What Business Category Is A Podcast? Know About Podcasts!
Podcasts are like radio’s cooler, younger cousin that everyone wants to hang out with. They’re on-demand, free, and can be streamed or downloaded on your favorite device.
You can listen to them while commuting, working out, or just chilling at home. And, there’s a podcast for everyone, whether you’re into true crime, knitting, or the mysteries of the universe.
In this article, let’s dive into the wonderful world of podcasts and check out what business category does a podcast belong to.
Birth of the Podcast
The term “podcast” comes from a blend of “iPod” and “broadcast.” It was coined by journalist Ben Hammersley back in 2004. Little did he know, he was creating a name for a phenomenon that would eventually capture the hearts (and ears) of millions of people worldwide.
Let’s Get Down to Business: What Business Category Is A Podcast?
An Entertainment Industry Darling
Podcasts fall under the entertainment industry because, well, they’re entertaining! They provide education, amusement, and sometimes even a much-needed escape from reality.
So, just like your favorite Netflix series or Spotify playlist, podcasts are a part of the vast world of entertainment.
How Podcasts Make That Dough?
Podcasts have a few different ways of making money, but we’ll break it down into three main categories for simplicity:
Advertisements
Podcasters partner with companies to advertise their products or services. These ads can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of the episode. It’s kinda like having a commercial break during your favorite TV show, but way less annoying.
Sponsorships
Similar to advertisements, sponsorships involve a company paying the podcaster to promote their brand. The difference is that sponsorships are more like a long-term relationship, while advertisements are more like a casual fling.
Premium Content and Subscriptions
Some podcasters offer exclusive content or ad-free episodes for a monthly or annual fee. It’s like getting the VIP treatment at your favorite club, without having to deal with the bouncer.
The Podcast Ecosystem: A Universe of Opportunities
Podcast Production: The Wizard Behind the Curtain
Producing a podcast involves a lot more than just hitting the record button. There are writers, researchers, sound engineers, and editors who work tirelessly to create each episode.
These talented folks are the unsung heroes of the podcast world, making sure everything sounds polished and professional.
Podcast Platforms: The Stage for Your Ears
There are many platforms where you can find and listen to podcasts, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher. These platforms are like the virtual stages for podcasts, providing them with an audience and helping creators reach new listeners.
Podcast Networks: Like a Big, Happy Family
Podcast networks are groups of podcasts that have joined forces for mutual benefits like advertising and promotion. Think of them as a big, happy family, where everyone’s got each other’s back. Some well-known podcast networks include Gimlet, Wondery, and Radiotopia.
The Podcast World: It’s a Numbers Game
A. Fun Facts and Figures: Podcasts by the Numbers
Over 2 million podcasts: That’s right! There are over 5 million podcasts out there in 2023, with more being created every day. So, if you ever get bored with your current podcast lineup, there’s always something new to discover.
43% of US adults listen to podcasts: According to a 2023 study, nearly half of US adults have tuned into a podcast. That’s a lot of people jamming out to true crime stories, laughing at comedy shows, or learning about the latest tech gadgets.
70 million episodes and counting: With over 70 million podcast episodes available, there’s no shortage of content to choose from. It’s like having an endless buffet of audio awesomeness at your fingertips.
Most Popular Podcast Genres
True Crime
Who doesn’t love a good murder mystery or unsolved case? True crime podcasts have taken the world by storm, making us question everything we thought we knew about the criminal justice system.
Comedy
Need a good laugh? Comedy podcasts are here to save the day, with hilarious hosts and side-splitting content that will leave you in stitches.
News and Politics
Stay informed and up-to-date with the latest news and political happenings, all while sipping your morning coffee or folding laundry.
Self-Improvement
Podcasts that focus on personal growth, mental health, and motivation can help you become the best version of yourself, one episode at a time.
Podcast Success Stories – The Proof is in the Pudding
Serial: The Podcast That Changed the Game
Serial, a true-crime podcast that debuted in 2014, was a game-changer. It quickly became a global phenomenon, with millions of listeners captivated by the story of Adnan Syed and his possible wrongful conviction. Serial showed the world the power of podcasts and inspired countless others to start their own.
The Joe Rogan Experience: A Multi-Million Dollar Deal
Joe Rogan, comedian and former UFC commentator, started his podcast in 2009. Fast forward to 2020, when Spotify signed an exclusive licensing deal with The Joe Rogan Experience for a reported $100 million. That’s a whole lot of moolah for talking into a microphone!
Podcasts are Here to Stay, Baby!
Podcasts are an exciting business category in the entertainment industry, with a bright future ahead.
They’ve come a long way since their beginnings in 2004, evolving into a thriving ecosystem of creators, platforms, and networks.
