While there is no rule for this, it’s important to think carefully about the length of your podcast since it plays a big role in listener engagement and retention. A show’s length can vary based on the format, the topic and the listening habits of your audience. In general, around 30 minutes is often the sweet spot for listeners and creators.
Duration
Finding the right length
Tips & Tricks
The length of your episodes should stay about the same. People come to expect a certain length and will learn to slot your show into a specific point in their weekly schedule. The episode duration should be determined by your audience and what they expect from their media.If the length is going to rapidly change for one episode (and be longer), think about breaking it into several parts. If it is going to be shorter than usual, think about branding it slightly differently and giving it a different feel.Burning Question
How long will people listen? If listeners like your hosts and what they have to say, they can build an emotional connection with them. (This is called a “parasocial relationship”: a listener imagines having a relationship with a person they do not actually know). If this develops, your listeners will be eager to consume all your content and want even more.Common Mistake
Thinking your show has to be as short as possible. There is no rule to this, and you should remember that it can take a while to get a good conversation going. But always be respectful of people’s time.Links
- Article: How Long Should a Podcast Be?
- Article: The Length Matters: How Long Should a Podcast be?
- Article: How Long Should a Podcast Be? Data, Examples, & Tips
TIPS from OUR Network
- Ask yourself: What is running though their minds? [Gilles Hermann]
- Listeners are the most important and producers should keep them at forefront of every decision making [Jennifer]