In this recap episode, we’re diving into the key trends and milestones that defined podcasting in 2024 and looking ahead to what 2025 might have in store. Join us as we explore predictions, challenges, and opportunities for podcasters in the year to come. Happy Holidays! And a note to all podcasters, please be patient with our support team from now til Jan. 2, 2025 as scale down our team for some well deserved time off. Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane, MacKenzie Bennett and Mike Dell 2024 Recap: Trends That Shaped 2024: Emerging podcast categories that gained traction. The role of AI in podcast creation and promotion. Growth of video podcasts and hybrid formats. Everyone talking but lots of investment Little return for most Average podcaster is not seeing growth Unless they have a serious video strategy Shifts in listener demographics or behavior. Monetary Insights: Changes in podcast ad revenue and sponsorship trends. Growth of subscription-based podcasts and private feeds. Platforms or networks that paid out the most to creators. Rogan renewed Tech & Tools: Breakthrough technologies in podcasting (e.g., automated editing, AI transcription, or discovery tools). Improvements in analytics or monetization tools. Cultural Moments: Podcasts that drove major cultural conversations in 2024. Milestones for diversity and inclusion in podcasting. Looking Ahead to 2025: Predicted Trends: Potential new podcast genres or formats. TikTok ban in America From TikTok to YouTube? Back to Instagram? The increasing importance of community-building and listener engagement. Advancements in personalization and AI-driven podcast recommendations. Monetization & Business: Predictions for ad revenue growth or challenges. New monetization models for creators (e.g., blockchain, NFTs). The role of corporate sponsorships and branded content. Listener Experience: Innovations that may improve accessibility and discoverability. Trends in interactive podcasts or gamification. Challenges to Watch: Navigating audience trust amidst AI-generated content. Competition with other forms of media for attention. How regulatory changes might affect podcasting globally. Opportunities for Creators: Expanding into underserved niches. Leveraging data to create hyper-targeted content. The role of PR in carving out a podcast’s unique brand identity. Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to mike@blubrry.com (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system. Tickets give the whole team access vs. direct emails or calls. General podcasting discussions and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group. Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call with Todd or a tech checkup with Mike at todd@blubrry.com and mike@blubrry.com Stay tuned for more episodes and visit our website for the latest updates and resources.