Podcasting is 20 years old, and it's still one of the most powerful ways to build an audience, establish thought leadership, and connect with people on a deeply personal level. While the podcasting landscape has grown exponentially, it’s far from saturated—and that’s exactly why starting a podcast in 2024 could be your smartest move yet.
But before you grab a mic, let’s get clear on why podcasting still matters, what’s changed, and what you need to succeed.
Twenty years ago, podcasts were a niche, experimental format. Today, they’re a mainstream cultural force. There are over 5 million podcasts worldwide, and while that sounds like a lot, most of those shows die after a few episodes. A surprising 75% of podcasts don't make it past episode 10. Why? Because podcasting is a long game.
In 2024, you’ll face more competition, but there’s a big opportunity: many people still think the space is saturated when, in fact, only a small percentage of shows are active and delivering consistent value. This is your chance to get it right where others fail.
Lesson #1: Success in podcasting doesn’t come from just launching a show—it comes from delivering consistent value and playing the long game. If you’re not in it for the long haul, don’t bother starting.
The biggest mistake podcasters make in 2024? Trying to appeal to everyone. Don’t do it. The key to standing out is to go niche—hyper-niche, even. Successful podcasts thrive by delivering specific, valuable content to a tightly defined audience.
Take a look at any breakout podcast, and you’ll notice they aren’t trying to please the masses. They’re speaking directly to a community, filling a specific gap that no one else is covering. Whether you’re into rare vinyl records, ethical hacking, or plant-based cooking, there’s an audience waiting to hear from someone who truly gets them.
Lesson #2: Find a niche you’re passionate about. Don’t just start a podcast about “marketing” or “entrepreneurship”—get specific. Speak to an underserved audience, and speak to them directly.
The intimate, authentic connection between hosts and listeners is what makes podcasting so special. Unlike social media or YouTube, where production value often trumps substance, podcasting allows you to build a relationship based on your voice, thoughts, and personal insights.
But here’s the truth: listeners can smell inauthenticity a mile away. If you’re putting on an act, you’ll lose them. Authenticity doesn’t mean sloppy production—it means showing up as your real self, flaws and all. Your audience doesn’t need you to be perfect, they need you to be real.
Lesson #3: Don’t get hung up on making a “perfect” show. Focus on being yourself. Authenticity is what turns casual listeners into loyal superfans.
If you’re thinking, “There are too many podcasts, I’ll never get noticed,” you’re wrong. Yes, there are millions of podcasts, but the vast majority fail to deliver real value or quit after a handful of episodes. The truth is, podcasting rewards quality and consistency. Most podcasters give up too soon because they think they’ll become the next big thing overnight.
Your competition is weak if you commit to delivering well-researched, high-value content on a regular basis. If you can sustain your show for six months or a year, you’ll already be miles ahead of the thousands of podcasts that flame out quickly.
Lesson #4: Don’t be intimidated by the numbers. The market isn’t saturated—it’s just cluttered with low-effort content. There’s always room for quality.
Podcasts are not Twitter. They’re not TikTok. You have the opportunity to engage people with real conversations, in-depth discussions, and long-form content. In a world where most people consume content in bite-sized snippets, podcasts offer a break from the noise. They allow people to dive deep into a topic without distractions.
Leverage that. Don’t worry about making your episodes short or overly polished—what your audience craves is substance. Use your podcast to go deep on the things that matter. Create value by offering a level of detail and nuance they can’t find anywhere else.
Lesson #5: Stop thinking about episode length—focus on content depth. Go deeper than anyone else in your niche, and your listeners will stick around.
In 2024, podcasting has matured into a serious business tool. Brands like HubSpot, Mailchimp, and Shopify use podcasts to drive customer loyalty, educate audiences, and even generate direct leads. If you’re a business or personal brand, podcasting can be your most powerful channel to reach and engage your target audience.
But don’t just slap together a branded podcast as an afterthought. Approach it strategically—start with a clear goal. Are you using the podcast to build brand authority? Educate your audience? Drive leads? Podcasting works best when it’s tightly integrated into your overall business strategy.
Lesson #6: Podcasting isn’t just for entertainment—use it strategically. Whether you’re building a personal brand or launching a business, podcasting should be part of your content marketing ecosystem.
Many podcasters feel trapped by the format or subject they start with. They’re afraid that if they pivot, they’ll lose listeners or credibility. But podcasting, like any creative endeavor, is a process of discovery. You don’t need to have everything figured out before episode one.
It’s okay to evolve your format, your topic, or even your approach as you learn what resonates with your audience. The key is to stay adaptable, listen to your listeners, and improve with each episode.
Lesson #7: Don’t feel like you need to have everything figured out from day one. It’s okay to start messy, adapt, and pivot as your show grows. Your audience will appreciate your evolution.
If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to start a podcast, stop. There’s no such thing. 2024 is the best time to start because the space is still growing, the opportunities are endless, and most importantly, the world is ready to hear your voice. Don’t wait for the perfect setup or the perfect moment—just start.
And if you’re serious about making an impact with your podcast, remember: authenticity, consistency, and a clear niche will always win.
