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YouTube Isn’t Dominating Podcasting
There’s no doubt that YouTube has become an important force in podcasting, primarily due to growing consumer preference for the video platform. The Cumulus Media / Signal Hill Insights Podcast Download study released in April 2023 marked the first time we saw YouTube overcome Spotify as the most used podcast consumption platform in the US. The platform claimed the top spot in Canada the following year in the Canadian Podcast Listener.
Since then, discussion, fervor and consternation about YouTube has reached fever pitch in the podcasting community. In news articles and at conferences I’m also hearing exaggerated declarations that the platform is now “dominating” podcasting. Simply stated, this is not true.
It’s an easy leap of logic to make. You hear that YouTube is the number one most preferred podcast app. From there, it’s not a big jump to think being number one means it’s dominating – the absolute winner in the tournament of podcast apps. But this isn’t sport, and consumer preference isn’t the Super Bowl or FIFA World Cup. There are no Wimbledon elimination brackets to find the one true champion. Read More
Article originally written by Paul Riismandel and Published on Signal Hill Insights.
Music and sound effects play an important role in evoking emotions. Think canned laughter in comedy TV shows; it’s designed to encourage audiences to laugh – even if the moment isn’t that funny. This is just one example of how audio elements guide the audience toward experiencing the intended feelings of the show.
And podcasts are no different. In the absence of visuals, podcasts depend purely on these sounds to guide emotions. Music, narration, and sound effects often have a more pivotal role in shaping the listening experience.
Today, we explore four popular podcasts and look at how they integrate sound design as part of their podcast strategy, using it as more than just background music to engage and draw listeners back episode after episode. Read More
Article originally published on Libsyn.
Podcasting feels crowded because, well, it is. But that doesn’t mean success is out of reach. It just means you’ve got to be intentional. Pat Flynn breaks down the most common reasons new podcasters fall flat. And honestly? Most of them are preventable. The first big one? Trying to talk to everyone. When your message is too broad, it gets lost. Pat shares a great example: Scanner School, a podcast all about police scanner radios. It’s super niche, and because of that, it built a loyal, engaged audience. That’s the kind of focus that wins.
The other traps? Comparing yourself to other podcasters, not knowing what success looks like for you, and ignoring the marketing piece altogether. If you’re not showing up on other shows, building relationships, and making your message clear, you're stalling your own growth. The real gut punch, though? Most podcasters quit way too soon—right before things start clicking. Pat’s advice: define your goal, set a timeframe, and stick with it. Know your “why,” track your progress, and stop expecting overnight wins. Podcasting isn’t a lottery ticket, it’s a long game. Play it smart, and you’ll build something that actually goes the distance. Watch Now
The Women Podcasters Network proudly announces the winners of the 2025 Women Podcasters Awards, a community-powered, people’s choice-style celebration that honors the voices, stories, and growing influence of women in podcasting.
Celebrating Women in Podcasting
Now in its second year, the awards continue to spotlight the remarkable diversity and depth of women-led shows across genres—from business to wellness, science to storytelling.
The awards ceremony was hosted by Jennifer Henczel, Founder of the Women Podcasters Awards, Women Podcasters Network and Women in Podcasting Show. Read More
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