There has been a lot of discussion on 2024 podcast prognostications so let’s look at what we’re hearing and seeing. Here are our positive predictions mingled with other trends we’ve seen across the industry. As for Blubrry, we are poised for exciting developments. With advancements in technology, changing listener habits, and evolving content strategies, podcasters have much to look forward to.
Top 5 predictions from the Blubrry team for ‘24 (also check out this episode of Podcast Insider):
- Something somewhat unique about 2024 is it’s an election year in the U.S. So don’t be surprised if existing podcasts focus more on politics and a plethora of new shows on the political landscape are launched.
- Artificial intelligence is going to change everything! We should know – we’re working on implementing it to assist our Blubrry hosting customers with everything from coming up with topic ideas to audio editing to writing show notes.
- Along those lines, real voices will be more important than ever. Letting your listeners know that your voice and your personality are real versus AI will be more important in 2024. The personal connection to your listeners increases credibility and remains a paramount objective in podcasting.
- Video has been growing in popularity – especially in the past year. Several team members look forward to more growth and remind folks to ensure their brand is secure and to be wary of being canceled on platforms that now host video. Learn more about video podcasting here.
- We predict that more and more podcast apps/platforms will adopt some of the Podcasting 2.0 features. We’ve added them ourselves and if your hosting plan hasn’t, you’ll want to consider either moving to Blubrry (or a platform that does) or signing up for Podcast Mirror, which provides 2.0 features for only $5 a month for non-Blubrry customers.
As a runner-up, we look forward to continued improvements in accessibility. Closed captioning and transcriptions will be more prevalent than ever. And you can bet we’ll be at the forefront of that, too!
Here are some other emerging trends to look for In 2024:
- Increased Monetization Opportunities: The podcasting industry’s revenue is expected to continue its upward trajectory, offering more monetization opportunities for podcasters. With innovative advertising models like dynamic ad insertion and subscription-based content, creators can expect diversified revenue streams.
- Growth in Niche Podcasts: As the podcast audience becomes more diverse, there’s an increasing demand for niche content. Topics like mental health, specific hobbies, and localized content are gaining traction, providing new avenues for podcasters to explore.
- Advancements in Audio Technology: The quality of audio production will reach new heights thanks to advancements in recording and editing technology. Enhanced sound design and immersive audio experiences will become standard, elevating the listener’s experience.
- Expansion of Podcast Networks: There will be a growth in podcast networks, offering resources, advertising, and community support to individual podcasters. This can lead to higher-quality content and more consistent output.
- Mobile-First Podcasting: With mobile devices being the primary means of consumption, podcasters will focus on mobile-friendly content. This includes shorter episode formats and interactive elements that are tailored for on-the-go listening.
- Interactive Podcasts: Interactive elements like audience polls, Q&A sessions, and real-time feedback will become more common, fostering a deeper connection between podcasters and their listeners. Be sure to check out our Audience Survey!
- Global Reach and Localization: Podcasters will have opportunities to reach global audiences, thanks to the proliferation of content across borders. At the same time, there will be a focus on localizing content to cater to specific cultural and linguistic groups.
The year 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting one for podcasters. With enhanced monetization prospects, technological advancements, and a shift towards more inclusive and diverse content, the podcasting industry is set to offer more opportunities than ever before. Embracing these changes will be key to staying ahead and making the most of what podcasting has to offer in the coming year.
Have we missed any? Let us know!