Social media in the modern age is a constantly evolving force, influenced by the changing new trends that shift how we consume content and media. Podcasts, although having been a concept for quite some time, have only recently reached record-breaking download figures and emerged with new popularity. Now available across multiple platforms such as Spotify and Youtube, this form of audio entertainment has far progressed beyond being downloadable radio shows.
The Science Behind It
By a dictionary definition, podcasts are simply digital audio files you can download or listen to over the Internet, but as previously mentioned, they have changed as the years have gone by. The digital audio “show” or program usually comes in a series created by a host, and then published episode-by-episode on the internet where anyone can download and stream it on their device. One of the greatest appeals of this type of entertainment is this same accessibility compared to more traditional methods of content such as radio or TV shows, where the creator can connect with their audience but the listener can also have instant access wherever they are. Users can listen to podcasts without needing to watch a screen, making them a great use of time while on walks or driving home from school and work. Additionally, podcasts instantly provide a community of like-minded people if you do find one you enjoy. Whether you are a bookworm seeking in-depth discussions of different books, or simply a student trying to learn a foreign language, there is a podcast for everyone and communities everywhere.
This form of content’s boom in popularity can be reflected by the numbers as well. In 2006, only 22 percent of the adult population in the United States was aware of podcasting. Last year, this figure had risen to 79 percent. With over 82 million people actively listening to podcasts, it has shown to be a viable commitment for both the creators and the users. In her article on Wired, Miranda Katz wrote that “People are really listening and want to consume all of the content that is there and available. There’s a level of dedication from podcast listeners you don’t otherwise find. And now the numbers prove it. Podcasts aren’t a bubble, they’re a boom—and that boom is only getting louder.”
In terms of actual recommendations, there exists thousands of podcasts scattered across platforms probably fitting every single genre there is to name. Beginner-friendly podcasts like ‘This American Life’ and ‘Revisionist History’ are great places to start (or perhaps listening to a Duolingo podcast to finally get that owl off your back), but simply going on Spotify and trying to find something you are interested in is just as good of a place to start.