Angela B. Culture 01.25.2024 03:Jan AM EST

8 Reasons Why Podcasts Are Popular Now

Before social media took over, there were days when people listened to the radio and heard segments where hosts interviewed people and talked about various matters. Listeners have dwindled over the years, but with the same premise, podcasts are gaining popularity, and here's why.

1. Accessibility

Even without a subscription to certain streaming services, there are a great number of podcasts that you can listen to for free. YouTube, for instance, has a huge selection tackling different subjects that you might be interested in. The same can be said for Spotify, although you will encounter a few ads here and there with or without a subscription.

2. Diverse Topics

If you feel like you want to learn about a certain topic or know what others think about it, it's almost a guarantee that there's a podcast or podcast episode out that can give you what you need. Even entering keywords is enough for them to pop up in streaming services. Some can be a few minutes long while others can exceed an hour.

3. Allows For Multi-Tasking

Just like music, you can listen to podcasts in the background since they don't really require visual presentations like movies or shows. This allows you to go on autopilot and do chores or other tasks while listening to others give their insights on topics you're interested in. You might not even notice that you're done with your task as you immerse yourself in the podcast.

4. Expert Opinions

Hosts mostly know what they're talking about when it comes to the topics they lay out (keyword: mostly). For instance, a gaming podcast is usually hosted by veteran gamers who have played hundreds of games over the years. If not, they sometimes invite experts in the field of the topic to shed light on important matters.

5. Interesting Insights

Other forms of media like news articles or broadcasts only give you the facts about a situation, topic, or event. In podcasts, hosts tend to give their opinions on the topic, as well as provide more insight by delving deeper. This can help you understand certain matters from various aspects other than your own.

6. Personal Development

Hosts don't just talk about general topics like the weather or the latest released video game. There are podcasts that talk about mental health, fitness routines, and other personal growth talking points. You can learn a thing or two as they sometimes base their advice on their own experiences.

7. Portability

With an internet connection and a smart device that can access streaming apps like YouTube or Spotify, you can basically listen to podcasts anywhere you go. This beats having to listen to traffic when you're on your way to work or home. You can always pause it and listen later once you arrive at your destination.

8. Educational

Podcasters are not all about insights and current news. Sometimes, they converse about educational topics like history, cultures, traditions, and more. For instance, there are channels that talk about specific historical periods and how they affect our day-to-day lives in the modern era.