If you thought the podcast boom had slowed down in 2025, think again.
While the number of total active podcasts has stabilized compared to the explosive growth of 2019 to 2021, data shows that new podcasts are still launching at a steady and healthy rate. What’s changed is not the enthusiasm for podcasting, but the strategy behind it.
The creators entering the space today are more intentional, data-driven, and brand-focused. They understand that podcasting is no longer just about talking into a microphone. It’s about building authority, nurturing communities, and driving meaningful engagement.
So yes, people are still starting podcasts in 2025. And the reasons why might surprise you.
The Numbers: Podcast Creation Is Alive and Well
According to several 2025 industry reports, the number of new podcast launches remains consistent year-over-year, even after the post-pandemic slowdown. While the rapid spike from the early 2020s has leveled off, we now see a healthier, more sustainable pattern of growth.
- There are now over 5.2 million podcasts worldwide, up from 4.7 million in 2024.
- Roughly 120,000 new podcasts launched in the first half of 2025 alone.
- 80% of these new shows come from small creators, entrepreneurs, and niche brands.
These numbers suggest that while large media companies dominate listener share, the creator economy continues to fuel podcast growth from the ground up.
For deeper insight into these figures, see Podcast Statistics 2025 and Why It Matters for Professionals, Business Owners & Advocates.
Why People Are Still Starting Podcasts in 2025
1. Authority and Personal Branding
Podcasting has become one of the most trusted ways to establish authority in any field.
Entrepreneurs, authors, and consultants use podcasts as platforms to share insights, interview industry leaders, and demonstrate expertise.
In an era where audiences crave authenticity, podcasts provide a unique human connection that short-form social media cannot match.
2. Audience Engagement and Trust
Listeners trust podcast hosts far more than they trust traditional advertising or influencer marketing. That credibility translates into stronger relationships and more loyal audiences.
Professionals and businesses see this as an opportunity to own their narrative and speak directly to their market without intermediaries.
3. Cost-Effective Marketing
Compared to video production or large-scale ad campaigns, starting a podcast remains one of the most cost-effective ways to build a brand presence.
With modern recording tools and distribution platforms, creators can launch professional-quality shows on a modest budget.
4. Evergreen Content Value
Podcast episodes retain value over time. Unlike social posts that fade after 24 hours, podcast content continues to attract listeners months or even years later. That long-tail discoverability keeps creators motivated to produce.
5. Evolving Monetization Options
The expansion of podcast monetization models in 2025 has inspired more creators to launch their own shows. With premium subscriptions, affiliate marketing, and integrated sponsorships, even niche creators can generate income without millions of downloads.
The New Kind of Podcaster
The modern podcaster in 2025 looks very different from those in the early boom. Today’s creators are strategic entrepreneurs who approach podcasting like a business.
They plan with purpose, focusing on consistency, brand alignment, and measurable outcomes. Rather than chasing viral success, they aim for steady audience growth and credibility.
Professionals now use podcasts as extensions of their businesses:
- Coaches and consultants use podcasts to attract clients.
- Authors use them to promote books and build speaking careers.
- CEOs use them to establish thought leadership within their industries.
Podcasting has evolved from a passion project into a strategic visibility platform.
The Role of Technology in New Podcast Growth
Advancements in AI, automation, and analytics are making podcast creation easier than ever. Tools like AI editing software, smart transcription, and content repurposing platforms allow creators to streamline production and focus on storytelling.
In 2025, creators no longer need to be audio engineers or marketing experts to launch a high-quality podcast.
Technology has lowered the barrier to entry, inviting more voices into the conversation.
Streaming platforms have also expanded accessibility. Spotify, YouTube Music, and Apple Podcasts now provide creator dashboards, offering performance analytics and monetization options directly integrated into their ecosystems.
Niche Podcasts: The Hidden Engine of Growth
The biggest trend in 2025 podcast creation is niche specialization.
New creators are not trying to compete with the Joe Rogans or Hubermans of the world. Instead, they focus on micro-communities and specific expertise areas. Whether it’s sustainable fashion, crypto education, parenting, or AI ethics, niche podcasts are thriving.
Smaller audiences, when highly targeted, offer stronger engagement rates and better ROI for both creators and sponsors.
The power of niche shows lies in trust. A host with 10,000 loyal listeners in a focused niche can often drive more conversions than a general-interest podcast with 100,000 casual followers.
Global Growth Continues
Podcast creation is spreading rapidly across international markets. Countries like India, Brazil, and the Philippines are seeing record numbers of new shows due to increased smartphone access, lower data costs, and multilingual production.
In 2025, over 60% of new podcasts originate outside North America.
Local creators are building global audiences with regionally focused content, proving that podcasting’s appeal transcends geography.
The Data on Podcast Survival Rates
It’s true that many podcasts fade after a few episodes, but even this statistic is improving. The average lifespan of new podcasts has increased by 22% in 2025, showing that creators are more committed and strategic about sustainability.
This shift reflects a more mature industry. People starting podcasts today are prepared for the long game, focusing on consistency and audience relationships rather than instant results.
What This Means for Professionals and Brands
Podcasting is no longer an experimental medium. It is now a mainstream business communication tool.
For professionals and business owners, starting a podcast in 2025 means more than just producing content. It’s about building a reputation ecosystem, one that enhances visibility, fosters trust, and drives opportunities.
Brands that invest in podcasting are positioning themselves as thought leaders in their industries.
They use audio storytelling to connect on a human level, build trust, and differentiate themselves in crowded digital spaces.
The podcast industry in 2025 is still very much alive, and it’s not slowing down. People are still starting podcasts because the medium continues to offer what audiences crave most: authenticity, connection, and trust.
The new wave of podcasters is smarter, more strategic, and better equipped to create lasting impact.
If you’re a professional or business owner wondering whether now is the right time to launch your show, the data is clear, it is.
At Command Your Brand, we help entrepreneurs, experts, and advocates launch and scale their podcasts with proven visibility strategies.
Got a story to share? Book a call with Command Your Brand today and take control of your narrative before someone else does.
