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Podcast Predictions for 2026 from 22 Industry Experts
2025 was a year of big shifts and even bigger headlines. We saw companies close, new ventures launch, and familiar players rebrand or pivot. Video podcasts continued to grow, bringing shows to streaming platforms, theaters, and even the Golden Globes stage. Revenue models evolved, AI loomed large, and creators explored new ways to connect with audiences, from premium content to live events and derivative IP.
Despite all the change, the podcasting community remains vibrant, and many companies reported record revenues. Optimism is high, and opportunities for creators are abundant— whether you’re experimenting with video, exploring new formats, or building the next breakout show.
Our guests had some thoughts of their own. The below is excerpted from our Podcast Predictions episode of Podcast Perspectives – make sure to tune in to hear everything our guests have on their minds. Read More
Article originally written by Jeff Umbro and published on Podglomerate.
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Podcasting has never been more accessible, even with more than 5 million shows in existence. The good news is that nearly half of those podcasts have only three episodes, which means there is still plenty of room for new creators to stand out. With more than 460 million people listening to podcasts every day, the opportunity is wide open if you build a show with solid audio and a simple setup.
This weeks video breaks down the essentials, from using starter tools like Ferrite and USB mics to upgrading into dynamic microphones, audio interfaces, headphones, and remote platforms like Riverside or Streamyard. You can begin with minimal gear and scale as needed, especially if you record solo or remotely. Watch Here
Last week, Apple announced the most popular podcasts of 2025, releasing a comprehensive set of year-end charts that highlight the shows and creators that captivated listeners worldwide. The Top Charts of 2025 are localized for audiences around the world, offering a global and regional perspective on the year in podcasting.
In addition to the data-driven charts, listeners in over 15 markets can discover the Best Shows of 2025, a specially curated collection of standout podcasts that resonated with Apple's editorial team this year. The celebration of this year’s best shows will culminate with the announcement of the Apple Podcasts Show of the Year, an honor that will be revealed on Thursday, December 4. Read More
For the fifteenth edition of the Podcast Download series, Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights retained Quantilope to conduct an in-depth study of 603 weekly podcast consumers October 8th-21th 2025. Since 2017, two studies have been conducted annually. The Fall 2025 report highlights trends from prior studies and examines topics such as platform preference, content trends, advertiser usage of podcast advertising, and more.
Liz Mayer, Senior Insights Manager of the Cumulus Media | Westwood One Audio Active Group®, and Paul Riismandel, President and CEO of Signal Hill Insights, conducted an extensive analysis of the Podcast Download consumer study. Read More
Article originally written by Liz Mayer & Paul Riismandel and published on Westwood One.
🎤 🎧 Welcome to the Broken 2 Beautiful Podcast, a safe space dedicated to women who are ready to reclaim their beauty from the inside out. Join Jesikah each month as she dives into powerful series exploring themes like healing, faith, and self-worth. Inspired by Isaiah 61:3, “to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,” this podcast aims to help you work through the heart matters that hold you back.
🎤🎧 On I am Refocused Radio, our purpose has always been simple: to inspire hearts, ignite hope, and create meaningful conversations that remind us what truly matters. Every episode is built on one belief — that stories have the power to heal, unite, and awaken purpose. We’re here to shine light on truth, to learn from voices that aren’t like our own, and to celebrate the resilience that connects us all.
🎤🎧 Poddin' My Noggin is a podcast hosted by C.K. Simms—an author, blogger, business consultant, and champion of resilience. Through heartfelt conversations and insightful discussions, this show delves deeply into the stories of remarkable individuals who have faced adversity and emerged stronger, defining their version of success.
🎤🎧 On the Living the Dream with Curveball podcast I interview guests that teach, motivate, and inspire others. On every episode I interview ordinary people telling extordinary stories about how they contribute to the world to try and make life better for others. I interview a wide range of indivisuals such as authors, singers, actors, athletes, coaches, Etc. When you listen to living the dream with curveball prepare to be motivated and inspired to stop at nothing to achieve your dreams.
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