mvm.

How many audio blogs have you listened to in the past year?

In fact, how many people are actively listening to one right now while they read this?

Allowing listeners to multi-task, making it convenient around their time, while grafting at becoming an expert in their field, the demand of podcasts among listeners have sky-rocketed in demand – with streaming services, ad agencies and sponsorships diving in head-first to get a slice of the pie.

Ever since lockdown first hit, many consumers and avid learners were keen to explore new skills and thrive more in a learning environment, but were undoubtedly restricted within the confines of their own spaces. And so, podcasts soon entered the fold.

Streaming giants Spotify have claimed their stake in it already, in an attempt to corner the market all for themselves as they see the potential in podcasts. Already purchasing some of the major podcast titles to obtaining it exclusively on their site, they hope to be the biggest provider of podcasts in the next 5 to 10 years or so.

And despite claims of disgruntled premium payers still having to hear sponsored podcast ads, it has been well-received among consumers and listeners alike. When Spotify shelled out millions to bring in The Joe Rogan Experience to the platform, you can certainly class this as a pivotal moment for Spotify reaching their end-goals, as it went on to becoming the most popular podcasts in 2020 for them. Which actually allowed them to reach 24% growth in subscribers too. And that was just for podcasts alone.

But why are they so popular? So yeah, podcasts reflect the empowering and important for sure, but I think they also give someone else to listen to, a voice. And in a time when loneliness and depression is swelling the headlines, a voice is what anyone needs to take their mind off the horrors of the real world. Even if it’s just for an hour. It also allows listeners to multi-task, and will undoubtedly progress how productive we are – even if it’s just doing our daily household chores or brainstorming the next creative steps to your business.

Prior to 2020, I had never found the time or patience to listen to a podcast, but now? With all the time in the world it seems, podcasts have become a necessity in my daily life. Personally, true crimes are instant favourite of mine. During work, after hours going for a jog or when I’m settling into bed, these audio blogs are nothing but a comfort blanket we so desperately need right now. So, pick up your best pair, tune into the favourites and get cracking. Because whether you are a fan of them or not, they’re here to stay.

Don’t know where to look and need a jump-start in the world of podcasting? No worries, I’ve got you covered:

Catch up on a few popular ones from the BBC too: