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61. How long should a podcast episode be? It depends.

In the bustling world of podcasts, one burning question plagues both creators and listeners alike: What is the perfect podcast episode length? The quest for an ideal duration can be daunting, but fear not, as I bring forth invaluable insights in episode 61. Let's delve into the realm of podcast episode lengths and the nuances surrounding them.

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How long each podcast episode be: an evolving landscape

Gone are the days when podcast episodes aligned with the length of a typical commute. With remote work and hybrid schedules becoming the norm, listener habits have shifted. As a podcast marketer I know that change is the only constant in life and audience behaviors so looking at data is key to understand where our audience wants.

Data aggregated by The Podcast Host, pulled from over 120K shows in Jan 2024 showed:

  1. 20 – 40 minutes 31%

  2. 40 – 60 minutes 20%

  3. Less than 10 minutes 17%

  4. Over 60 minutes 16%

  5. 10 – 20 minutes 15%

Understanding Consumption Patterns

Analyzing consumption patterns is crucial for podcast success. While longer episodes capture attention, shorter episodes (less than 10 minutes) hold a significant share. It highlights the importance of tailoring content to audience preferences and consumption habits.

Determining Factors for Episode Length

There are five pivotal factors for deciding on episode length:

1. Aligning with podcast goals.

2. Matching the episode's purpose.

3. Time dedication and quality delivery.

4. Catering to audience expertise levels.

5. Adapting to audience routines and consumption habits.

Busting Misconceptions


From not needing to divulge everything on a topic to focusing on being qualified rather than an expert, the podcast landscape offers flexibility and creativity in content creation.

Delivering Value

The crux of a successful podcast episode lies in delivering on promises made to the audience. In this episode, I also emphasize the importance of maintaining trust and providing content that benefits both creators and listeners, regardless of the episode's length.

Conclusion:

As the podcasting arena continues to evolve, the perfect episode length remains a subjective yet vital aspect of content creation. This episode hopes to offer a roadmap for creators to navigate the intricate world of podcast episode lengths, emphasizing the need to prioritize quality, relevance, and audience engagement above all else.

Timestamps:

  • 00:00 Unlocking the Mystery: Ideal Podcast Episode Length

  • 00:39 The Realities of Podcast Listening in 2024

  • 01:09 Data-Driven Insights: Popular Podcast Episode Lengths

  • 03:40 Crafting Your Podcast: Five Key Considerations

  • 08:06 Navigating Audience Expectations and Consumption Habits

  • 10:08 Busting Common Podcasting Misconceptions about Episode Length

  • 15:37 The Only Two Things That Truly Matter in Podcasting

  • 16:57 Wrapping Up: Your Guide to Podcast Success

    Episodes referenced in the show:

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Resources mentioned in the episode:

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