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Why Has Podcasting Become So Popular?

by Tanya February 10, 2022

Podcasts have taken over the world.

There are now more than 900,000 podcasts to choose from. And celebrities and brands are hopping on.

Podcasts (a loose combination of the words “iPod” and “broadcasting”) are carving out an increasingly important space in our daily routine.

In the US, 22% of the population listens to at least one podcast every week. In the UK, 12.5% of us (about 7.1 million people) listen to podcasts weekly. And on average, those UK podcast fans are hoovering up approximately seven podcasts a week.

Why are podcasts so popular?

Podcasts are simply awesome, and below are just 4 reasons why I think they have become so popular (especially during the pandemic).

1. Podcasts are convenient for multitaskers

As the world becomes busier and our attention span shorter, the audio format has become incredibly popular, because it allows the listener to multitask.

Users can listen to audio episodes while running, cooking, cleaning, and running errands.

As such, they offer an easy way to absorb information while doing something else.

2. Podcasts allow listeners to understand things deeper

Compared to speedy platforms like Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and even Youtube, listening to a podcast allows you to take a “deep dive” into a subject without other flashy interruptions.

Edutainment (education + entertainment) podcasts are becoming more and more popular. That’s why Babbel – the world’s first language-learning app –  created the infographic “What can a Podcast Teach You?”, to explain this global phenomenon through fun facts and data, while also offering a series of useful tips for learning languages… by listening to podcasts.

Babbel has also launched numerous podcasts to help language learning. In fact, there are many educational benefits to listening to Babbel’s podcasts: they present and introduce relevant cultural elements, they help improve pronunciation and conversation and they also explain new linguistic forms of speech.

3. Podcasting covers niche topics that mainstream doesn’t

Chameleon breeding, anyone?

And while hyper niche shows may never have 10,000 downloads, the people who find that show, that need that show, will LOVE that show.

4. Podcasts make people feel less lonely

Podcasts can be played without intense focus.

People have also reported that having a podcast on makes them feel like they are not alone and they have a friend who understands them.

Just hearing another person’s voice can be immensely helpful when we’re feeling lonely. It’s as if they are in the room with us.

Podcasts are more raw, intimate, and authentic, so it’s easy to see why we feel more connected to the voice behind the audio.

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Tanya

The first Millennial blogger in the UK. Twitter @_luckyattitude

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