branded podcast for a nationally known cosmetics brand. I turned it off after thirty seconds because the presenter’s mic technique made me feel like she was spitting in my ears.

Most of the best brand podcasts aren’t produced in-house. Soledad O’Brien, former CNN anchor, hosted After The Nudge, and Dr. Torah Kachur of the CBC hosts Tell Me What Happened. More often than not, companies hire a professional podcasting agency to make their show sound great. Your brand is worth it. 

“Does it have legs?” Screenwriters often ask this question about new scripts. Do the brand podcast’s ideas reach the real world? Are the podcast’s topics important to your target market?  Know who your podcast is for and what your podcast niche is. 

Many more shows are in the directory Brands In Audio, which could lead you to more inspiration and talent than you can shake a stick at.

Your Brand Podcast Can Have Courage, Brains and Heart

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is a global awards event for creative communications, advertising, and related fields. It used to be known as The International Advertising Festival, but what do you want, a boring name or a fancy name? The Lions Advisory Board 2023 State of Creativity Study discusses the need for risks in brand marketing. The report shows that budgets for creative marketing are shrinking while pressure mounts to understand consumer behavior.

Among the report’s recommendations were, “Collaborate more with the creator economy.” The report stated, “74% of brands and 64% of creative partners are choosing to ‘work with content creators’ in 2023.” The report also highlights participatory brand awareness campaigns, especially using visual technology. And, the report urged marketers to be entertaining.

Podcasts allow for the same kind of participation as visual marketing campaigns. Podcast audiences can vividly imagine the audio content, which becomes personalized. Then, they’re more likely to share it with their communities. When you produce a brand podcast, you’re trusting podcasters to help your brand gain credibility. It’s a long game, and you’re taking a leap into the unknown. But, it costs a heck of a lot less than $7 million for 30 seconds.

If you’ve been given the task of creating a brand podcast for your employer then… lucky you. You’re going to really enjoy the journey. Don’t worry about not knowing where to turn next, either – our How to Start a Podcast guide walks you through the entire process, from start to finish. There, we’ll cover everything from planning and targeting, to equipment and software, to launch and growth. Good luck with it all!

“The most user-friendly audio interface ever made” is Lewitt’s bold claim with the Connect 2. I can definitely see where they’re coming from. They’ve thrown out the rulebook when it comes to audio interface design and have entirely reimagined how this looks and functions.

But… ironically, I found the Connect 2 a bit confusing at first. This isn’t through any fault of Lewitt’s. I’m just completely accustomed to the “ah, so it looks a bit like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2” layout of almost every other interface I’ve reviewed.

In any case, why did Lewitt decide to reinvent the wheel? Let’s find out in this Connect 2 review:

What is the Lewitt Connect 2?

As we’ve already established, it’s a USB audio interface. It lets you connect an XLR mic, which you can run on your computer. You can use it for musical purposes, but as we’re a podcasting website, I’m going to stay firmly in my own lane here.

It’s worth pointing out that there’s one single XLR jack on the Connect 2. Some podcasters buy a USB interface if they’d like to record themselves and others (co-hosts, guests) together. If that’s what you’re after, then the aforementioned Scarlett 2i2 is a better bet. However, if you’re a solo or remote podcaster, then read on:

What’s Different About the Lewitt Connect 2?

The Connect 2 looks very different to your typical audio interface. At first glance, you might even mistake it for a guitar pedal or something of that ilk. But its wildly different aesthetic comes with practical reasons.

Firstly, all the pluggy-in stuff (let’s call them jacks) is on the back. You’ll find such ports on the front and back of most other interfaces.

Secondly, all the pressy-turny stuff (let’s call them buttons and dials) is on the front, which is better described as the “top”. The one exception is the Phantom Power button (used to power condenser mics like the Lewitt RAY) on the back.

And, speaking of buttons. The Connect 2 has…

A Touch-Based Audio Interface

Back in our old office, we had a studio set up with an ancient Yamaha mixer. This thing had about 600,000 knobs and dials on it – definitely the type of kit you want to “set and forget.” The problem was, sometimes, Colin would bring his son in on school holidays, and we’d find our carefully selected settings all over the place the next day.

Any interface or mixer with physical, turnable dials is vulnerable to unwanted tampering. Lewitt Connect 2 owners don’t need to worry about this, though. If your device is disconnected, your settings will be untouchable.

Custom Button Shortcuts

The Connect 2 also has a “custom button.” This can be—would you believe it—customised to access a number of shortcuts. These include toggling the preamp style, muting or unmuting various kits, or quickly displaying the Control Centre software on your computer.

Lewitt Connect 2: Pricing

At the time of writing, you can buy one brand new on Amazon for $200. I don’t see it available on Amazon UK just yet.

Our link to the Lewitt Connect 2 is an affiliate link, meaning we’d earn a commission if you buy through it. Affiliate income helps support all of our free content, though it never clouds our judgment when reviewing products or services. You’ll always get our honest opinions, no matter what!

Check out the Lewitt Connect 2 on Amazon

For comparison, the legendary Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) has two XLR inputs and costs about $180. The Connect 2 has a marginally higher Gain Range (72dB Vs 69dB). That (and aesthetics) aside, there isn’t too much to split them in terms of performance.

Connections & Cables

The Lewitt Connect 2 has a USB-C connector, but a wee adapter in the box turns it into a USB-A (traditional USB) connection.

Aside from the XLR jack, you’ll find two options for connecting headphones – a 3.5mm and a 1/4″. There are three other 1/4″ jacks – two for speakers (Left and Right) and one for an instrument.

Lewitt Connect 2: The Technical Lowdown

Next up, here are the Connect 2’s technical numbers, ranges, and capabilities. This is for a microphone input and not an instrument input because, again, we’re podcasters.

• Gain range of up to 72dB
• Dynamic range of 118dB
• Max input level of 15.8dB
• Frequency response of 20-20k Hz

Lewitt Control Centre Software

The Connect 2’s digital brain comes in the form of Lewitt’s Control Centre (it’s actually Center, but I’m rebelling) software. This gives you a lot of customisation options to set your sound up exactly how you’d like it, no matter which mic you’re using. There are three EQ presents you can access at the toggle of a button:

Clean gives you unparalleled clarity and fidelity. Perfect if you want to process your signal further. 

Warm provides a vintage vibe and helps to smoothen the high-end of overly bright microphones.

Vivid brings even your dullest-sounding microphone alive and adds articulation by boosting the right frequencies.

Lewitt

You can hear my own sound samples below. I also tested the DeNoise and the Compression. Before we get to that, though, let’s talk about clipping.

Clipguard – No More Distorted Audio

Sometimes, audio can “clip” and distort due to a combination of loud sounds and high gain. Clipping can still be a menace, even when you’ve set your levels appropriately.

Lewitt’s Clipguard is a limiter you can toggle on and off within the Control Centre. Think of it as a nightclub bouncer, letting all of your audio through except that one guy who’s way too loud.

“Not tonight, son”.

Sound Samples

I thought “Warm” and “Vivid” sounded good with the Lewitt RAY, but then again, that is Lewitt’s own mic, so both devices will be designed to work harmoniously. Can’t argue with the Compression and DeNoise, either, though I do prefer to add these effects in post, rather than bake them into the audio.

I also set my Shure SM58 up in the Lewitt Control Centre. It walked me through everything, and I went with the recommended settings (which you can overrule if you’d prefer). It sounded a bit overproduced for my liking, but I can see why it would want to pump that much juice into a dynamic mic. In future, I’d look to tone it down a little.

Lewitt Connect 2 Review: Summary

I recently reviewed the Lewitt RAY mic and was impressed by its innovative and unique features. I think the same can be said for the Connect 2. It’s clearly something that has been designed from scratch. It does the essentials well, and the Control Centre software gives you plenty custom options without being overwhelming or difficult to use.

I mentioned that the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen costs about $20 less than the Connect 2’s $200 price point. If you’re looking for two XLR inputs, this is a no-brainer.

But, if you’re only recording yourself because you do solo or remote episodes, then the Lewitt Connect 2 is well worth your consideration. If you’re pretty new to audio, then you’ll likely find the look, build, and layout more intuitive. The software has plenty of handy presets to get your audio on point without any technical knowledge. And, if you have kids, the touch-screen is a safeguard against any budding audio engineers looking to reset your levels for you.

Finally, if you’re still looking to shop around for the best kit to plug your mic into, check out our roundups for USB Audio Interfaces, Digital Recorders, or Mixers!

So naturally, when you ask podcast experts what they think is the biggest threat to the industry, you’re gonna get a lot of different answers. Answers that might also totally contradict one another.

As podcasting enters a new era of growth, we spoke to audio and podcast experts to find out what, in their opinion, is the biggest threat to the industry right now. What do they see as the biggest obstacle getting in the way of podcasting reaching its full potential in 2024?

We got everything from mediocre content and greedy platforms to podcast purism and worrying too much about video.

And the real spoiler alert? No one mentioned AI!

Joe Casabona

Podcast Automation Coach at Podcast Workflows

“I think the biggest threat to podcasting right now is mediocre content. We’re seeing podcasting become more accessible, which is great. More people can start podcasts affordably, so naturally, we are going to see more people start podcasts. It’s easier than it’s ever been.

However, I think a lot of people use the model that they see bigger celebrity podcasts use, which is raw, unedited, rambling conversation. But that’s just not good content, especially when you’re new, and the audience doesn’t necessarily know or care about you yet.

So, I think we’re going to see a flood of content that’s not very good. And that’s a threat to podcasting because it’s going to dissuade people from wanting to start good podcasts.

Podcasts are already hard to monetize, and getting a flood of mediocre content where people aren’t properly planning their episodes, defining their audience, or telling good stories will result in a lot of podcasts getting bad traction. These podcasters will complain about their shows not bringing results, and that puts new podcasters off. Mediocre content is a drag on podcasting as a medium, and I consider that a pretty big threat.”

Arielle Nissenblatt

Audio Expert and Founder of Earbuds Podcast Collective

“The biggest threat to podcasting in 2024 is our collective unwillingness (or maybe inability) to invest in net new listeners.

It’s very easy to introduce an existing podcast listener to their next favorite podcast. What about the person who is podcast-curious but doesn’t know where to start? We need to spend time and resources thinking about bringing new listeners into the fold and nurturing them so that they become longstanding podcast lovers. This will help the industry to grow and get more creators paid.“

James Cridland

Editor of Podnews

“The biggest threat? Two things – perfection, and video.

The things that get people listening to your podcast are consistency and great content. If you strive for perfection – or, worse, add the additional complication of video – it’ll just get in the way of those two goals.

The Joe Rogan podcast started in 2009, but took many years to get as popular as it is today: the reason it is so successful is that it’s consistent and it isn’t perfect. Instead of perfection, strive to do better every episode. Podcasting is a journey: don’t make it more complicated than it needs to be.“

Samantha Hodder

Writer, Narrative Audio Producer and Creator of the Bingeworthy newsletter

“In the last couple of years, I’ve noticed a shift towards commissioning always-on content and low-budget chat shows—often with a celebrity attached. The popular narrative is that this will save podcasting, but I disagree.

Audio is huge, and right now, we have a moment to define what the audio storytelling industry is today, and then build it for the future. But it’s important to think about who does this work, and who tells the stories that we listen to. Long before celebrities became interested in this space, audio creatives were creating and defining this industry.

If we don’t harness this moment of growth, and match it with a moment of creativity, we will miss our moment to grow from within. We need a balanced system that recognizes and rewards what has been built, with the new ideas that have emerged in this space.”

Bryan Barletta

Partner at Sounds Profitable

“The choice to limit what a podcast is based on what it was previously is the biggest threat to our industry. Outside of being “audio-first”, limiting who and what can use the word podcast makes our space smaller. Does the open nature of the word challenge every single business in our industry to adapt? It absolutely does, but that’s a core part of running a business.

Choosing to put down a podcast, podcaster, or company who is succeeding entirely in video, at live events, on social media clips, or anything other than being distributed freely over RSS feed doesn’t better any of us. What benefits us is more people proudly identifying themselves as podcasters, from independents to celebrities, because that creates a bigger spotlight that offers more opportunity for all of us, whether directly or indirectly.“

Doris Onyango

Program Lead at Dada Podcast Incubator

“One thing I can say is a threat to the podcasting industry is listening platforms. The YouTubes, the Apple podcasts, the Spotifys and other platforms are not paying creators equitably.

You can see there are some podcasters who are getting ridiculous amounts of money in the tens and hundreds of millions to create their podcast while others are earning barely anything. And this is not to say that those podcasters who are getting those large sums of money don’t deserve it. But it would be a good thing if other creators could see that there’s value for them putting their podcast on those platforms too.

These podcast platforms are not paying creators and specifically, they’re not paying creators from the Global South. Podcasts in the Global South are not being prioritized in our experience – the podcasts that are really being platformed and pushed are those from North America and Europe.

Podcasts from the Global South are not being given the limelight, and I think that is a threat to the industry. It would be great if those podcasting platforms would pay creators equitably and platform creators from the Global South on the same scale that they are doing with podcasts on the Global North.”

Lindsay Harris-Friel

Content Writer at The Podcast Host

“Once upon a time, podcasting was fueled by intrinsic motivation. It wasn’t easy to make a podcast. You had to learn audio editing and writing, mic technique and all kinds of skills. But when it wasn’t easy, people put a lot of thought into what they wanted to say and who they wanted to reach.

Over the past 5 years, it’s seemed easy to make a podcast, to the point that people don’t have to think about what they want to say before they hit record, or buy equipment. It also seems easy to make money from podcasting, because of ad technology. So, people use expensive tech to cut corners and make shows that sound exactly like talk radio. It’s so easy to make a podcast now that you don’t have to have passion for a topic to motivate you to do the work.

As a result, we get mediocre podcasts loaded with ads. No wonder some people have no interest in listening to podcasts.

Mediocrity and complacency are the biggest threat to podcasting, until it becomes too expensive to produce podcasts. Then we won’t even have the mediocre ones.“

Conclusion

While it might be concerning to read about a range of perceived threats to podcasting from folks who know the industry inside out, there’s no need to push the panic button.

Any industry is always under threat from something, and that’ll never change.

You might feel passionate about one or more of the issues raised here, and there will always be like-minded creators with whom you can join forces to campaign for or against a certain trend. Podcasting will always be malleable, and podcasters have the power to influence and even change things.

But, ultimately, focusing on making your own show as good as it can possibly be is something that’s directly under your control. As the old saying goes, “a rising tide lifts all boats”, and even if your podcast is the size of a dingy, its success still factors into the success and progression of the medium as a whole. So keep on going.

Imagine over 518 million monthly active users eagerly scrolling through inspiration, just waiting to discover your podcast. What’s more? Pinterest boasts a diverse audience spanning across generations, with a staggering 46% aged 18-24, 40% aged 25-34, and 39% aged 35-46.

Standing out can feel like quite the feat in a crowded landscape of podcasts vying for attention. But if you’re prepared and armed with these tried-and-tested strategies, you’ll not only navigate the Pinterest platform with ease but also carve out your unique space, captivating audiences and growing your podcast community organically.

1. Create Eye-Catching Pins & Add Them To a Board

Creating eye-catching pins is crucial on Pinterest because it’s a visual platform. When designing your pins, think about what would grab your attention as you scroll through your own feed. Use bright colours, clear text, and good-quality images to make your pins stand out.

For instance, if you’re running a podcast that speaks to small business owners, design pins featuring professional photographs of yourself, business-related imagery, motivational quotes, or highlights from your episodes. These pins will catch the attention of small business owners as they scroll through their feeds, enticing them to learn more about your podcast.

Now, let’s talk about Pinterest boards. These are like folders where you can neatly organize your pins. This is super helpful, especially if you have a business account. It helps people who visit your profile to easily find what they’re looking for.

You can start by creating boards matching your podcast episodes’ topics. If your podcast covers topics like marketing tips, financial management, and success stories from small business owners, you could have boards dedicated to each of these topics.

Mix pins from your episodes with other valuable content you find online to provide added value to your audience. This will help your followers find what they’re interested in and position you as a trusted resource in the small business community.

2. Link Your Pins Back To A Website URL

Linking your pins back to a website URL is like offering a direct route for your audience, especially when you’re aiming to guide them straight to your latest podcast episode. Each click on your pin leads eager listeners directly to where they can tune in to your newest content. For example, you can see that the pin below directs people to the creator’s website and a blog post for the episode.

Pro Tip: You can easily repurpose graphics or artwork related to your most recent episode. Creating a pin with the Pinterest browser extension is as simple as a few clicks. Before you know it, you’ll have a visually stunning pin ready to entice your audience and drive them straight to your latest episode.

3. Include Keywords In Your Pin Description

When crafting your pin description, think of it as your podcast’s introduction to the world. Including keywords in your pin description helps potential listeners discover your episode when they’re searching for topics related to your content. 

Don’t worry if you’re not sure which keywords to use. Start by thinking about what your episode is about and jot down a few words or phrases that sum it up. These could be themes, topics, or even specific terms mentioned in the episode.

For example, if your latest episode dives into budget-friendly travel tips for backpackers exploring Southeast Asia, consider including keywords like “budget travel,” “backpacking adventures,” and “Southeast Asia exploration” in your episode description. These keywords will increase the visibility of your episode among users interested in those topics.

Remember, your pin description is your chance to entice potential listeners and give them a taste of what to expect from your podcast episode. So, be descriptive and engaging, and don’t forget to sprinkle in those keywords to help your episode get discovered.

4. Turn Your Podcasts Into Blog Posts

Adding a blog post to accompany your podcast episodes might seem like extra work, but trust me, it’s worth it! Think of it this way: your audience includes both listeners and readers, and a blog post gives you another avenue to reach them and highlight the key points of your podcast episodes.

For example, this photographer has shared her podcast episode via a blog post, which allows readers more insight into the main takeaways of the episode.

There are a couple of ways you can approach this:

Transcription

Transcription enables you to post a written version of your podcast episode word for word. This caters to those who prefer reading and helps with accessibility for those who may have difficulty hearing.

Summary

Alternatively, you can create a summary of your podcast episode in a blog post, focusing on the key takeaways and main points. This makes it easier for your audience to grasp the essence of your episode quickly.

Plus, having a blog post can also boost your visibility on search engines like Google. By including relevant keywords and content related to your episode topic, you increase the chances of your podcast being discovered by new listeners.

When creating your blog post, make sure it’s easy to find and access after each episode. Have it written and reviewed before your podcast episode goes live, and don’t forget to include sharing options so that your audience can easily spread the word.

5. Analyze Your Analytics & Iterate Based On Your Performance

Why should you bother analyzing your Pinterest analytics? Well, think of it this way: Pinterest analytics give you the insight to understand what your audience loves, what makes them click, and what leaves them scrolling past.

Start by checking out your Pinterest analytics dashboard, where you’ll find a treasure trove of data about your pins, like how many people saw them, clicked on them, and even saved them for later. Pay attention to which pins get the most love and which could use a little extra TLC.

You can then use these insights to fine-tune your Pinterest strategy. If you notice that your episode teasers are getting tons of clicks, but your behind-the-scenes posts are falling flat, pivot your focus and give the people what they want! Experiment with different types of pins, play around with your descriptions, and keep showing up for your audience. 

Pinterest Podcast Strategies: In Closing

Pinterest is a game-changer for podcasters looking to expand their reach and connect with eager listeners worldwide. With its enhanced features tailored for podcast promotion, the platform opens up endless possibilities for spreading your message and building your audience.

By sharing valuable content on Pinterest, you not only amplify your podcast’s visibility but also establish yourself as an authority in your niche. So, get creative with your pins, and watch as your podcast gains momentum, captivates audiences, and takes center stage in the digital landscape. Your next listener could be just one pin away!

Finally, if you’re looking for more growth strategies to find more podcast listeners, don’t forget to check out our pillar guide to podcast promotion.