Blogs might not be going anywhere anytime soon, but they’re facing a fierce content competitor that’s edging them out faster than anyone expected: podcasts. With a podcast to cover just about any topic you could think of, and a format that can be just as easily enjoyed from home, at work, or during the daily commute, podcasting has become the medium that truly offers something for everyone.

According to the Search Engine Journal, blogs (and blogging in general) is taking somewhat of a downward turn, while podcasts are becoming increasingly popular. This doesn’t necessarily mean that blogging is a dying art, but it shows us how quickly podcasting has shifted into a primary method for content consumption.

More Online Users are Searching for Podcasts vs. Blogs

Using Google’s keyword tool, Google Trends, the Search Engine Journal determined that “podcast” is a keyword that’s more frequently searched than “blog” or “blogs.” Since 2013, “podcasts” has been steadily increasing in search frequency, whereas “blog” has taken a fairly sharp downturn in the same time period. “Blogs” was always the least searched word of the three, but it has also experienced a small decline.

In real-world terms, this means that more online users are looking for podcasts and podcast content than blogs. It seems that many people that used to refer to blogs for interesting, informative content are now turning to podcasts. That being said, blogging is still an essential component of any brand’s content strategy – but clearly, podcasts are the newest way to connect with an audience.

Blogging-Related Search Terms Also on the Decline

It’s not just words like “blog” and “blogs” that are slowly becoming less-frequently searched for; standard terms associated with writing, building, and publishing blogs are also less popular. For example, phrases such as “WordPress plugins,” which describe a commonly used blogging tool, have dropped nearly 75 percent.

Podcast-Focused Content is Searched for More than Ever

When you consider that a steadily increasing number of people are discovering and listening to podcasts, it makes sense that other related content would see an increase in online searches. Online users are commonly looking for information about “how to podcast,” “podcast app,” and “how to listen to podcasts.” It’s not just listening to podcasts that have become a serious area of interest, finding jobs in podcasts has also grabbed plenty of people’s attention.

Comparing Podcasts with Radio

It’s probably not surprising to hear that radio is no longer as popular as it was at its peak, mainly because technological advancements have introduced myriad other media formats. Even so, in the past several years, search inquiries for phrases such as “talk radio” and “radio show” have stayed fairly steady (albeit low). Meanwhile, “podcast” as a search term has climbed higher and higher, with the data showing a significant gap between interest in podcasting vs. radio.

Internet searches for radio and related content have held to a constant line, showing no sign of increasing anytime soon. In contrast, there appears to be no limit on the growth that’s possible for online users’ interest in podcasts, as the rate of search inquiries continues to head skyward.

What the Popularity of Podcasts Means for the Industry

For content strategists, this trend proves that keeping pace with the changing times is vital for a brand to survive. For example, a brand that sticks only to blogging and opts not to try podcasting could be missing a huge opportunity to reach a large audience. Now, effective consumer outreach almost requires some podcasting element if the brand aims to stay relevant and ahead of their competitors.

And for individuals that are considering a career in media, the growing popularity of podcasting has opened the door to a variety of new professional paths. Podcasters (hosts), podcast producers, audio technicians, managers, and marketers are just some of the careers that have expanded as a result of podcast’s meteoric growth.

How to Work in Podcasting

Now that you know that podcasts are headed towards becoming one of the most in-demand forms of media ever, you might just be wondering if a career in podcasting might be a good fit for you. Because podcasting requires a team of professionals, ranging from a podcast host and audio technician to a manager to handle the administrative side, there are many different job opportunities in the field.

But even as podcasting welcomes an array of new talents, it’s also becoming a highly competitive industry. Virtually anyone can start their own podcast, which means that being successful requires a podcaster to stand out from the crowd. Podcasting also requires a certain amount of technical knowledge and practical skills, many of which are difficult to learn without help.

For that reason, the most direct path to podcasting success could be pursuing a degree in media. In fact, some educational facilities, such as the Media Schools in Ohio, Miami, Colorado, and Illinois, have tailored their programs to support students interested in professional podcasting. If you’re dreaming of working on one of the future’s most successful podcasts, getting your education and finishing a degree could be an outstanding start.

Learn How to Get a Job in Podcasting with a Media-Centered Education

When it comes to the future of podcasts, it’s looking brighter – and more exciting – than ever. As podcasts become a fixture in our daily lives, there are more opportunities than ever to find a career in podcasting.

Thinking about how to become a professional podcaster? Our broadcasting programs, including our sports broadcasting degree programs in Miami, Ohio, Illinois, and Colorado, could be just the path for you. Or, if your interests lean towards producing or marketing podcasts and podcast networks, you might want to consider our audio production or media sales and marketing program tracks. No matter what side of the microphone you want to work on, the Media Schools in Colorado, Miami, Ohio, and Illinois have media degree programs you’ll want to look into.

There’s no time like now to take the leap and pursue your dream of working on one of the world’s most popular podcasts – especially as podcast popularity continues to rise! Apply online to be a part of one of the Media Schools degree programs and start your career journey now.

 

Image Credit: Shutterstock/Maicasaa

References: Montti, Roger. (2018, July 16).”Podcasts More Popular than Blogs.” Search Engine Journal.