Should You Still Start a Podcast in 2025?
Is Podcasting Oversaturated or Still Growing?
Leah Bryant [00:00:00]:
Hello hello, and welcome back to the Podcasting Problem Solver. I'm Leah Bryant, certified podcast growth coach, producer, and your business growth sidekick, here to help you turn your podcast into a powerful marketing tool—without burnout or guesswork.
So today we're tackling a common question: Is it even worth starting a podcast right now? Hasn't the market peaked? Are people still listening like they used to?
Spoiler: yes, they absolutely are.
Podcasting Stats That Might Surprise You
The Market Is Crowded—But Not Saturated
Leah Bryant [00:01:10]:
Right now, there are about 4.5 million podcasts out there. But most of them? They’re inactive or inconsistent.
That means there’s still room for your strategic, aligned show.
Global and U.S. Podcast Growth in 2025
In 2025, around 584 million people are tuning into podcasts worldwide—a nearly 7% increase from last year. In the U.S. alone, over 158 million people (more than half the population) are listening every month.
And they’re not just dipping in. The average listener spends 7 hours per week with podcasts.
Why Podcasts Still Work: Intentional Listening
Listeners Are Looking for Value, Not Noise
Leah Bryant [00:02:43]:
People are carving out time for podcasts that educate, inspire, and align with their values. They're becoming more intentional. And they're quicker to unsubscribe if your show feels scattered or self-serving.
Attention is earned, not assumed. And when you show up with a clear message and consistent delivery, you earn that attention in a way few platforms can match.
What Today’s Podcast Listener Actually Wants
Audiences Crave Depth, Clarity, and a Point of View
Leah Bryant [00:03:38]:
Listeners are asking:
- “Does this speak to where I am in my journey?”
- “Will I walk away with something useful?”
- “Is this offering something fresh—or just more of the same?”
A great podcast doesn’t just fill airspace—it cuts through the noise.
The Real Challenge: Strategic Podcasting vs. Just Showing Up
The Harsh Truth About Most Podcasts
Leah Bryant [00:04:45]:
Most podcasts don’t make it past seven episodes. It’s called podfade. And it happens when people launch without strategy, sustainability, or business alignment.
The directories may look full, but active, high-quality shows? Still rare. That’s your opportunity.
Podcasting in 2025: A Mature Market Needs Mature Strategy
From Oversaturated to Overdue for Strategy
Leah Bryant [00:06:00]:
Podcasting isn’t oversaturated—it’s maturing. The gold rush is over. What listeners want now are curated, high-value shows from real experts.
So no, it’s not too late. But it is time to take it seriously.
What Makes a Podcast Stand Out Today?
It's Not the Gear. It's the Alignment.
Leah Bryant [00:07:21]:
Forget the fancy equipment or celebrity guests. A standout show is built on alignment:
- Who you are
- Who you serve
- What your business stands for
That’s what creates connection. That’s what makes your message stick.
5 Essentials for Building a Strategic Podcast
What You Actually Need to Launch or Refresh Your Show
Leah Bryant [00:07:56]:
- Clearly Defined Audience
Not “online business owners”—get specific about their needs, language, and goals. - Strong Point of View
The internet has enough content. What it needs is leadership. What do you stand for? - Consistent Value
Not just weekly drops—episodes should guide listeners through a journey. - Brand and Offer Alignment
Your show should serve your business, not drain it. Strategic content supports sales. - A Strategy-First Approach
This is all part of the Strategy and Attraction phases of my SEAMless Framework™. It’s how you create a binge-worthy show that builds trust and drives leads.
Podcasting: The Most Personal Marketing Channel
Why Podcasting Creates Deeper Audience Trust
Leah Bryant [00:09:29]:
Where else do you get 30–40 minutes of focused attention from your ideal audience? Podcasting lets you build a relationship through voice, tone, and energy—in real time.
It’s not passive consumption. It’s active connection.
When You Should Wait to Start a Podcast
Podcasting Isn’t Always the Right Move—And That’s Okay
Leah Bryant [00:11:40]:
If you’re still figuring out your message, drowning in commitments, or hoping your podcast will fix your funnel overnight—press pause.
That’s not failure. That’s wisdom. Podcasting is a long game, not a shortcut.
What To Do Instead of Launching Right Away
Prepare Now, Launch Later (With Purpose)
Leah Bryant [00:12:12]:
Take this time to:
- Refine your offers
- Clarify your audience
- Create space to show up fully (not frantically)
When you're ready, your mic will be waiting.
Already Have a Podcast? Here’s What To Do If It Feels Off
Why a Podcast Refresh Might Be All You Need
Leah Bryant [00:12:50]:
Maybe you’ve launched, but it no longer reflects who you are. Messaging feels stale, downloads are flat, and you’re not sharing new episodes.
You don’t need to scrap it—you need a reset.
Introducing: The Podcast Refresh Intensive
Realign Your Podcast With Your Business Goals
Leah Bryant [00:13:24]:
In this half-day VIP experience, we’ll:
- Audit your positioning
- Rework visuals and messaging
- Refine your format
- Build a sustainable, strategic content plan
Your podcast should evolve with you—and when it does, it becomes a tool you’re excited to share again.
A Client Case Study: From Invisible Host to Thought Leader
Leah Bryant [00:14:13]:
One of my clients had a beautiful show... but it wasn’t helping her business.
We shifted her from interviewer mode to thought leader:
- Highlighted her frameworks
- Aligned her episodes with client pain points
- Built a format that put her voice front and center
Now her podcast drives sales, speaking opportunities, and client trust.
So... Is Podcasting Still Worth It?
The Final Answer
Leah Bryant [00:15:10]:
Yes—when it's done strategically.
Lazy or misaligned shows get lost. But intentional, connection-driven podcasts? They thrive.
This is what builds momentum, trust, and business growth.
Next Steps: Ready to Get Strategic?
Let's Turn Your Podcast Into a Catalyst
Leah Bryant [00:16:28]:
Join my newsletter for weekly strategies and insights. It's like having a podcast growth coach in your inbox.
Or book a free discovery call to talk about how podcasting can support your business.
And hey—if you’ve got a podcasting question, send it my way. I’d love to answer it on the show.
