Spotify’s latest Fan Study provides podcast creators with insights into listener behaviors and trends gathered by the streaming giant, especially into creation and distribution. The study reveals more details about the rise of video podcasts.
Listener habits vary throughout the day; mornings and afternoons are dominated by audio-only experiences, while evenings see a shift towards video podcasts, with comedy emerging as the leading genre. During the weekdays, podcast listening reaches its peak, particularly during typical commuting times in the morning and evening. The study also highlights that different podcast genres have distinct listening patterns. For example, genres like religion & spirituality, arts, and history tend to have higher listenership in the mornings and late nights.
In terms of discovering new podcasts, listeners rely heavily on recommendations from shows they already listen to, as well as tips from friends and family. In-app browsing features also play a significant role in this discovery process. Generational differences emerge in the discovery of new podcasts, with Gen Z listeners more inclined to use social media, while older generations lean towards traditional channels like articles and blogs.
The study emphasizes the importance of interactive elements in podcasts. A significant portion of the audience seeks more opportunities to interact with podcast hosts, suggesting that engagement through features like Q&A can enhance listener loyalty and increase content consumption.
Incorporating these insights into podcast strategies can greatly impact a creator’s ability to connect with their audience and grow their listener base.
