Friday Newsflow
True Crime's Engaged Audience
Happy Friday! This week has been a week for sure but we’re already though the first half of the month. I’m positive that next week, news cycles will start to get crazy and things may start to feel all over the place. I’ll do my best to give insights and actionable ways to navigate the podcasting world that faces us. This week, we’re talking True Crime.
Let’s get into it!
True Crime's Engaged Audience
What’s Happening: A new report from Sounds Profitable reveals that true crime podcasts are reaching an estimated 42 million monthly listeners in the U.S., representing 16% of the adult population. What makes this audience stand out is their deep engagement—true crime fans average seven hours of podcast listening per week, one hour more than the general listener.
Additionally, these listeners rely heavily on recommendations from their networks, with 86% exploring podcasts suggested by friends, family, or social circles. This highlights the strong community-driven nature of the true crime genre.
Key Takeaways for Podcasters:
Foster Community to Drive Growth:
Encourage listener interaction by creating spaces for community engagement, like Facebook groups, Discord servers, or Threads discussions centered around your podcast episodes. Building a space where listeners can share recommendations or discuss episodes will enhance loyalty and spark organic word-of-mouth growth.Leverage Word-of-Mouth Marketing:
Make it easy for your audience to share your podcast. Provide shareable content like quote cards, short audio clips, or social media templates tied to your episodes. Ask for reviews on platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify to amplify your show’s visibility.Experiment with Serialized Storytelling:
True crime fans love immersive, ongoing narratives. Consider structuring your content as a mini-series with a clear story arc that leaves listeners eager for the next episode. This format can boost retention and keep your audience hooked.Explore Advertiser Partnerships:
True crime listeners are among the most engaged audiences in podcasting, making them highly attractive to advertisers. Partner with brands that align with your audience’s interests, such as subscription boxes, mystery-themed products, or lifestyle services that complement the genre’s themes.
Your Move: What can you implement today? Consider starting a community space for your listeners or sharing a quick audio clip from your latest episode on social media. Small steps, like asking for reviews or testing a serialized format, can make a big difference in growing your audience and fostering deeper connections.
Catch up on our shows
In Afrocentric. host Morgan delves into the crucial theme of self-reliance and independence within the Black community. Drawing inspiration from the biblical quote in 2 Corinthians 6:17, the episode emphasizes the urgent need for economic and cultural autonomy. The podcast also addresses the importance of cultural self-sufficiency, challenging listeners to examine their dependence on white-dominated institutions, businesses, and cultural norms.
The ladies of Are You Free for Coffee are diving into the hilariously awkward and cringeworthy questions people have been asked during interviews. From bizarre icebreakers to outright inappropriate moments, they’re sharing the best (and worst).
When a young Indigenous woman is found dead in the middle of the road, investigators set out to find justice. Who killed Ci'Lina? Find out on Bite-Sized Crime!
In Grad School Femtoring, Yvette reflects on her own struggles with freeze mode as a grad student and offers three simple, actionable steps to help you get unstuck. Shee discusses grounding techniques, starting with micro steps, and the importance of maintaining momentum through connection. Additionally, she shares personal updates, including my efforts to build supportive communities for grad students and professionals.
On The Growth Mindset Gal, Allie interviews the amazing Erin Cain. Erin is the founder of Grace Reins, the visionary founder of Grace Reins Equine Therapy in picturesque Telluride, Colorado. With 25+ years as an Equine Specialist, Erin is transforming how we approach trauma, emotional healing, and personal growth through the intuitive bond between horses and humans. Her work offers a unique pathway to healing, resilience, and self-discovery. As a Path Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, she is uniquely equipped to share insights into her innovative program and the profound ways in which horses facilitate healing.
On While She’s Away, Dianni is back and getting personal and sharing what led her to finally settle down and create a home base after years of full-time travel. For the first time, she’s recording from her own room—a space that’s all mhers—and reflecting on the big shifts that brought her here! Tune in to hear more about this journey and how she’s figuring out what it means to evolve and grow while staying true to her desire to LITERALLY BE EVERYWHERE.
Cyberstalking! Inappropriate office decor! Puking! The Virgin Mary! Somehow, by the grace of God (or in spite of it) the ladies of Wining About Herstory are bringing ALL of this and more this week. First, Kelley honors her gamer side by highlighting Carol Kantor, one of the early thought leaders in the video game industry! Back when Pong was all the rage and game developers didn't really care of their games were any good, market researcher Carol Kantor bet Atari VP that she could predict which games would/n't sell within 6 months. Her player-focused research techniques would become industry standard for all major developers today! Then, Emily travels across the Mississippi to that dark shadowy place, Wisconsin, to tell the story of Belgian immigrant Adele Brise. While walking through the woods, Adele encountered a mysterious woman in white who would change her life, her small Wisconsin town, and (perhaps) save hundreds of lives.
Network and Learn at these Upcoming Events
Featured Event: Podcasting for Social Change - January 28th at 5pm EST:
In an era where media plays a pivotal role in shaping societal views, podcasters have a unique opportunity to influence public discourse and foster social change. Discover how to use podcasting as a dynamic tool for advocacy and impact, crafting content that not only informs but also inspires action and drives social change {This event is an exclusive event for WOC Podcasters members. To join WOC Podcasters, sign up here.}
North Carolina Audio Meetup - January 18th at 4pm EST: Open to audio makers of all kinds in North Carolina and surrounding states. We meet online to share resources, build community, and offer feedback, along with hosting occasional guest speakers and in-person meet-ups.This event is organized by Elizabeth Friend of the NC Audio Group and Association of Independents in Radio (AIR) [Free]
YouTube, PSO, SEO... Discover the 5 levers to skyrocket your podcast - January 28th at 11:30am EST: Many podcasters waste time on channels that don’t deliver results. But with the right focus, your growth potential is limitless.
Join Ausha for an exclusive live session where we unveil the 5 must-have channels to effectively acquire new listeners and take your podcast to the next level. Odile Beniflah, Head of US at Ausha, will guide you through the key strategies for maximizing the impact of your promotional efforts. [Free]
Webinar: A new model for the podcast ecosystem - January 28th at 4pm EST: Lenny.fm is a new platform for listeners to support creators. It takes payments and allocates the money based on listener preference. And a few other things behind the scenes. We made it from our experience as independent podcasters, trying to make any money from podcasts any way we could. The podcast ecosystem is unique and deserves a solution to match. Join this discussion to see how a new normal for podcasts is immediately possible, one that benefits creators and listeners. This demo is free for anyone to attend the live session. The recording will be available for AIR members on SoundPath.
The Webby Sessions - Podcasting with Dan Taberski - January 29th at 3pm EST: Join us for a Webby Session with Dan Taberski, the visionary creator of Hysterical—Apple’s 2024 Show of the Year—along with 9/12 and the Webby Award-winning Missing Richard Simmons. In conversation with Webby General Manager Nick Borenstein, we’ll delve into Dan’s extraordinary career in audio storytelling. Podcasting has evolved significantly, and Dan brings a unique perspective on the medium’s transformation. Hear the stories behind his groundbreaking projects, discover how he’s crafted award-winning work, and gain insight into the future of podcasting. [Free]
Evolutions 2025 - March 31 - April 1st in Chicago, IL (someone you know might be speaking there 😉): Evolutions is Podcast Movement’s spring conference where audio and video podcasters, and podcast professionals, come together to strengthen their networks, elevate their craft, stay ahead of industry trends. Where the Business & Art of Podcasting Evolves! Tickets available now.
Doors are open to join the WOC Podcasters community!
WOC Podcasters is an inclusive podcasting community for Women of Color podcasters, audio creators, and professionals to connect, learn, and share resources. From esteemed podcasting leaders to aspiring podcasters looking to get started, this community will help you find the resources to prosper along your creative journey. Join with a 7-day free trial here.
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