Podcasts are the new face of the ever-evolving audio content. People across the world are logging onto their smart devices to enjoy some comedy, listen to a story, or solve true crimes while they are cooking, cleaning, driving, or walking the dog. It’s no wonder that podcasts are increasing in popularity year on year. They offer media-hungry people the opportunity to consume content as they go about their daily lives. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast, now’s the time to do it.
Some Podcast Statistics
If you’re still on the fence about starting your podcast, here are a few statistics that will help you make up your mind:
- 38% of Canadians over the age of 18 listened to a podcast in the last year.
- Almost 9 million Canadians listen to podcasts at least once a month.
- Podcasts are the easiest way to target the tough-to-impress 18-34 demographic as nearly half of monthly podcast listeners fall within this age group.
- Canada accounts for a whopping 5% of worldwide podcast listeners.
- 28% of podcast listeners are affluent with incomes of over 100,000 CAD a year.
In short, podcasts are a great way to reach interested audiences with disposable incomes in Canada.
Different Podcast Formats
Successful podcasts are consistent on topics and frequency. They also have a structure to them that organizes each episode’s content and keeps audiences engaged. It also helps you plan each episode out easily. Putting episodes out consistently builds anticipation with the audience. For example, if they know that you have a new episode out every Friday morning, your audience is more likely to make it a part of their weekly routine than if you put a podcast out once on a Friday and then on a Wednesday the next week.
It’s a good idea to choose a format that works with your topic, personality, and podcast goals.
1. Interviews:
This is one of the most popular types of podcasts. The format typically consists of a host who interviews one or more guests during each episode. While the guests change, there is usually a consistent theme that ties episodes and guests together. Interview podcasts are great as they are conversational and easy to edit. However, developing interviewing skills can take some time.
2. Non-Fictional Storytelling:
Hugely popular, these podcasts tell a real-life story over the course of several episodes or tell one per episode. They can range from historical stories to events happening right now. Non-fiction podcasts usually have a narrator and may include audio clips from actual events and occurrences, or even interviews with characters featuring in the story depending on the episode. These podcasts can be extremely gripping but need extensive planning and editing, along with a strong narrative talent.
3. Fiction Podcasts:
Move over audiobooks, fiction podcasts are here. Fiction podcasts are scripted stories voiced by a host of voice actors and sound design. As the podcasts are scripted stories, you have complete control over how they go as long as you have an enthusiastic and creative team. However, you do need to plan your entire season out before you start. You may also need the right studio space to record and edit these podcasts.
4. Solo Podcasts:
These podcasts involve one person talking about their area of expertise over the course of a season. They are easy to set up and record. However, you do need to have great ideas for each episode and hold your audience’s attention for the entire duration of an episode.
Other forms of podcasts include conversational, hybrid, and panel podcasts – all of which a highly popular. You can choose to model your podcast after one of these styles or be experimental and come up with a style all of your own. Some podcasts include video as well.
Whichever style or genre you pick, the right recording set up can make a huge difference to the quality of your podcast and audience engagement. The Westlund Building offers a state-of-the-art Podcast Studio with all the audio and video recording equipment you need to record your podcast, including:
- Full-service equipment for a 4 person podcast
- Rodcaster Pro Mixer
- Shure MV7X Microphones + Headphones
- 75″ TV
- Aperture Lighting
- RGB Background Lighting
- Video Switching Available
- 3 x 4K Cameras
- Atem Mini Pro ISO – Video Switcher
Get in touch with us to book your studio time today.
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