E303 - Seasonal vs. Non-Seasonal Podcasts - Understanding the Trends and Making the Right Choice For Your Show

18/09/2024 32 min Episodio 306

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Episode Synopsis

Episode 303 - Seasonal vs. Non-Seasonal Podcasts - Understanding the Trends and Making the Right Choice For Your Show

The use of seasons in podcasting offers both benefits and challenges. Here's an overview of the pros and cons, along with some data on seasonal versus non-seasonal podcasts:Benefits of Using Seasons in Podcasting
Content Planning and Quality Control

Allows for better planning and organization of content
Provides time to research and prepare high-quality episodes


Preventing Burnout

Gives hosts and production teams scheduled breaks
Helps maintain enthusiasm and creativity


Marketing Opportunities

Creates anticipation for new season launches
Allows for promotional campaigns between seasons


Flexibility in Format

Enables experimentation with different themes or formats each season
Facilitates natural evolution of the podcast over time



Audience Engagement

Can create a sense of excitement for returning seasons
Allows for audience feedback to be incorporated into new seasons


Challenges of Using Seasons in Podcasting
Potential Audience Loss

Risk of losing some listeners during breaks between seasons
According to the search results, even a break of just a couple of weeks can lead to audience drop-off


Consistency Concerns

Breaks in publishing can disrupt listener habits
May affect podcast rankings and discoverability during off-seasons


Momentum Loss

Can be challenging to regain momentum after a long break
Requires effort to re-engage audience with each new season


Production Pressure

May create pressure to produce a full season's worth of content in a shorter timeframe
Can lead to rushed production if not well-planned


Audience Confusion

Listeners may be unclear about when to expect new episodes
Requires clear communication about season schedules


Seasonal vs. Non-Seasonal Podcasts
While exact percentages are not provided, there are some insights into the prevalence and performance of seasonal versus non-seasonal (always-on) podcasts:

Always-On Podcasts: The majority of top shows on Spotify are "always on," running weekly or daily throughout the year
Consumption Rates: Always-on shows drive three times more consumption per show than seasonal shows
Listener Preference: 75% of Spotify's podcast audience exclusively listens to always-on shows

It's important to note that while seasonal podcasts may face challenges in maintaining audience engagement during breaks, they can still be successful with proper planning and communication.
The key is to set clear expectations with listeners about the podcast's schedule and to maintain some form of engagement during off-seasons.
For podcasters considering a seasonal approach, it's crucial to weigh these factors against their production capabilities, content strategy, and audience preferences. Ultimately, the decision should align with the podcast's goals and the team's ability to consistently deliver high-quality content.

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