podcasting – RedCircle Blog https://redcircle.com/blog Be Heard Wed, 06 Dec 2023 22:09:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 https://redcircle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/favicon-32x32-1.png podcasting – RedCircle Blog https://redcircle.com/blog 32 32 Get to Know Podcasts Before a Campaign Starts with RedCircle’s Vetting Process! https://redcircle.com/blog/get-to-know-podcasts-before-a-campaign-starts-with-redcircles-vetting-process/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=get-to-know-podcasts-before-a-campaign-starts-with-redcircles-vetting-process Thu, 07 Dec 2023 10:55:00 +0000 https://redcircle.com/blog/?p=827 We’re back again with another exciting update for advertisers! Advertisers on RedCircle are now able to send custom questionnaires to podcasts on RAP (the RedCircle Ad Platform) before fully committing to a campaign. Get a feel for the podcasts you’re interested in working with and ensure it’s the right fit! Our vetting feature allows advertisers […]

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We’re back again with another exciting update for advertisers! Advertisers on RedCircle are now able to send custom questionnaires to podcasts on RAP (the RedCircle Ad Platform) before fully committing to a campaign. Get a feel for the podcasts you’re interested in working with and ensure it’s the right fit!

Our vetting feature allows advertisers to send a quick survey to any chosen podcasts before a campaign even starts. The survey helps to gauge interest in the campaign and prevents unexpected declines from podcasts. No need to wait for networks to do the vetting, you can contact the hosts directly and get an immediate response. Let’s take a closer look at how it works!

As an advertiser, you can create a custom questionnaire designed to vet podcasts on the criteria that you set. Easily receive responses that help you better determine what podcasts are the perfect fit for your campaign. No more crossing your fingers and hoping the selected podcasts accept the pending campaign! Instead, gauge their interest right from the start.

After creating the survey, simply select the podcasts you want to vet, add a response due date, and wait for the interest to pour in!

Check out our Help Center for a full breakdown of the vetting process.


Our goal with vetting is to reduce unexpected declines and help advertisers find the exact right fit for their campaigns. We want to eliminate the game of “telephone” that comes with vetting shows. 

We’re constantly improving our product to create a seamless experience for advertisers and podcasters alike. We’re ecstatic to share these changes, and the many more to come, with you!

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Are You Stopping Yourself from Podcasting? https://redcircle.com/blog/are-you-stopping-yourself-from-podcasting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=are-you-stopping-yourself-from-podcasting Tue, 05 Dec 2023 16:55:00 +0000 https://redcircle.com/blog/?p=823 The idea of podcasting has been floating around your mind for quite some time, but you’re always hesitating whenever you think about sitting down to record. The words perch on your tongue but seem to fizzle into the ether as soon as a microphone appears. Sound familiar? There are a few reasons why you might […]

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The idea of podcasting has been floating around your mind for quite some time, but you’re always hesitating whenever you think about sitting down to record. The words perch on your tongue but seem to fizzle into the ether as soon as a microphone appears. Sound familiar?

There are a few reasons why you might be stopping yourself from starting your podcasting journey. Maybe you’re unsure what equipment would be best to use, or you’re not sure if you have time in the day to record, or maybe you’re worried that it won’t work out the way you envisioned. All of these what-ifs are what’s stopping you from podcasting. Don’t worry, though, we’re here to help you defeat the doubts!


Overwhelmed by Technology

We get it, there are dozens and dozens of equipment and software dedicated to podcasting. Of course, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is the right fit for you! Many beginner podcasters falsely believe that they need top-of-the-line recording equipment and editing software to just get started. It’s no secret that you don’t! Really, you just need a computer (or even a tablet) that’s capable of editing and a microphone that’s able to capture your voice.

You can use what’s already at your fingertips to start creating content. Plenty of podcasters, even currently well-known ones, started recording with whatever they could get their hands on. You don’t need to shell out hundreds of dollars to share your voice with the world. But, if you’re looking for some recommendations, we do have a few in our blog post here (including free ones!)

Finding the Time

Time is a scarce commodity these days, so it’s understandable that it may cause some hesitancy. We always have something to do, whether that be work or relaxation, our time is valuable. But that doesn’t mean it’s completely impossible to find a bit of time in the day to dedicate to podcasting. Especially if it’s something that you’ve been wanting to do for a while!

The key to finding time is to be okay with small moments. As we covered in our blog post, How to Start Your Own Podcast, there’s more work than you might expect that goes into creating a podcast. Not only recording and editing, but planning, researching, and practicing play an essential role in crafting an amazing podcast. This isn’t meant to discourage, but rather, to help understand the small moments in your routine where you can spend time working on your podcast. During your commute, you could edit your script or practice what you want to say, or on weekends when you have a breather you could spend a few minutes editing aspects of your podcast. Sneaking time in your day to focus on your podcast can help you cross the finish line.

Nothing beats dedicated time, though. If you’re able to, then finding a set time each week to sit down and really focus will make a world of difference. Hobbies and projects require committed time in order to see the light of day. Each of us has time in our day for what we deem as important. Mark your podcast as one of those priorities!

The Perfect Fit

With a sea of other shows, it can seem intimidating to share your work. But no one else has your voice, your opinions, and your unique outlook on life. Many beginner podcasters can get stuck at this stage – what’s the right thing to talk about? There’s no magic answer for what topic to cover, but we can share a secret with you; pick something you love and just go from there.

You don’t need to find the perfect topic, the perfect artwork, the perfect words, you just need to find something you are passionate about and speak on it. Your sincerity will pour through your listeners’ speakers if you choose something you care about.

Julie Cameron, the author of The Artist’s Way, puts it, well, perfectly: “Perfectionism thrives on comparison and competition. It doesn’t know how to say, ‘Good try,’ or ‘Job well done.’ The critic does not believe in creative glee–or any glee at all, for that matter.” It can be all too easy to look at other podcasters and compare your work to theirs. And doing so can create quite a discouraging effect. It may even stop you from trying at all.

Fear of Failure

Perfectionism couples almost too well with the fear of failure. A major obstacle for podcasters, and many other types of creators, is the fear of failure. The fear that what they put into the world is not going to unfold in the way they want, in a way they perceive as “successful.”

However, reframing the idea of failure can combat the very idea of fear. You might have heard it said before, but it bears repeating, there is no such thing as failure. You had the courage to share your ideas with the rest of the world and that in itself is success. If what you created isn’t exactly as you had hoped, then treat it as the learning experience it is! You learned how to craft, record, edit, and market a podcast. Those are indispensable skills that can carry you on to your next project. Just because one idea didn’t work out the way you thought it would doesn’t mean the next one won’t! And even better, you have that whole experience under your belt. You’re not starting from square one anymore.

Failure is scary, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re passionate about podcasting, about the topic you’ve chosen, and proud of the work you’ve done, then it’s anything but a failure!


Podcasting is a wonderful journey for those who choose to embark on it. Don’t stop yourself from being one! Challenge yourself and sign up today!

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The Podcaster Gift Guide https://redcircle.com/blog/the-podcaster-gift-guide/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-podcaster-gift-guide Tue, 21 Nov 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://redcircle.com/blog/?p=795 The holidays, and sales, are just around the corner! Struggling to figure out what to get the podcaster in your life? Or perhaps the podcaster lover in your life? Look no further! We’re here to guide you on the best types of gifts to get podcasters and podcast lovers alike. Equipment They’ll Love There’s a […]

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The holidays, and sales, are just around the corner! Struggling to figure out what to get the podcaster in your life? Or perhaps the podcaster lover in your life? Look no further! We’re here to guide you on the best types of gifts to get podcasters and podcast lovers alike.


Equipment They’ll Love

There’s a surprising amount of tech podcasters can use to up their recording game. Most podcasters start simple – a mic and a computer. But they can always benefit from accessories that help to improve the sound of their recordings and make it easier to make their show.

Microphones

An essential part of recording a podcast is the microphone. Chances are that the podcaster in your life has a microphone, but consider these options for those who are using their computer microphones or a beat-up headset.

Recording Software

Another essential part of creating a podcast is the recording software. There are plenty of free options available, but purchasing a gift subscription or gift card to purchase one of these professional tools.

  • Logic Pro: An Apple product. We recommend purchasing an App Store Gift Card in order to gift this tool.
  • Adobe Audition: An Adobe product. We recommend purchasing and setting up an account for the recipient.
  • Reaper: Reaper provides a code to be used once purchased. Simply forward the code to the recipient! (We recommend entering the recipient’s name and email address when purchasing, if possible.)
Hosting Platform

One last essential piece to hosting a podcast is finding it a home on the web. Hosting Platforms, like RedCircle, allow folks to upload and share their content with the world!

To purchase a subscription, you most likely will need to create an account in their name and set up the subscription. (RedCircle’s subscriptions are set to auto-renew, so be sure that the recipient cancels before the date of renewal.) 

Headphones

Podcasters use headphones to monitor their sound levels and audio quality in real-time when recording. It also helps to keep the more distractible folks on track during recording sessions. At the very least, you want to select headphones that are comfortable and have good audio quality.

  • Audio Technica offers both wired and wireless headphones that are comfortable and of great quality. Headphones range from $50 USD to $350+ USD. Their Studio headphones in particular are great for podcasting!
  • Sennheiser is another comfortable and stylish option (and a personal favorite of some folks on the RedCircle team!) Prices range from $50 USD to $500+ USD.
  • Sony is also a wonderful option for podcasting and other media like video games and video recording. You can pick up super budget-friendly $20 headphones or splurge on some $300+ ones. However, we recommend going with the oh-so-comfy WH (wireless) models.
  • Apple Airpods are also a great option (seems like almost everyone has a pair or two!) Prices for AirPods go from about $130 to $550.
Pop Filters & Windscreens

These clip-on accessories help to significantly reduce noise from plosive speech. Though windscreens are typically meant for outdoor noises, they can be helpful when recording indoors, too.

Pop filters typically attach to desks and sit in front of the microphone while windscreens look like foam microphone covers.

Neither of these accessories are ultra-expensive, so they’re worth the small investment. You can find them on Amazon, Best Buy, and other places that specialize in tech.

Microphone Stands

While it’s possible to record an entire episode holding up a microphone, it’s way less comfortable of a position. There are some mics that are able to stand up on their own, so that’s always an option instead.

Similar to pop filters and windscreens, mic stands aren’t terribly expensive and can help to elevate their podcasting setup. You can find suitable stands on Amazon, Best Buy, and any other place that specializes in tech.

Mixers

A mixer helps to create much higher-level audio as it allows better control of the input of each mic hooked up to it. It also helps to reduce the time spent editing as it can adjust the volume right on the fly. It can even add sound effects during the recording!

Here are some of the most popular options:

  • RødeCaster Pro – Wildly popular with podcasters, the RødCaster Pro series offers a good deal of features to improve audio.
  • Focusrite – In particular their Scarlett series, which is generally popular among musicians and podcasters alike, is a great option to control voice levels and make it sound much brighter.
  • Mackie – A legendary brand in sound and audio design offers a host of pro-level products. Not only do they often set the standard for products, their prices can range from budget-friendly $70 USD to network-deep-pockets $800. There’s an option for every type of podcaster.

Show Your Support

Another fantastic way to share the holiday cheer is to donate or subscribe to your podcast friends’ shows! RedCircle offers the ability to donate directly to your favorite show or purchase a subscription to unlock Exclusive Content.

This also makes a great gift for the podcast lover in your life! If they enjoy a specific podcast and it offers exclusive content, consider purchasing a subscription for that podcaster to gift to the listener. On RedCircle, we recommend making an account and purchasing directly from there. Then, simply share the login information and pass the account over to the recipient. (RedCircle’s exclusive content subscriptions are set to auto-renew, so be sure that the recipient cancels before the date of renewal.)


There are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays this year with podcasters and listeners alike! Take advantage of Black Friday deals and gift them something they’ll love!

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Should You Use AI for Podcasting? https://redcircle.com/blog/should-you-use-ai-for-podcasting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=should-you-use-ai-for-podcasting Tue, 14 Nov 2023 16:55:00 +0000 https://redcircle.com/blog/?p=787 AI has been making waves across the internet for the past couple of years, most notably OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Dall-E tools which have opened new doors into content creation. While some are weary of the introduction of AI, it can be quite a powerful tool in a creator’s arsenal. AI tools can be used to […]

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AI has been making waves across the internet for the past couple of years, most notably OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Dall-E tools which have opened new doors into content creation. While some are weary of the introduction of AI, it can be quite a powerful tool in a creator’s arsenal.

AI tools can be used to enhance and optimize a podcaster’s workflow, making it that much easier to focus on the creative side of podcasting. Let AI take care of the more tedious tasks so you have more time to dedicate to your own unique creative process!

Use AI to Help with Your Written Content

The beauty of AI lies in its ability to handle tedious tasks. For some, writing may not be a tedious task, but AI can be an incredible tool for those who struggle with stringing together the right words.

Podcasters can easily take on the written word with the help of AI tools. They can be used to create episode descriptions that excel in SEO or transcribe entire audio files in only a few seconds. Podcasters can use AI tools to write succinct show notes by providing their own rough drafts. AI acts as an editor of sorts; reviewing your work and updating it to your specifications. It can help you save time by taking care of this type of work.

Use AI to Help Generate and Explore Ideas

AI is more than a glorified search engine. It can help you to generate content ideas for your episodes and even conduct in-depth research on topics you’re interested in covering. Instead of sifting through the information yourself, your AI helper can craft outlines for your ideas and even provide the footnotes. Ask it what topics your audience demographics are most interested in learning about, or if it can create an outline for your episode to help get you started. You can even ask it what topics of interest are trending for your specific podcast category.

It’s an excellent tool to utilize when you’re feeling stuck as it can help you to get over that dreadful creative block!

Use AI as a Virtual Assistant

Assisting humans with organization is AI’s bread-and-butter. You can use AI’s impeccable memory and time management to help keep you on track. Have it create to-do lists, editorial calendars, and more to help you spend less time fretting over the details and focusing more on the quality of your content.


AI is a fantastic tool to help with podcasting, but it’s just that – a tool. The key to podcasting is creating a connection between yourself and your listeners. As much as AI can help us unlock our creativity, it’s not a replacement for the humans behind the microphones. Don’t be afraid to leverage AI to help make podcasting easier, just be sure to keep in mind that you are what makes your podcast unique and wonderful!

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Less is More: How Many Ads Should There Be in an Ad Break? https://redcircle.com/blog/less-is-more-how-many-ads-should-there-be-in-an-ad-break/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=less-is-more-how-many-ads-should-there-be-in-an-ad-break Tue, 07 Nov 2023 15:55:00 +0000 https://redcircle.com/blog/?p=784 When it comes to podcast ads, it turns out that less does a whole lot better than more. A recent study from Ad Results Media (ARM) found that the ideal number of ads per ad break is 2 max. This goldilocks number allows listeners to really hear the ads and prevents them from tuning out, […]

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When it comes to podcast ads, it turns out that less does a whole lot better than more. A recent study from Ad Results Media (ARM) found that the ideal number of ads per ad break is 2 max. This goldilocks number allows listeners to really hear the ads and prevents them from tuning out, or even worse, skipping them entirely.

ARM conducted a 14-month study that looked over $80 million in ad spend to determine the perfect number of ads for each ad break. While 2 ads were just right, they found that ad breaks with 3-4 performed only about 12% worse. However, ad breaks with 5 or more ads completely tanked. Ad breaks with 5 or more ads performed 46% worse than those with 2 ad breaks.

Ad breaks packed with ads performed worse most likely due to listener fatigue. Listeners inundated with ads may feel overwhelmed and decide to skip ads altogether. Podcasters should be cognizant of the number of ad slots they have placed in their episodes to ensure the perfect balance of ads and content.

Of course, the number of ad breaks depends heavily on the length of your episodes. Podcasts with episodes 15-20 minutes or less should aim to have 1-2 ad breaks per episode. One Pre-Roll Insertion Point and one Post-Roll often do the trick!

Podcasts with longer episodes, 30 minutes or more, should try to have at least one Pre-Roll Insertion Point, one Mid-Roll Insertion Point, and one Post-Roll Insertion Point. If the podcast is quite long, 1.5 to 2 hours, then an extra Mid-Roll Insertion Point is totally okay to add. (But be sure to space them out properly!)

Striking the right balance might seem onerous, but sticking to the above suggestions will help you to maximize your revenue!

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iOS 17 Update Explained https://redcircle.com/blog/ios-17-update-explained/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ios-17-update-explained Thu, 02 Nov 2023 15:55:00 +0000 https://redcircle.com/blog/?p=780 Apple recently released an operating system update that may have a major impact on podcast downloads. The TL;DR of it: Apple is changing the way podcast episodes are being downloaded to iOS devices. This change may skew your download numbers on Apple Podcasts to be a bit lower than they typically are. The change was […]

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Apple recently released an operating system update that may have a major impact on podcast downloads. The TL;DR of it: Apple is changing the way podcast episodes are being downloaded to iOS devices. This change may skew your download numbers on Apple Podcasts to be a bit lower than they typically are. The change was made with the best intentions, though, in an effort to improve the accuracy of downloads.


What Was the Update?

The key change in the September update affects those subscribed to podcasts on Apple Podcasts. Prior to the update, if a listener subscribed to a podcast, forgot about it, and returned after some time, every unplayed episode would be downloaded to their iOS device. However, after the iOS 17 update, when returning to a podcast after a listening hiatus, it simply resumes and does not download previous episodes.

In addition to that change, episodes that are older than 7 days (even those recently added to back catalogs) are no longer automatically downloaded. Before the update, if a podcaster added old episodes to their Feed, they would be treated as “new” episodes and be automatically downloaded. 

What It Means For You

The changes implemented by the iOS 17 update may end up warping podcast download numbers. Since returning subscribed listeners no longer automatically download entire catalogs in one instance, these large spikes will no longer occur and download numbers may appear lower than you might be expecting.

Bumper recently posted a blog article with information on how to determine if your show may have been affected by this change. 

For RedCircle members, you can check your downloads for Apple Podcasts specifically on the Downloads page. You’ll want to look from September 18th onwards for any oddities. (Need help navigating the Downloads page? We’ve got you covered in this Help article.)

You can then check the number of daily listeners on your Apple Connect Dashboard to see if there’s an actual decline in listenership, or if it’s the iOS 17 update affecting total downloads. 

Both of these metrics should help you to determine if the sudden dip in downloads is due to the recent iOS 17 update.


Ultimately, this change helps to better align podcast downloads across the industry, which both Advertisers and Podcasters can appreciate!

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How to Interview Guests for Your Podcast https://redcircle.com/blog/how-to-interview-guests-for-your-podcast/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-interview-guests-for-your-podcast Tue, 24 Oct 2023 15:55:00 +0000 https://redcircle.com/blog/?p=766 Interviewing guests on your show is a marvelous way to introduce more perspectives on your topic, reach a wider audience, and network within the podcasting industry!  There are really only upsides to inviting a guest to speak on your show. Having a guest on your show does require some forethought, though. Not only do you […]

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Interviewing guests on your show is a marvelous way to introduce more perspectives on your topic, reach a wider audience, and network within the podcasting industry!  There are really only upsides to inviting a guest to speak on your show.

Having a guest on your show does require some forethought, though. Not only do you want to ensure an entertaining episode for your audience, you also want to make sure it’s a pleasant experience for the guest! These tips should help you to prepare and pull off an unforgettable episode!


Before the Interview

The best piece of advice we can offer is preparation. Preparing goes beyond compiling a list of questions, it means diving into your guests’ works and truly understanding the value they bring to your topic. 

Research Your Guest

Be sure to do your homework! Research your guest: what works have they accomplished? What are their opinions on the subject? What have others said about them? Diving deeply into your guest and their work can help you craft questions that explore the chosen topic at length. 

Check out some of their other interviews for ideas, too. Listening to previous interviews your guest has given allows you to form more unique and interesting questions. Avoid the ones asked over and over again, and instead focus on something less explored. This won’t only be a treat for your listeners but for the guest too!

Mind Your P’s and Q’s

Once you’ve done your research, you’re well-prepared to compile your list of questions. You want to think of the interview as a story; you and your guest are constructing a story together, one that will captivate your collective audience. So, choose questions that allow for good back-and-forth. Open-ended questions work best for this rather than yes/no ones. The latter type of question doesn’t leave much room for conversation!

It’s also vital to keep in mind that you don’t ask any “leading” questions. These types of questions (sometimes) subtly direct the guest to give a desired answer. You want the interview to be an authentic exchange.

And finally, dig into the why and how of an answer. Go beyond hearing that your guest accomplished something, ask them how they did it and what drove them to do so. Digging deeper creates a much richer discussion that will have your listeners hanging on to every word.

Don’t forget to share the questions with your guest before the interview so they have time to think them over!

Do a Little Self-Promo

You’re not the only one who should be prepared! Brief your guest on your show: let them know what you’re about, what subject you’re exploring, and the demographics of your audience. Giving them that information upfront allows them to tailor their answers to your audience. 

During the Interview

Hopefully, you’ll be well-prepared by the time the interview rolls around! With your list of questions in hand, you’re ready to conduct an amazing interview with your guest. But before you rush on with the questions, allow your guest to get comfortable with you and your audience. Joke with them or ask how they’ve been doing lately. Give them space to be a real person with thoughts other than the subject you’re discussing. This also helps your audience quickly get to know your guest and feel connected with them in the same way they connect with you.

Once your guest is comfortable, you can jump into your questions! Remember, you and your guest are collaborating on a story together. You’re weaving a tale where they play a major role. In addition to asking the right questions, you need to make sure you’re actively listening to their answers, not just nodding along and moving on to the next question on your list. 

Being an active listener can also help to keep the interview as authentic as possible. Don’t be afraid to stray away from your prepared list of questions if a particular answer piques your interest. Ask follow-up questions to help expand the thought and get to the heart of it.

After the Interview

Even though the interview is winding down, there are still some final things to complete. First and foremost, be sure to thank your guest for taking the time to speak with you! This can be done verbally after you stop recording, or a quick email expressing your gratitude, or even a small gift (if it’s relevant to the show or their work.) Thanking your guests is key if you want them to be a guest again, or even to recommend their peers appear on your show.

Give your guest time at the end of the interview to promote their work to your audience. Be sure that they share their social media handles, website, or any other contact information so your audience can follow them, too.

Lastly, when uploading the podcast to your hosting platform, be sure to add in your guest’s information in your show notes. Link to their website, their socials, or any other relevant links so your audience can easily find them. Encourage your guest to post about the episode in their own social media circles to increase listenership, too.


Inviting folks to guest on your show can be a wonderful experience for your audience, your guest, and yourself! It’s a worthwhile way to inject freshness into your podcast and expand your audience. With these tips, you’ll be an interviewing champ in no time!

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Podcast Advertising Trends in 2023 https://redcircle.com/blog/podcast-advertising-trends-in-2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=podcast-advertising-trends-in-2023 Tue, 17 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://redcircle.com/blog/?p=744 Podcast advertising has been on a meteoric rise in recent years, and with 2024 on the horizon, it shows no sign of slowing down. More people than ever are tuning in to their favorite podcasts, and advertisers are seizing the opportunity to connect with engaged and loyal audiences. Let’s explore the ever-growing podcast industry together! […]

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Podcast advertising has been on a meteoric rise in recent years, and with 2024 on the horizon, it shows no sign of slowing down. More people than ever are tuning in to their favorite podcasts, and advertisers are seizing the opportunity to connect with engaged and loyal audiences. Let’s explore the ever-growing podcast industry together!


Dynamic Insertion Continues to Shine

Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI) technology has transformed the podcast advertising landscape and remains a dominant trend in 2023. RedCircle’s Dynamic Insertion allows advertisers to seamlessly swap out ads in previously published podcast episodes. This dynamic approach ensures that ads remain fresh, relevant, and timely, providing a better listening experience for the audience.

DAI technology is becoming more sophisticated, allowing for highly targeted and personalized ad placements. As a result, advertisers can deliver tailored messages to specific demographics, significantly improving their ad campaign effectiveness. Learn about all the other benefits in our other blog post!

Podcast Revenue Hits the Billions ($$$)

Research conducted by the PwC for the Internet Advertising Bureau in May of 2023 projected that the total podcast ad revenue would hit $2.28 billion (a 25% increase year over year!) Big players in the industry have also been seeing growth, indicating an incredible strength when it comes to podcast advertising.

Right now is a great time to jump into podcast advertising! Especially since we’ve introduced a slew of impressive new features designed for our advertisers in mind. From frequency capping and air checks, Team Seats for Advertisers, and a brand new Help Section, we’ve worked hard to create an efficient and stress-free experience for advertisers. Sign up and see for yourself.

Niche Podcasts Gain Prominence

Niche podcasts are gaining prominence as the podcasting industry continues to expand. These podcasts cater to specific, passionate audiences, making them ideal for advertisers looking to reach highly targeted demographics. In 2023 and onwards, expect to see more brands partnering with niche podcasts that align with their products or services.

Whether it’s a podcast about sustainable living, retro video games, or gluten-free cooking, niche podcasts provide a unique opportunity for advertisers to connect with engaged and enthusiastic listeners. Brands are increasingly recognizing the value of these specialized audiences.

Understanding a podcast’s audience and crafting campaigns specifically with them in mind increases the chances of success. (Check out 5 other tips on running successful podcast advertising campaigns in this blog post here!)

Brand Storytelling Takes Center Stage

Effective storytelling has always been at the heart of podcasting. In 2023 and beyond, expect to see more brands embracing this by crafting compelling narratives that resonate with listeners. Rather than traditional ads, brands are becoming content creators, developing stories that seamlessly integrate with the podcast’s theme and tone.

This trend blurs the line between advertising and content, creating a more authentic and engaging experience for the audience. Listeners are more likely to respond positively to ads that feel like a natural part of the podcast they love.

Programmatic Advertising on the Rise

Programmatic Advertising, which uses algorithms to automate the buying and placement of ads, is gaining traction in the podcasting world. This trend continues through the end of 2023 into 2024, as it streamlines the ad-buying process and enables advertisers to reach their target audience more efficiently.

With Programmatic Advertising, brands can leverage data-driven insights to make real-time decisions about when and where to place their ads, ensuring maximum relevance and impact.


We’re eager to see what the rest of 2023 brings along with the beginnings of 2024. We hope you come with us along the ride!

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How to Pick a Topic for Your Podcast https://redcircle.com/blog/how-to-pick-a-topic-for-your-podcast/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-pick-a-topic-for-your-podcast Fri, 13 Oct 2023 15:55:00 +0000 https://redcircle.com/blog/?p=739 You’ve gathered your tech materials, figured out where you’re going to host, and have practiced your intro into your hairbrush every morning since. But now you’ve come to realize that you don’t exactly know what you’re going to podcast about. You know you want to podcast, but you’re not entirely sure what you want to […]

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You’ve gathered your tech materials, figured out where you’re going to host, and have practiced your intro into your hairbrush every morning since. But now you’ve come to realize that you don’t exactly know what you’re going to podcast about. You know you want to podcast, but you’re not entirely sure what you want to tell your audience. Sound familiar? If so, then it sounds like this article may be just the thing you need.

In order to have a successful podcast, you need to make sure that it’s planned thoughtfully. A part of planning your podcast is coming up with the topic you want to spend time on. So, let’s dive in and help you discover your topic!


Passion Above All Else

Growing up, you may have heard the famous quote, “Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life,” from the adults in your life. The same can be applied to podcasting; talking about a subject you’re passionate about can carry your podcast to incredible heights.

Think about what piques your interest. What makes you stop in the middle of your day and really go, huh? Ask yourself why you want to podcast. What’s the thing burning inside you that you just have to share with the rest of the world?

Looking inward and discovering what’s important to you will help you find your perfect topic. An engaged and passionate host creates an engaged and passionate community of listeners!

Testing the Waters

The beauty of podcasting, and any art really, is the ability to try and try again. It’s not uncommon to start a podcast and learn that you’re not as into the subject as you thought. Don’t see these ventures as failures, though! Instead, see them as successes as you learned all the nuances of podcasting while testing the topic. So, when you find the topic that fits you best, you’ll be more than ready to produce it.

Finding Your Place in the Space

There are between 3 to 4 million podcasts currently available worldwide. So, it’s not unreasonable that you share a topic with another show. And that’s totally okay! The key is to find a “niche” for your podcast. Make your topic less general and more specific. Create a podcast with a specific audience in mind. Instead of just creating a show about cooking, create a show about cooking for college students. Focus your recipes on the challenges of cooking in a dorm and/or on a budget.

Finding a niche will help you to stand out amongst the other shows (and lends itself nicely to SEO practices!)

Creating a hyper-specific show allows for a dedicated, passionate community to grow around it!

Deciding on a Format

Podcasts have evolved beyond a couple of friends chatting in their living room. There are interview-style podcasts, long-form fiction podcasts, short and timely news podcasts. The list goes on. Deciding on the format of your content can create a unique listening experience for your audience.

Think about the content you want to talk about to help you figure out the format. Are you covering a sports team or a political movement? Then it might make more sense to make your show short and timely. If you’re really digging deep into the topic and the content could remain relevant for years to come, then a long-form podcast could be the way to go.

The type of content you want to produce will help you to determine the format for your show!


Podcasting can be a huge joy in life! And finding the right topic that you’re passionate about can help to create a show unique to you and your audience.

If you’re ready to launch your show, then give RedCircle a try! We’d love to help you on your journey to new podcasting heights!

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The Top 5 Places to Distribute Your Podcast https://redcircle.com/blog/the-top-5-places-to-distribute-your-podcast/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-top-5-places-to-distribute-your-podcast Wed, 11 Oct 2023 20:00:00 +0000 https://redcircle.com/blog/?p=735 A podcast isn’t a podcast without listeners. But where do you find listeners for your show? That’s where distribution platforms, like Apple Podcasts, come in! It’s best practice to share your podcast as far and wide as possible. There are dozens of podcast listening platforms and aggregators that help to share your show with their […]

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A podcast isn’t a podcast without listeners. But where do you find listeners for your show? That’s where distribution platforms, like Apple Podcasts, come in!

It’s best practice to share your podcast as far and wide as possible. There are dozens of podcast listening platforms and aggregators that help to share your show with their users. So, it can be overwhelming to try and figure out the optimal place to distribute your podcast.

We looked at our top-performing shows and discovered where a majority of their listeners are tuning in from. At the very least, be sure your show is being distributed from these platforms!


Apple Podcasts

It’s not surprising to see that a significant portion of listeners use Apple Podcasts as their listening platform of choice. It’s the largest podcast directory in the world, and some consider it the first. Podcasts supposedly got their name from iPods after all! If you’re not on Apple Podcasts then you’re missing out on a crucial space for listeners.

Learn how to distribute your show on Apple Podcasts in our Help Center.

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Spotify

Spotify is a newcomer to the podcasting space in comparison to legacies like Apple but that doesn’t mean their platform isn’t wildly popular with listeners. It consistently ranks as a close second in our findings.

Learn how to distribute your show on Spotify in our Help Center. For new shows created on RedCircle, you can distribute your show on Spotify with one single click.

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Amazon Music

Unexpected to some, but Amazon’s influence in the podcast industry is weighty, to say the least. Not only do listeners have access through the web, they can even tune in to your show through their Alexa devices. Amazon’s helpful AI assistant takes up a majority share (nearly 70%) of U.S. household smart speakers.

Learn how to distribute your show on Amazon Music in our Help Center.

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Podcast Addict

Podcast Addict started as a side project of Xavier Guillemane in 2011 and has quickly become an indie favorite among listeners. It’s also the #1 podcast app on Android!

Learn how to distribute your show on Podcast Addict in our Help Center.

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Castbox

A uniquely interesting listening app as they’ve dedicated a majority of their resources on their search functions. They’ve invested heavily in artificial intelligence making podcast discovery incredibly easy. Listeners can painlessly find new podcasts, like yours, when using this app.

Learn how to distribute your show on Castbox in our Help Center.

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Honorable Mentions

While these podcast listening platforms didn’t make the Top 5, they still have tons of active listeners ready to discover new shows!

Google Podcasts: Google Podcasts boasts a high number of downloads, but we moved them to honorable mentions as they’re unfortunately shutting down in late 2024. However, they’re switching shows over to YouTube Music!

Right now, though, you can submit your show to YouTube and automatically post episodes to your channel on RedCircle.

iHeartRadio: A well-known player in the podcast industry, iHeartRadio has been around for quite some time. It tends to be a favorite among older demographics (perhaps reminiscing on the heyday of radio.)

Learn how to distribute your show to iHeartRadio in our Help Center.

Overcast: Similar to Podcast Addict, Overcast was started by one person passionate about podcasts. Unlike the others on this list, though, this platform automatically pulls from Apple Podcasts. So, if you’re distributing on Apple then you’re distributing here, too!


Don’t stop your distribution journey with the Top 5 platforms! Be sure to spread your podcast across the web by distributing it on every platform you come across.

Check out the Distribution section in our Help Center for a full list of platforms and in-depth instructions on how to set them up.

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