Let’s face it—podcasting in 2025 isn’t the wide-open frontier it once was. Everyone and their dog has a podcast now (seriously, dog podcasts are trending). But here’s the good news: standing out is still entirely possible if you lock in on your niche. And they’re more wildly popular than ever!
Think of your podcast’s niche as its personality. You’re not just another podcast; you’re the podcast that solves that problem, entertains that crowd, or explores that obsession. Here’s how to zero in on yours:
1. Start With What You Love
First things first: you’ve got to care about what you’re talking about. If you’re bored, your listeners will be too. So, ask yourself:
- What could I talk about for hours without needing a nap?
- What’s a topic that people come to me for advice about?
For example, if you’re obsessed with obscure 80’s action movies or Indie Streaming Shows that Netflix can’t cancel, congratulations—you might have the makings of the ultimate fan-fueled podcast.
2. Narrow It Down (Then Narrow It Again)
“Pop culture” is not a niche. “Exploring the secret meanings behind 90’s sitcom episodes” is.
The more specific you get, the easier it is to connect with a loyal audience. And no, you won’t lose listeners by going niche; you’ll gain die-hard fans who feel like you made your podcast just for them.
3. Ask Yourself: Who’s Listening?
Picture your ideal listener. Are they:
- A busy parent looking for quick laughs on their commute?
- A college student trying to hack productivity?
- Someone pretending to work while actually Googling alien conspiracy theories?
Knowing your Target Audience means you can create episodes that speak directly to their interests and struggles at the length and cadence that makes sense for their lifestyle.
4. Check Out the Competition
Spying on the competition is not just allowed—it’s encouraged. Look at what other podcasts in your potential niche are doing. What works? What doesn’t? What’s missing that you could bring to the table?
Pro Tip: Don’t imitate—innovate. If the top podcast in your niche already covers everything seriously, maybe your angle is humor. Or storytelling. Or a complete lack of seriousness. (Hey, it works for some!)
5. Test Your Idea
Before you record 47 episodes of “The Lawn Chair Chronicles,” test the waters. Run your idea by friends, post on your personal social media, or throw out a teaser episode to see if people bite. A little feedback now can save a ton of heartache (and hard drive space) later.
6. Stick With It
Choosing a niche isn’t a forever decision, but it’s important to commit to one direction—at least for a while. If your topic evolves, that’s okay. But starting with a clear focus builds trust and gives listeners a reason to hit that subscribe button.
Final Thought
Your niche is your superpower. It’s what makes you unique and what will keep your podcast thriving in 2025’s crowded landscape. So, lean into what makes you you, and watch your audience follow.
Now, what are you waiting for? Time to pick a niche and start recording. And if your dog needs podcasting advice, send them my way. Podcasting doesn’t have to be “RUFF!”. 🐾