While podcasts have been around for numerous years, they’ve also grown. New trends and technology allow us to use them to engage audiences in exciting ways that can enhance performance and bring us closer to our audiences. In 2025 there are several new podcast trends that you can’t ignore, not if you want to take your show to the next level.
Here are 10 of the podcast trends in 2025 that you need to start thinking about incorporating into your show.
Personalized Listening Experiences
Email marketing, social media, and even print marketing have all seen the transformation of campaigns through personalization. Many haven’t seen a way that podcasts can do this, but technology is changing this and with advancements in analytics, AI, and other technology, personalization can now be used with ease.
High-end brands can use data collected from audiences to specifically target niche segments within their audience with new content. If you’re a business podcaster for instance, and want to target audiences looking at marketing content, then you can create the episode and then market the episode to that specific audience.
The advantage of this is that you’re going to get a more positive reaction to the personalization of the content. And as a result, you can see a significant growth of your podcast.
There are other ways you can personalize the listening experience, by hosting live events and
FAQ events which can attract audiences who are looking to engage more with you, the podcast host.
Immersive Audio Experiences
Equipment and software is changing the quality output of audio, and high-end brands can invest in the latest technology to ensure they have the best experience for audiences. One improvement is the immersiveness of the experience with close cinematic sound quality that can improve reactions.
And with the rise of video podcasting, it can be a great way to make your audience realize that your content is top-quality. Providing them with expert insights that are going to help them solve significant pain points, and presented in fashion that is akin to professional film studios.
To help you get the equipment you need for the best recording, you can always seek help.
Produce Your Podcast has a sound and equipment diagnostic service that can have a service engineer test your equipment and internet connection. They will then make recommendations, helping you to purchase the right equipment for the podcast.
The account manager at Produce Your Podcast can track your order from store to door and then rearrange for the sound engineer to test the new equipment so you’re ready to take your podcast to the next level.
Exclusive Subscription-Only Content
Ways to monetize your podcast is a common topic for discussion. There are numerous options out there, but audiences are looking not just for something that solves a problem, but they’re looking for a community experience, which is why exclusive subscription-only content is on the rise.
These programs are where audience members can pay to be part of a group where they receive several benefits, which can include member-only content. This premium content can be new episodes that are written and produced just for the audience. Or you can give them additional content such as:
- Behind the scenes into the company or the podcast.
- Limited-edition product/service/merchandising.
- VIP content that aligns with their exclusivity.
- Early access to episodes.
- Additional access to the hosts of the show for Q&A sessions.
A small monthly fee can be charged for these options, which can help you make a profit from the investment.
Sustainability-Focused Narratives
Today’s climate concerns are penetrating everyday lives and your audience is going to want to know how you’re contributing to fighting climate change. Podcasts that are focused on sustainability and the environment are doing well. This part of the show needs to be done carefully and authentically.
Any sustainability chat needs to have real-life cases where you’ve demonstrated that you’re taking action.
And this can be a hard sell for some brands.
Another problem has been a rise in pricing concerns. In a cost-of-living crisis that has struck many top economies across the world, some brands have found that audiences are more wary about the costs of products.
So while you might want to talk about how eco-conscious you are, you also need to think about the cost for the audience, and ensure that you’re affordable as well. Hit both and you can get a loyal following.
The Rise of Video Podcasts
Every year we’re talking about the rise of video podcasts, and this is now something that has to be taken very seriously. One of the reasons why Google Podcasts shut down in 2024 is because data at Google found that YouTube was a more popular platform for podcasts.
Therefore, brands that are still doing audio-only podcasts are going to be at a significant disadvantage.
High-end brands and those new to podcasting should be automatically upgrading their podcast production to include videos. This doesn’t mean that you need to get a fancy studio. Many podcasters are still recording themselves sitting at a desk, in front of a mic.
There are many advantages of video podcasts. For instance, the depth of communication is strengthened as the emotion on your face can be clear to see. Also, video can boost SEO on your website, so if you’re integrating episodes on your website, you can see a growth in your website’s traffic.
Another advantage is that it is a more personal experience for the audience. Therefore, your audience gets to know you better and becomes more engaged with your podcast and brand.
Interactive and Shoppable Podcasts
Online media is something that offers plenty of potential for audiences. And research has shown that audiences want to be more connected with the content that they’re engaging with.
Therefore, getting interactive with audiences is going to be one drive that will be hard to ignore in 2025.
There are many ways that you can build interactivity in your podcasts. You can use polls, which can be embedded into your podcast streams. Get audiences to come back to your show by saying you’re going to reveal the results of the poll in a future episode.
Live Q&A sessions can also be a great way to generate interaction between you and your audience. Live sessions on YouTube, Twitch and other platforms make this fairly simple to do.
But you might need to get some help to run these sessions, with one person manning the live chat feature and another presenting the episode. It also requires specific skills to run these sessions, and so not the best for those just starting out.
Finally, research has shown that people like to have links to products, services and offers which are mentioned inside of the podcast. Using platforms like YouTube, you can add elements which are clickable which take the audience directly to another landing page. So if you have a deal with a podcast sponsor on your episode, link it to the product/service page.
Alternatively, if you’ve written a free eBook for audiences, you can link directly to that inside the podcast. And this is a great way to grow your email marketing list.
Diversity in Podcast Voices
The world is a very diverse place, and audiences want to see this portrayed in the episodes they’re listening too. While it isn’t advisable to replace the host, you need to start thinking about the guests that you’re bringing onto the show. Try to incorporate underrepresented groups into your content, to build on the message and demonstrate that you’re tackling stories, events and advice from numerous directions.
To help you out here, you might want to consider using a podcast guest booking service. These services can help you recruit podcast guests from any niche group, helping you to find someone with the experience, expertise, and diversity you need for your show. And they can save you time as well.
Podcasts as Live Event Extensions
Podcast hosts are seeing live events not just as a chance to get content for podcasts, but as a marketing opportunity. Not everyone can attend events, but by producing a live podcast at the event, you can provide the audience with the experience of being at the event.
There are many different ways that you can tackle live events, such as:
- Conducting interviews or panels with those at the event to provide fresh insights.
- Commentating on what is currently going on at the event.
- Doing a breakdown of what has been happening and what is to come.
- Providing reviews of key talks or moments at the event.
And with YouTube and other platforms, getting a live event going is easy. It just takes a moment to set up.
Hyperlocal Podcasting
While there is a global economy, localization is a significant trend. Research has shown that 80% of global consumers believe that local brands offer high-quality goods and in the US, 54% of consumers will purposefully purchase from a local brand at least once a month to support the local economy.
If your podcast can capitalize on this trend, then you can be in a good stead. What you might want to do is to talk to local brands in your area and get them involved in your podcast. You can also go to different locations and report directly from new locations, featuring successful local brands.
There are lots of opportunities for you to build localization into your show. But it has to be carefully done. You have to be authentic in your approach.
Collaborations with Influential Guests
The top-performing podcasts are hosted or incorporate influencers in their podcast episodes.
And you can do the same. Influencers can be particularly powerful in episodes because they will bring their loyal following, credibility, and authority with them. They will also have unique viewpoints which can create interesting and authentic conversations that can turn some dull conversations into engaging debates audiences will love.
There are lots of ways to recruit influential guests. You might for instance already know a few that you can work with. Or you can use a guest booking service, as mentioned before.
It is important to note that you shouldn’t expect to pay for the guest. While they might have a following, being on your show is payment because it helps them in many different ways.
FAQs
Do I need to use every one of the top podcast trends?
Use the trends that are most applicable to you. Some trends will go against your branding or aren’t applicable to your branding. So carefully see which trends you can use and look for ways to manage them into existing systems.
Can outsourcing help me meet some of these podcast trends?
Outsourcing can not only be a good way to learn the skills for these new trends, but it can also be a cost-effective way to get experts to help you integrate new trends into your show seamlessly. Therefore, you can benefit from an improved set of episodes and better audience engagement.
Is video podcasting an essential podcast trend?
If there is one trend that is essential for 2025, it is moving an audio-only podcast into video. More people are using video podcasts and consuming them on YouTube.
Final Word: Top 10 Podcast Trends High-End Brands Can’t Ignore in 2025
In 2025, podcasts are more than just a medium for storytelling; they are a strategic platform for high-end brands to engage, influence, and inspire audiences. By embracing at least some of these trends to stay ahead of the curve, foster a deeper connection with audiences and solidify your position as an authority in a niche.
Produce Your Podcast is a full-service podcast production, editing, and marketing agency specializing in helping brands launch, grow, and monetize successful podcasts that impact their bottom line. With 30+ years of experience in broadcasting and business development brought to every project we work on, our team of experts is a reliable partner to help you achieve your goals with your show.
Click here to schedule a conversation with our team today and let’s bring your show to life!
