International Podcast Day: Fun Facts and Insights

Podcasts have revolutionized how we consume content, providing a platform for storytelling, education, entertainment, and conversations that span the globe.

Today is International Podcast Day, September 30, is a time to honor the incredible impact podcasting has had on our lives.

As a podcaster myself, I’ve seen firsthand how this unique medium can create connections, foster communities, and amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard. In celebration of International Podcast Day, I’ve gathered some fascinating facts about our podcasts and the podcasting industry as well.

Seven Million Bikes Podcasts’ Statistics

A Vietnam Podcast

Nearly 80,000 Downloads!

Since its launch, A Vietnam Podcast has been downloaded 78,677 times across various platforms. The majority of our listeners tune in via Apple Podcasts, making it our top platform for reaching the audience.

Guest Diversity

A Vietnam Podcast is proud to feature guests from a wide range of backgrounds, including expats, foreign travelers, and locals from Vietnam. While their journeys and experiences differ, they all share a common passion for Vietnam and travel. Through their unique perspectives, we’ve been able to paint a rich and authentic picture of the beauty, culture, and adventure that Vietnam offers to the world.

3. Global Reach

Our podcast is enjoyed by listeners from over 100 countries worldwide! From Vietnam to the U.S. and beyond, A Vietnam Podcast has cultivated an international community of listeners passionate about Vietnamese culture, stories, and insights.

A Library of Content

With 298 episodes and counting, A Vietnam Podcast offers a deep dive into the rich and diverse aspects of Vietnam, whether through interviews, history, or current events. There’s something for everyone, and the content keeps growing!

5. Years Strong

We released our very first episode on May 20, 2019, and as of this year, we’re celebrating 5 years of podcasting! Over half a decade of sharing stories, connecting with listeners, and providing a voice for Vietnam has been a rewarding journey.

Smarter Podcasting

Here are a few key facts about Smarter Podcasting:

Rapid Growth

In just over a year, Smarter Podcasting has published 38 episodes, offering insights, tips, and personal stories about the world of podcasting. I’m only 12 episodes away from hitting my next major milestone!

2. A Growing International Audience

Though still in its early days, Smarter Podcasting has been downloaded in 50 countries and territories, showing how the love for podcasting is truly global. Podcasters from all over are tuning in to sharpen their skills and take their shows to the next level.

The Podcasting World Fun Facts

The Word “Podcast” Origin

The term “podcast” is a combination of “iPod” (the Apple device) and “broadcast”. Even though iPods are no longer a big part of the listening experience, the name stuck. The term was coined by journalist Ben Hammersley in a 2004 article for The Guardian.

First Podcast Ever

The first-ever podcast is credited to Dave Winer and Adam Curry. In 2004, Curry created a program called iPodder, which allowed him to download internet radio broadcasts to his iPod. Winer also contributed by creating the RSS feed for audio.

Podcasting’s Explosive Growth

Podcasting has seen massive growth since its inception. As of 2023, there are over 5 million podcasts and over 70 million episodes available across various platforms.

Podcasts are Global

Podcasting is truly an international medium. Some of the most popular podcast markets outside the U.S. include countries like Brazil, South Korea, Spain, and Australia.

5. Listeners Love Bingeing

Once people start listening, they can’t stop! Studies show that 80% of listeners will listen to all or most of an episode, no matter how long it is, and many prefer binge-listening to several episodes in a row.

6. The Most Popular Podcast Genre

The most popular genre globally is Society & Culture, followed closely by genres like Comedy, News, and True Crime. True crime podcasts have become especially popular, with shows like Serial and My Favorite Murder reaching massive audiences.

7. Joe Rogan’s Podcast Deal

In 2020, Joe Rogan signed a deal with Spotify for $100 million, making it one of the largest deals in podcasting history. His show, The Joe Rogan Experience, remains one of the most-listened-to podcasts worldwide.

8. Podcasts Aren’t Just Audio Anymore

While most people think of podcasts as an audio medium, video podcasts (vodcasts) have become increasingly popular, particularly on platforms like YouTube.

9. Listeners Have Increased During Commutes

One of the reasons podcasts have grown so much is because they fit well with busy lifestyles. People often listen while commuting, exercising, or doing household chores. For many, podcasts are the perfect multi-tasking companion.

10. The Shortest and Longest Podcasts

Podcasts come in all lengths! There are bite-sized podcasts of 5 minutes or less, like The Daily Meditation Podcast, and then there are long-form podcasts. One of the longest is Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History, where episodes often last over 5 hours!

11. Diverse Voices in Podcasting

Podcasts have given a platform to independent voices, allowing creators from diverse backgrounds to share their stories and perspectives without needing a major media company behind them. Podcasting has democratized media in many ways.

12. Podcasts Influence Buying Decisions

Podcast listeners are very loyal. Research shows that 54% of podcast listeners are more likely to consider buying products they hear advertised on podcasts, which is why many brands are now investing in podcast ads.

13. Podcast Listening by Demographics

Podcasting is popular across many age groups, but younger audiences (ages 18-34) are the largest consumer group. However, people over 50 have been embracing podcasts at a growing rate too!

14. International Podcast Day Involvement

International Podcast Day (September 30) has featured participation from over 100 countries and hundreds of podcasters, showcasing the medium’s global reach. From meet-ups to live streams, it’s an event for celebrating the community of podcasters and listeners alike.

15. Language Diversity in Podcasts

Although English is the dominant language in podcasting, there are now podcasts in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, and more. This makes podcasting a truly global and multilingual platform.

Conclusion

As we celebrate International Podcast Day, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the incredible impact podcasting has on connecting people, sharing stories, and amplifying voices from every corner of the globe. Whether you’re a listener or a creator, podcasts have become a vital part of how we learn, laugh, and engage with the world around us.

For the past 5 years, “A Vietnam Podcast” has been privileged to be part of this thriving community, sharing diverse stories from expats, travelers, and locals who all share a deep love for Vietnam.

Smarter Podcasting too, it has helped and inspired thousands of podcasters out there to improve their show.

Thank you for your support and be part of our podcasting journey.

If you have any difficulties or questions about producing your show, don’t hesitate to Book A FREE Consultation!

Podcasters out there, if you have your podcast community with dedicated listeners, it’s time to turn them into loyal buyers! Let me help you with 5 secrets in my FREE E-book!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to boost your podcast’s revenue.