Podcast Archives - Wenning Branding

Many of you have probably heard of podcasts, but do you know what they are? Podcasts are digital audio files made available on the internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device. Typically, they are available as a series, where new installments can be received automatically by subscribers. Podcasts have blown up over the last few years. Podcasts have become a mainstream, accessible, and easily digestible way to engage with stories and ideas. In this blog, we will be discussing all things podcasts. We will talk about why we listen to some of the best podcasts out there.

Statistics

Within the last three years, podcast listeners have grown 37.5%. 43% of people in the US listen to podcasts, with 75% of Americans being familiar with podcasts. On average, people who listen to podcasts listen to about 6 of them per week. So, who makes up the active listeners of podcasts? 44% of listeners are millennials, while Gen X makes up 33% of listeners, Baby Boomers make up 16%, and Gen Z makes up 7% of listeners. Lastly, males listen to podcasts slightly more than females. Out of all active listeners, 56% are male, and 44% are female.

Why We Listen

It has become easy to access podcasts daily. The podcast boom’s cause is three things; the ubiquity of smartphones, time spent in transit, and online music services. It is easier to multitask to podcasts than any other medium, bringing a dose of productivity to any part of your daily routine. Podcasts attribute to the brain-stimulating and addictive effects of audio learning. Another reason that podcasts are so popular is that it is unlike radio. Podcasts are listened to as much at home as when out and about. It has become mainstream to listen to while doing household chores, cooking, working out, and many other activities. Lastly, there is a podcast for everything. No matter your interests, you will be able to find a podcast perfect for you.

Popular Podcasts

I wanted to share with you some of the most popular podcasts and podcast genres. Comedy is the most popular genre, with 2 Dope Queens, The Joe Rogan Experience, and WTF hosted by Marc Maron being the most successful. The next biggest genre is education. The top podcasts in this genre are TED Radio Hour, Freakanomics Radio, and Radiolab. News is a big genre with The Daily, Up First NPR, and Serial leading the way. Then we have my favorite genre, sports! Pardon My Take (my favorite), Fantasy Focus Football, and 30 for 30 ESPN are some of the most popular podcasts out there. Lastly, gaming is a hugely successful genre. Game Scoop, Giant Bombcast, and Fireteam Chat are some of the most well-known in the genre. I could go on and on about podcast genres, but we would be here for days.

What is to Come?

Podcasts are going to continue growing in popularity. The percentage of people who actively listen to podcasts has increased significantly in the last three years. It hasn’t only been growing with millennials but in people 55+, which increased by 29% last year. Podcasts have become popular on all music streaming platforms. For example, Spotify spent over 400 million dollars on podcasted-related acquisitions. Spotify is only the beginning. As podcasts become more popular, more large purchases will take place. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend you start to listen to them!

Covid-19 has affected and changed the world as we know it. Many people’s entire lifestyle has changed. Due to the pandemic, people have started to use social media much more. Social media has emerged and become more prominent in everyday life. Because of this, some people have found great success over the last year.

Dave Portnoy

Dave Portnoy is the owner of Barstool Sports. He has already been extremely successful. During the pandemic, Portnoy was able to take his name from being just known in the high school and college community to becoming a household name. My parents, who are both over 50 and aren’t active on social media, even know who he is! Portnoy has been doing “One bite, everybody knows the rule” for years. This segment is where he goes to the best-ranked pizza places and tries and rates their pizza. Portnoy has also been donating thousands of dollars to small businesses that have suffered during the pandemic. Portnoy continues to expand his fanbase by investing in new ventures like NASCAR and day trading. Portnoy has been getting positive attention everywhere. I’m sure this won’t be the last time we hear of him.

Jake Paul

Not everyone on this list has gained popularity for the right reasons. Jake Paul is one of those people. He built his reputation off of controversy. Whether it was on Vine, posting questionable videos on YouTube, or taking shots at professional boxers like Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor. While all of this was happening, he decided to become a professional boxer. In his debut, he knocked out Nate Robinson, a former NBA player. His next fight is against a former MMA fighter, Ben Askren. I think most of the world (that cares) is rooting to see Askren knock Jake Paul out. It is crazy to see someone become so famous and prominent by being so disliked. People hate him so much that they like him. It is insane!

Dixie and Charli D’Amelio

Dixie and Charli saw a rise in popularity over the last year. Both of them are TikTok stars and two of the most famous teen celebrities in the world. They rank number 2 and 3 on the list of top-earning TikTokers. Their rise to fame has earned them sponsorship deals with Hollister and Morphe cosmetics. Charli also has a drink named after her at Dunkin! Not only this, but brands are head over heels for them. Record labels have offered to pay for them to dance to their artists’ latest hits. Also, brands have asked them to endorse their products as well celebrities have invited them to collaborate. All of their fame has earned them their own Hulu 8-episode mini-series.

Joe Rogan

It seems like Joe Rogan has been around forever. His rise to fame started in 2001 when he was the host of the show Fear Factor. Since then, he has become one of the voices behind the UFC. If you tune into any UFC event, you will surely hear Joe Rogan commentating the fight. What has taken him over the top in popularity is that he is the host of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast. This podcast is currently one of the most popular podcasts. He talks with A-list celebrities about pop culture, current events, and anything else you could imagine. Some of the people that have been on the show are Mike Tyson, Elon Musk, Lance Armstrong, Bill Burr, and Bob Lazar. The wild thing is, Joe Rogan is going to continue getting more and more popular.

Taylor Swift

Yes, I know Taylor has been famous forever! She completely upped her game in 2020. In 2019 Taylor lost the rights to her music. So last year, she decided to release two new albums, Folklore and Evermore. Both of these albums were received beautifully and produced many top hits. The best part of this is that Taylor might gain even more buzz. Taylor has said that she has started re-recording all of her music, so she has the right to release the music under her name.

She has also gained more followers over her social media platforms in the last year. Don’t be shocked if her popularity continues to skyrocket over the next couple of years.

Social Media’s Power

As you can see from the above, social media is extremely powerful and influential. All of these people and many others have seen their popularity rise due to social media. This where Wenning Branding can help your company. We can’t promise that you will become like Dixie and Charli D’Amelio and have millions of followers. We can promise is that we can help your company expand its social media presence and gain more followers!

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