New research on the podcasting industry in 2024, conducted by AI-powered podcast editing software Podcastle, has revealed the ‘perfect podcast formula’ – uncovering the elements that make the top trending podcasts of this year so successful.

The study, aimed at both aspiring and existing podcast creators, involved an in-depth analysis of the top 250 podcasts of 2024 so far and survey insights from listeners on their podcast preferences and ‘icks’.

Key findings:

– Almost 1 in 5 Americans are starting a podcast this year

– Over a third of Americans want to start a podcast to make money

– The average podcast episode length is 65 minutes

– 68% of the most popular podcasts follow an interview format – only 22% offer video content

– Spotify is the top podcast platform, followed by Apple Podcasts

– 70% of people say their top podcast ick is too many ads, followed by poor audio quality (49%)

Nearly half (49%) of all survey respondents reported that poor audio quality was a top podcast ick, Arto Yertisyan, CEO of Podcastle comments: “Studio-quality audio recording equipment is expensive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t access studio-quality sound. At Podcastle, we have developed a range of AI-powered audio and voice tools to give your podcast recording flawless audio quality in a matter of clicks.

“Our AI audio enhancer tool, Magic Dust, will transform low-quality audio to studio-level sound. You can record anywhere and be assured that background noise will be removed and your voice will be crystal clear!”

For more insights from the Podcastle study and expert advice on starting your own podcast in 2024, visit: https://podcastle.ai/blog/what-makes-a-good-podcast/