The Future of Podcasting (Revisited)

What I Got Right—and What Comes Next

In 2016, I published a piece called The Future of Podcasting Is You, a hopeful look at a medium I believed was about to enter its golden age. I made a few predictions: that podcasting would become a core channel for personal publishing, that mobile phones would be its delivery engine, and that specialized creators—not media giants—would shape the next wave of audio content. Much of that has come to pass. And yet, the story of podcasting is still being written—one episode, one voice, one community at a time.

Looking Back: What Came True

I won’t rehash the entire list of predictions, but a few milestones are worth celebrating:

• Personal publishing went mainstream. With over 5 million shows and 150 million episodes, podcasting has become a medium for everyone—from journalists and comedians to historians, hobbyists, and HR managers.
• Advertisers came calling. Ad revenue is expected to top $2 billion this year, and branded podcasts have emerged as a serious storytelling vehicle—not just another form of native advertising.
• Smartphones became the control panel. Today’s podcast experience is designed mobile-first. Most listeners tune in via their phones, with content following them from commutes to workouts to bedtime.
• Tools became democratized. What once required expensive equipment and technical skill now only needs a smartphone, a script, and maybe a tool like Descript or Riverside. AI has only accelerated this shift.
• The niche won. Creators covering topics from neuroscience to niche subcultures have earned loyal audiences and outsized influence. Intimacy and expertise now trump celebrity.

That article even led me to appear on a podcast myself—a nice touch of symmetry.

But looking back is only half the story.

What’s Next: Five Forces Shaping the New Era of Podcasting

If the 2010s were about access and scale, the late 2020s are about reinvention. We’re entering a new era, defined not just by audio, but by video, AI, community, and business model innovation.

1. Video Is the New Standard

In 2016, podcasting meant audio. Now, nearly half of listeners prefer a video format, and YouTube has overtaken Apple as the top podcast platform. Why? Connection. Visual cues, guest reactions, and behind-the-scenes moments bring a layer of intimacy that audio alone struggles to match. But video also demands more: more production skills, more team coordination, and more thoughtful design for discoverability.

2. AI Is Everywhere

From auto-generated show notes to smart editing, AI has become a silent co-host. It removes barriers to entry and accelerates production—but also raises ethical questions about originality, transparency, and the balance between automation and human storytelling. Done well, AI becomes the assistant, not the author.

3. New Business Models Are Emerging

Subscription platforms like Patreon, branded podcasts, live shows, and micro-merchandising are expanding the monetization toolbox. We’re seeing creators build self-sustaining ecosystems around their shows—with lean teams, loyal audiences, and D2C operations that rival mid-sized media companies.

4. The Power of the Niche

The age of generalist, one-size-fits-all content is fading. Microcasts and niche shows are thriving because they speak directly to specific communities—product managers, vintage camera lovers, remote workers, or even municipal historians. The tighter the focus, the stronger the bond.

5. Podcasting Goes Internal

One of the quieter trends? Internal podcasting. As remote work expands, organizations are using private audio feeds to communicate culture, share strategy updates, and train teams. In a way, podcasting has come full circle—from public storytelling to private alignment.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Podcast? Start Here.

Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just getting started, use this checklist to assess your readiness for podcasting’s next chapter:

Video Readiness

• [ ] Do you have basic video recording capability?
• [ ] Can you create engaging visual content beyond just “talking heads”?
• [ ] Are you comfortable being on camera consistently?

AI Integration

• [ ] Have you experimented with AI tools for show notes, editing, or content planning?
• [ ] Do you have a clear policy on AI use and transparency with your audience?
• [ ] Are you leveraging AI for audience insights and content optimization?

Business Model Evolution

• [ ] Do you have revenue streams beyond traditional advertising?
• [ ] Are you building direct relationships with your most engaged listeners?
• [ ] Have you explored community-building or premium content options?

Niche Authority

• [ ] Can you clearly articulate what unique perspective only you can provide?
• [ ] Do you have a specific, well-defined audience rather than trying to appeal to everyone?
• [ ] Are you consistently creating content that serves your niche’s specific needs?

Final Thoughts: The Future Is Still You

Looking back at that 2016 article, I’m proud of what I got right—but more excited about what’s ahead. Podcasting has proven itself as a durable, flexible, and deeply human medium. But its definition is expanding: more visual, more intelligent, more interactive, and more embedded in everyday life.

If you’re a creator, a brand, or just someone with something worth saying, the door is still wide open. The tools are better. The audiences are smarter. The opportunities are bigger.

The future of podcasting isn’t just about tech or trends. It’s about people choosing to listen—and choosing to speak. And that part hasn’t changed at all.