My 5 Podcast Predictions for 2025
We’re almost two whole months into the year… who can believe it? However, I believe there still is time to get my predictions in for podcasts in 2025.
Over the weekend, I was chatting to a friend who believes the podcast world is too saturated. And I told her that I wholeheartedly disagree.
For me personally, I feel like finding a podcast is like Goldilocks and the 3 bears (however, in this case, it’s Katie and the search for a podcast I would like to listen to). For me, it goes something like this; this podcast is too irrelevant, this podcast is too slow or this podcast is too scripted.
If this is me, think of how many other people have this thought-process and are continually searching for the right podcast to listen to - it opens up a whole world of opportunity - right?
I’m a firm believer that if you have an interesting POV, a mic (even a little entry-level one) and a podcast platform subscription - you are qualified.
Without further ado, here are my 5 podcast predictions for 2025.
1.Podcasts as a way to boost your brand and authority in business
Podcasts are a great tool for boosting your brand, establishing authority, and positioning yourself as a trusted thought leader. Every episode is an opportunity to showcase your expertise, connect with potential clients, and share valuable insights. It’s also a way to present yourself as the go-to person in your industry -someone who’s not only knowledgeable but approachable, ready to build mutually beneficial connections and grow networks for both you and your listeners.
2. Uplift in podcasts for current affairs
The world’s moving fast – and we need to keep up. The news cycle can be overwhelming, but podcasts are stepping in to make sense of it all. Expect an uptick in podcasts that dissect current affairs with nuance, offering digestible analysis and fresh perspectives. People are craving insights that go beyond the headlines and soundbites, and I think 2025 is going to be the year these podcasts take centre stage (already they are helping me digest what’s happening geo-politically). I think there is a growing appetite for listeners wanting more in-depth conversations that help them understand what's going on. If you’re in Australia, check out The Daily Aus as an established example.
3. Short-form podcasts for the time-poor and brain-rotted
Who has time for a 2-hour deep dive when you’re juggling work, gym, and life (aside from maybe a lazy Sunday). I think short-form podcasts are going to continue their rise as the go-to option for those of us who just can’t afford to sit down for an extended listening session. Think 10 to 20-minute episodes that give you just enough to keep your brain active. Perfect for the time-poor, but also for those of us who are just looking to get through a podcast without feeling mentally exhausted at the end.
4. Video podcasts and the rise of Spotify
Spotify’s already making waves in this space, and I think we’re going to see even more content creators embracing video alongside their audio. It’s the perfect mix of entertainment and education, and it opens up a whole new layer of engagement. People want to see the faces behind the voices – and platforms like Spotify are making it easier than ever to create, share, and watch these podcasts. With the rise of video content everywhere, podcasting is following suit. I’ll be real - it’s exhausting to keep up.
I shared this post recently on LinkedIn:
My point in this post? Video podcasts are not a new thing.
5. An increase in authenticity and connection
In a world where everything feels a bit too polished and perfect, people are craving something real. I think we’re going to see a rise in podcasts that are raw, authentic, and grounded in genuine connection. Listeners are tired of scripted perfection; they want to hear the real stories, the behind-the-scenes moments, and the unfiltered thoughts. It’s all about creating an environment where hosts are not just speaking at their audience, but truly connecting with them. Whether it’s through personal anecdotes, vulnerability, or just being unapologetically themselves, podcasts that prioritise authenticity are going to build loyal communities and foster deeper engagement. I think this follows in that trend appearing with Gen Z; where they are the generation increasingly seeking authentic connections and a sense of community. A study by Forbes found that over 75% of Gen Z and millennials feel they have a voice and social capital within their communities.
An interesting connection here: In Johann Hari’s book Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression - and the Unexpected Solutions, he argues that depression rates have risen due to a lack of meaningful connections. He suggests that societal factors, such as disconnection from meaningful work, relationships, and community, contribute significantly to the prevalence of depression. Maybe these changes in the digital world are evidence of the world trying to heal itself? Maybe too deep? Who knows.
Those are my predictions for podcasts in 2025. I’m looking forward to reading back in these in another year. It’s always fascinating to me how things in the digital sphere evolve over time. Do you ever think that, when you look back, you realise how obvious the evolution of things is in hindsight? Like, “that is so obvious how this product or platform evolved - I could’ve thought of that!” Just me? Anyway! I’ll leave the comments below if you have any musings to add!
