The Imminent Podcast Revolution
The podcast industry is blooming. The number of podcasts has exploded since 2008, while the percentage of Americans who listen to podcasts regularly has nearly doubled.
The exponential advancement of technology has made creating, finding, and consuming podcasts easier than ever. Just a few years ago, you had to dock your IOS device to iTunes before downloading podcasts to carry with you on the go. Now podcast streaming is the norm with Apple’s own native podcast app, other applications like BlogTalkRadio, Stitcher, TuneIn and PRX’s Remix and Radiotopia. While creating quality podcasts used to require a full professional audio studio, anyone can now create and promote their podcast independently within 30 days for less than a few hundred dollars.
“From its humble beginnings in 2003, podcasting has become an unstoppable force in content marketing and shows no signs of stopping.” – Jon Nastor – The Astounding Growth of Podcasting [Infographic]
The podcast medium is unique. As new technologies like Virtual Reality emerge and pervade the market, the need for media that does not demand full attention from all of our senses will increase. Unlike any other medium, you can engage with audio, and podcasts in particular, fully while also doing everyday tasks: getting ready for work in the morning, cooking, commuting, etc. Listeners build intimate relationships with podcast artists as they engage in a semi dialogue with the storytellers, offering unparalleled opportunities for content marketing and advertisers.
This growing industry is still in its early stages, and therefor offers an incredible opportunity for both new publishers and investors alike. Make no mistake, 2016 will serve as the stepping stone for an explosion in the industry. The podcast revolution is coming, make sure you’re on board to join the ride.