Several weeks ago, Dan Misener of Pacific Content created a map of the most popular shows in Apple Podcasts, observing their clustered ‘neighborhoods.’ Misener uses this network analysis technique “to understand podcast audiences at an even deeper level, and identify niches within niches.” In other words, opportunity.
There are over 55,000 shows in the Technology category. Using ”Listeners Also Subscribed To” data, Misener’s model links subgroups (e.g., ham radio, Tesla enthusiasts, hackers and cybersecurity) with common audiences. “All tech shows get lumped together into one big bucket,” but we shouldn’t accept the monolith at face value.
“Smart podcasters understand their audience, then build shows designed to serve that audience,” Misener explains. No matter your budget, sponsorship arrangement, or content plans, it pays to understand these niche neighborhoods within your larger category. Plus, these data visualizations are seriously satisfying.
Todd Cochrane, the founder and CEO of Blubrry Podcasting, has been dedicated to the game since 2004. Cochrane joined Steve Wartenberg of Columbus CEO for a chat about the company’s origins, the medium’s earliest days, and what it’s like to run the second-largest podcasting service and hosting site in the U.S.
“‘Five years ago, if someone asked me what I did, and I told them I was in podcasting, they’d say ‘What’s a podcast?’” Cochrane told Wartenburg. ‘“Now, when I tell people I’m in podcasting, they ask the name of the show.”’ The two discuss the last 15 years of growth with commentary from fellow industry veterans like Rob Greenlee of Libsyn.
A member of the inaugural class of the Podcasting Hall of Fame, Cochrane and Podcast Movement go way back. “Todd is a fierce advocate for podcasting and the principles it was built on,” said PM President Dan Franks. “He’s super passionate about this, and [he] makes sure to stand up for the independent podcaster.”
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