Podcast Predictions, Trends & Tips for 2025
Your guide to thriving in the ever-changing podcasting space
Hey Besties!
As we step into 2025, the podcasting landscape continues to evolve. What worked a few years ago may no longer cut it, and staying ahead means adapting to new trends, technologies, and listener preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, I want to help you navigate the shifting terrain.
Ready to future-proof your podcast? This guide will set you up for success in the year ahead.
Short AND long-form content
Gone are the days of episodes perfectly timed to fit a commute. The pandemic disrupted that paradigm, and it’s clear we’re not going back. I’m seeing more bite-sized episodes, catering to our shrinking attention spans. (And they make financial sense, as we learned from Gary Arndt.) On the other hand, Rogan-esque longer episodes—running an hour or more—still resonate with dedicated podcast listeners, like myself.
Authenticity over perfect editing
This trend has been a challenge for me to embrace, but the rawness of TikTok is spilling over into podcasting expectations. Listeners are more open to genuine, relatable voices over highly polished productions. If you're not already a snob about your editing, it’s okay to lean into unfiltered conversations and leave in some imperfections in the final product. While I’ll still maintain my usual production standards for regular episodes, I plan to experiment with more casual minisodes recorded on Voice Memos… but
is still going to be polishing them up because I can’t help myself. It’s too late for me to take advantage of this trend, unfortunately!Community building
If the term “community building” makes you cringe, I feel you—stay with me. In the creator economy of 2025, Kevin Kelly’s 1,000 True Fans concept has never been more relevant. Indie podcasters are known for nurturing loyal audiences, and with built-in monetization tools on platforms like Substack and Patreon, turning those fans into paying supporters is easier than ever. Committing to these spaces isn’t just a feel-good endeavor—it’s a smart move for your bottom line.
Sustainable podcasting
Got a deep back catalog? Don’t hesitate to recycle content! My show has been running for nearly a decade, with its current iteration starting in 2019, so I have a wealth of material to repurpose. Sustainable production practices—like remixing and resharing quality episodes—help maintain consistency without feeling like you're constantly on a treadmill. Reliably showing up for your listeners is in, but burnout is out in 2025. (Thank you
for showing me the way.)
Interview shows and chatcasts get their flowers
Interview shows and chatcasts have long been underrated, but they’re no longer the “red-headed stepchildren” of podcasting. In fact, these formats are thriving as we head into 2025. Listeners and sponsors gravitate toward them, and podcast companies value their ease of production, cost-effectiveness, and refillable nature. What's not to love?!
Counterpoint: Some shows say they are moving away from interviews, though frankly, I just haven’t seen it. I do see shows being more flexible with their formats, which I love, but I think interview shows are here to stay.
Leveraging AI
AI tools continue transforming podcast production. From simplifying editing to generating transcripts to creating social media promo content, AI can help you every step of the way—a tool like Descript can help you with all three! I don't think our desire to hear human voices is going anywhere, but these tools are great for streamlining workflows.
I also use ChatGPT to riff on episode titles, descriptions, and pull quotes for related posts. While I heavily edit and fact-check any AI-generated text, it saves me time on brainstorming and even helps refine my final product by catching errors I might overlook after a bleary-eyed editing session (thank you, robots!)
That said, I sincerely hate when I see obviously AI-generated “thought leadership” on social media. I think we all prefer when the humans doing the thinking, so let’s agree to stay away from that.
Diversified revenue streams
Successful indie podcasters aren’t relying solely on CPM-based ad revenue anymore. Instead, they’re sustaining their shows by diversifying their income through branded content creation, affiliate marketing, premium subscriptions, workshops, and a multitude of other sources. Personally, I rely on a mix of at least a handful of revenue streams to support my podcasting work.
Incorporating video
While your podcast can remain audio-first, most savvy indie podcasters are incorporating some element of video in 2025. YouTube has become one of the top podcast discovery platforms, and Spotify just launched its video creator program, so video’s role in podcasting is ever-expanding. More listeners now engage with podcasts via video, even if they’re multitasking, and lots of listeners find their new favorite shows while scrolling on social media.
Although video requires more effort, it can significantly boost growth, engagement, and monetization. Luckily, there are also strategies to keep it manageable, even if it's just connecting your RSS feed to YouTube and publishing your podcast's audio with a static image.
More takes on the video question:
As Podcasters Pivot to Video, Independents Don’t Buy the Hype
A cold bucket of New Year truth from James Cridland on the Podnews Weekly Review
Paid subscriptions and exclusive content
Offering premium content is becoming increasingly commonplace among indie creators, especially those with larger audiences. While Patreon has been a staple since its launch in 2013, the landscape has expanded to include options like Apple Podcasts and Spotify subscriptions, Supercast, Substack, and more. But what’s the best path forward, and is it worth the additional effort? I’m not entirely sure yet, but I’m currently working on a series for indie creators as I figure it out for myself. Stay tuned!
🎙️ Ready to start your podcast in 2025?
If you’ve been lurking around on Podcast Bestie, dreaming of launching a podcast—or leveling up your current one—this is your sign to go for it. My 5-week Creating Your Podcast class at Roadmap Writers kicks off January 12th, and I’d love to help you bring your vision to life!
We’ll cover:
✨ Finding your niche, concept, and podcast format
📝 Pre-production essentials: booking guests, coming up with segments, scripting, etc.
🎙️ Producing, recording, and editing like a pro—aka “Wait, how do I actually make this thing sound good?”
🚀 Launch strategies and audience growth hacks
💸 Monetization
With over a decade in podcasting, I’ve got plenty of tips to share. Let’s make 2025 the year you launch your dream podcast!
So… ROLL CALL! 🗣
What are your big podcasting bets for 2025? Let’s compare notes—drop your thoughts in the comments below!