The best podcasts everyone is listening to include a wide range of topics such as true crime, comedy, and educational content, with popular shows like "My Favorite Murder" and "How I Built This" gaining millions of listeners. Whether you're interested in staying up-to-date on current events or learning something new, there's a podcast out there for you.
Dateline: New York, March 2023 - The world of podcasting has exploded in recent years, with countless options available to listeners. According to a report by Edison Research, 70% of Americans aged 12 and older are now familiar with the term "podcasting," and 51% of Americans have listened to at least one podcast in their lifetime.
What are Podcasts?
A podcast is a series of audio episodes that are released on a regular schedule, often weekly or monthly. Podcasts can be found on various platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, and can be listened to on a variety of devices including smartphones, tablets, and smart speakers.
Popular Podcasts
Some of the most popular podcasts right now include "My Favorite Murder," a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, and "How I Built This," a podcast about entrepreneurship and innovation hosted by Guy Raz. Other popular podcasts include "The Daily," a daily news podcast from The New York Times, and "Radiolab," a podcast that explores big ideas and questions through storytelling and conversation.
According to a report by Podtrac, the top 5 most popular podcasts in the United States in 2022 were:
- "The Joe Rogan Experience"
- "My Favorite Murder"
- "How I Built This"
- "The Daily"
- "Radiolab"
As noted by Sarah Kendzior, author and podcast host, "Podcasts have become a major force in the media landscape, with millions of people tuning in every week to listen to their favorite shows." Meanwhile, Nick Quah, podcast critic and commentator, observes that "The best podcasts are those that are able to balance entertainment and information, and that are able to connect with listeners on a deep level."
Statistics
According to a report by eMarketer, 42% of monthly podcast listeners in the United States are between the ages of 18 and 24, and 31% are between the ages of 25 and 34. The same report found that 62% of podcast listeners have a household income of $50,000 or more, and that 44% have a college degree or higher.
A report by Midroll found that 71% of podcast listeners have taken action as a result of hearing an ad on a podcast, such as visiting a website or making a purchase. The same report found that 63% of podcast listeners prefer podcasts with host-read ads, and that 55% prefer podcasts with ads that are 30 seconds or less.
Getting Started with Podcasts
- Choose a podcast platform: There are many different podcast platforms to choose from, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Consider what features are most important to you, such as discovery features or offline listening.
- Find a podcast: Browse through the various categories and genres to find a podcast that interests you. You can also search for specific keywords or topics to find relevant podcasts.
- Subscribe to a podcast: Once you've found a podcast you like, subscribe to it so that new episodes are automatically downloaded to your device.
- Listen to a podcast: Find a comfortable and quiet place to listen to your podcast, and consider using headphones or earbuds to enhance the listening experience.
What is a podcast?
A podcast is a series of audio episodes that are released on a regular schedule, often weekly or monthly. Podcasts can be found on various platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, and can be listened to on a variety of devices including smartphones, tablets, and smart speakers.
How do I find a podcast?
To find a podcast, browse through the various categories and genres on your chosen podcast platform. You can also search for specific keywords or topics to find relevant podcasts. Consider asking friends or family members for recommendations, or following social media accounts of podcasters or podcast networks.
How do I subscribe to a podcast?
To subscribe to a podcast, find the podcast you're interested in and click the "subscribe" button. This will ensure that new episodes are automatically downloaded to your device. You can also often find a "subscribe" link on the podcast's website or social media pages.
Can I listen to podcasts offline?
Yes, many podcast platforms allow you to download episodes for offline listening. This can be useful for commutes, travel, or other situations where you may not have access to the internet. Consider downloading episodes in advance to ensure that you have something to listen to even without an internet connection.
Are podcasts free?
Yes, most podcasts are free to listen to. Some podcasts may offer premium content or exclusive episodes for a fee, but the majority of podcasts are available for free to anyone with an internet connection.