As the holidays approach, podcasters may wonder if they should take a break from their show or push through the festivities with fresh content. While it’s natural to consider taking time off, especially when family and relaxation are calling, it’s important to remember that consistency in podcasting can be a game-changer for your show’s growth — especially during the holiday season.
Why Consistency Matters in Podcasting
Consistency is key when it comes to building and retaining an audience. According to a recent survey by Edison Research, 41% of the U.S. population over the age of 12 listens to podcasts every month. Of those listeners, the majority are tuning in weekly, with many making podcasts a part of their daily routine. This shows that podcast fans crave regular content, and many rely on it as part of their entertainment or educational habits.
By maintaining a consistent publishing schedule, even during the winter holidays, you’re signaling to your audience that they can rely on you. Regular uploads help build trust and strengthen the relationship with your listeners. And trust is the foundation of a successful podcast.
Holiday Listeners: A Silver and Golden Opportunity
It’s easy to assume that podcast listenership might drop during the holidays when people are busier with shopping, traveling, and spending time with loved ones. However, statistics show otherwise. Data from Nielsen indicates that podcast consumption often remains stable or even increases during the holiday season. In fact, many people take the opportunity during holiday travel or downtime to catch up on their favorite shows or explore new ones.
People are looking for engaging content while driving to see family, flying across the country, or simply unwinding at home with a warm drink. A 2023 report supported by our own data revealed a 5-10% increase in downloads during the Thanksgiving to New Year period, with Dec. 15-Jan. 30 as the biggest subscriber pickups. The reason? With more free time, listeners are exploring new genres and diving into podcasts they might not have time for during their usual busy schedules.
This is a fantastic opportunity for podcasters to attract new listeners who are sampling different shows while they have a bit more time on their hands. If you go silent during this period, you could miss out on connecting with potential fans who are actively looking for fresh content.
Consistency Without Sacrifice: The Power of Planning Ahead
The good news is that maintaining consistency doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your holiday break. With a bit of planning, you can keep your podcast active without being tethered to the microphone during family gatherings or holiday festivities.
Here are some strategies to help you stay consistent and make the most of the holiday season:
- Batch Record Your Episodes: Take a weekend before the holidays to batch record several episodes. This way, you can schedule them in advance and have a stress-free holiday knowing your content is still going live as planned.
- Revisit Popular Past Episodes: If recording new content feels overwhelming, consider re-releasing some of your most popular episodes from the past year. Add a brief new introduction or commentary to give it a fresh spin.
- Plan Special Holiday Content: Think about creating a themed holiday episode or a special message for your listeners. It’s a great way to engage with your audience and show appreciation while keeping things light and festive.
- Schedule Everything in Advance: Use podcast scheduling tools to set your episodes to go live at your regular time, even if you’re away. Platforms like Blubrry’s hosting service make it easy to upload and schedule episodes in advance, giving you peace of mind.
Engage With Your Audience During the Holidays
In addition to scheduling your episodes, don’t forget to stay engaged with your listeners on social media. You don’t have to be glued to your phone, but scheduling a few posts in advance or checking in occasionally can keep the conversation going. Share what you’re listening to, ask your audience about their favorite holiday traditions, or simply wish them a happy season. Also, remember the power of just saying “Got your message, will reply ASAP” to acknowledge that you’re paying attention to your fans.
Consistency Creates Momentum
Consistency isn’t just about meeting your current audience’s expectations; it’s also about building momentum. Regular episodes, even during quieter times like the holidays, contribute to your show’s growth in podcast directories. Podcast algorithms, such as those used by Apple Podcasts and Spotify, tend to favor shows that publish new content consistently. This can help boost your visibility and make it easier for new listeners to discover your show.
Planning Ahead Makes It Possible
Ultimately, it’s about striking the right balance. You don’t need to work through the holidays to keep your podcast on track—you just need a solid plan. By batch recording, scheduling, and using past episodes, you can enjoy your break while maintaining your audience’s trust and engagement.
So as you prepare for the holidays, take a moment to map out your podcast schedule. With a bit of foresight, you can stay consistent, reach new listeners, and come back refreshed and ready to dive into the new year.
Happy podcasting and happy holidays! And remember, as the new year approaches, it’s a great time to expand and grow your show. Our hosting plans, time-saving features and support team can help.