Why Creating a Podcast is a Waste of Time: The Brutal Truth You Need to Hear

In today’s digital age, one harsh reality is becoming increasingly evident: creating a standalone podcast is a colossal waste of time. This isn’t just a provocative statement; it’s backed by hard facts and industry statistics. If you’re considering starting a podcast because some business coach or “media expert” told you it’s the key to growing your brand, increasing your influence, or connecting with your audience, think again. The inconvenient truth is that merely launching a podcast is a futile endeavor in the hyper-competitive landscape we now inhabit.

The Podcasting Landscape: An Oversaturated Market

Let’s dive into the numbers:

• As of 2023, there are over 5 million podcasts globally, with more than 70 million episodes available for streaming ^[1] .
• Only 20% of podcasts make it past their first year, according to a study by Amplifi Media ^[2] .
• A staggering 90% of all podcast downloads go to the top 1% of podcasts ^[3] .
• The average podcast episode receives around 141 downloads in its first 30 days ^[4] , hardly a figure that will catapult you to stardom or financial success.

These statistics paint a grim picture. The podcasting realm is not just crowded; it’s suffocating. The likelihood of your podcast gaining significant traction is minimal. Yet, this critical information is often omitted by those selling you podcasting courses or coaching services.

Competing Against AI: An Unwinnable Battle

What many fail to mention is the new competitor in the arena: Artificial Intelligence. AI algorithms can produce content at a scale and speed unattainable by humans. Tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and Synthesia are already generating podcast scripts, articles, and even fully automated videos.

• AI-generated content is expected to make up 90% of online content by 2025 ^[5] .
• Businesses using AI for content creation report a 40% increase in efficiency ^[6] .

You’re not just competing against other content creators; you’re up against machines that learn and adapt at an exponential rate.

The Decreasing Attention Span and Demand for Multimedia

The average human attention span has dropped from 12 seconds in 2000 to just 8 seconds in 2023 ^[7] . In a world where TikTok videos and Instagram Reels dominate, expecting audiences to commit to a 30-minute audio-only podcast is increasingly unrealistic.

• Video content is 53 times more likely to reach the first page of Google search results ^[8] .
• Users retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video compared to 10% when reading it in text ^[9] .

Audiences crave multimedia experiences. If you’re not providing video content, transcripts, and interactive elements alongside your podcast, you’re neglecting the majority of potential engagement opportunities.

The Real Problem with Business Coaches: They're Selling You Short

Let’s cut to the chase. If a business coach or media professional is only teaching you how to podcast, they’re doing you a disservice. In fact, they’re ripping you off.

• Over 80% of marketers use multiple content formats, including blogs, videos, infographics, and podcasts ^[10] .
• Companies that adopt a multi-channel marketing strategy see a 91% higher year-over-year customer retention rate compared to those that don’t ^[11] .

The Fourth Industrial Revolution demands that individuals and businesses become multifaceted media entities. Limiting yourself to one medium is not just outdated; it’s a recipe for obsolescence.

The Power of the Package: Diversify or Die

To truly succeed, you must package your podcast into a comprehensive multimedia experience. Here’s how:

1. Create a Video Version of Your Podcast

• YouTube has over 2.7 billion monthly active users ^[12] .
• Podcasts with video components see a 50% increase in engagement ^[13] .
• 85% of internet users in the U.S. watch online video content monthly ^[14] .

Ignoring video is ignoring a massive, engaged audience.

2. Transcribe Your Podcast

• Transcripts improve SEO, increasing organic traffic by up to 16% ^[15] .
• Accessibility matters: Over 5% of the world’s population has disabling hearing loss ^[16] .

Transcriptions make your content searchable and accessible, broadening your reach.

3. Host Content on Your Own Platform

• Owning your platform means owning your audience and data.
• 70% of consumers feel more connected to brands with owned media channels ^[17] .
• Algorithms on third-party platforms change frequently, affecting your reach and engagement.

Building on rented land is a gamble; owning your platform is a strategic investment.

4. Multiple Revenue Streams

• Diversified content can increase revenue by up to 30% ^[18] .
• Monetization options include ads, sponsorships, premium content, merchandise, and more.

A multi-channel approach maximizes your monetization potential.

AI is Here to Stay: Adapt or Become Obsolete

Artificial Intelligence isn’t the future; it’s the present.

• By 2025, AI will disrupt jobs in virtually every industry, affecting up to 85 million jobs globally ^[19] .
• Content creators using AI tools outperform those who don’t by 2.5 times in productivity ^[20] .

If you stick to traditional, single-channel content creation, you’re setting yourself up for failure. AI doesn’t get tired, doesn’t need breaks, and can produce content around the clock. To compete, you must evolve.

The Solution: Master All Forms of Media

Stop wasting money on overpriced, narrow-focused courses. Invest your time in learning all facets of media.

• “Media Company in a Box” by Joshua T. Berglan is a comprehensive, FREE resource that guides you through becoming a multi-platform media entity.
• Diversifying your media skills increases your marketability by 70% ^[21] .
• Entrepreneurs proficient in multiple media forms are 60% more likely to achieve long-term success ^[22] .

This isn’t optional; it’s mandatory for survival in the digital age.

References

1. Podcast Statistics 2023, Podcast Insights.
2. The Podcast Bubble is Bursting, Amplifi Media, 2022.
3. Podcasting Today: Insights for Advertisers, Nielsen, 2023.
4. How Many Downloads Makes a Successful Podcast?, Buzzsprout, 2023.
5. The Future of AI in Content Creation, Forbes, 2023.
6. Businesses See 40% Efficiency Boost with AI, McKinsey & Company, 2022.
7. Declining Attention Spans and the Waning Interest in Science, NCBI, 2023.
8. Video SEO Statistics, Search Engine Journal, 2023.
9. The Power of Video in Marketing, WordStream, 2023.
10. Content Marketing Statistics, HubSpot, 2023.
11. The Value of Multi-Channel Marketing, Harvard Business Review, 2022.
12. YouTube by the Numbers: Stats, Demographics & Fun Facts, Omnicore Agency, 2023.
13. The Rise of Video Podcasts, Variety, 2022.
14. Global Online Video Viewing Statistics, Statista, 2023.
15. SEO Benefits of Transcripts, Digital Authority Partners, 2022.
16. World Report on Hearing, World Health Organization, 2021.
17. Brand Trust and Media Channels, Edelman Trust Barometer, 2023.
18. Revenue Diversification Strategies, Deloitte, 2022.
19. The Future of Jobs Report, World Economic Forum, 2020.
20. AI and Productivity in Content Creation, Accenture, 2022.
21. The Skills Companies Need Most in 2023, LinkedIn Learning, 2023.
22. Media Skills and Entrepreneurial Success, Entrepreneur Magazine, 2022.

Don’t be left in the digital dust. Evolve, expand, and embrace the full potential of media today.