It’s never too late to get into podcasting. Even though the industry is surely becoming saturated, there is still scope for growth if you choose one of the most popular podcast niches out there.
For creators looking to launch a podcast, picking the right genre is one of the most important first steps. This should align with what your audience wants, whether it’s entertainment, information, connection, or self-improvement.
In this post, we’ll look at the most popular podcast niches and share actionable tips for launching your own show in each space. Let’s dive right in!
1. Comedy
Comedy is one of the most popular podcast genres out there. What makes this niche so appealing is its universal relatability, especially when hosts share funny anecdotes or witty observations that most of us have also experienced.
Plus, comedy podcasts offer a lighthearted break from daily stress.
Here are some ideas for getting started in the comedy niche:
- Character improv: Create fictional personas or absurd scenarios.
- Satirical news: Blend current events with comedy (think The Onion in audio form).
- Comedic roundtables: Gather friends for games, roasts, or pop culture commentary.
- Comedy + X: Pair humor with other topics
If you opt for this route, remember that having a unique voice and excellent delivery style is crucial to your podcast’s success.
2. Society & Culture
The second most popular genre, according to Edison Research, is society and culture. This includes everything from documentaries to personal storytelling.
Many people are naturally curious about how others live and what they think about cultural events and ceremonies, like death rituals, marriage, etc.
Here’s how to get started in this niche:
- Local legends: Explore folklore or untold neighborhood stories.
- Cross-cultural conversations: Interview people from different cultures or backgrounds.
- History of movements: Chronicle the evolution of social causes or cultural phenomena, like the hippie movement, women’s rights, etc.
You’ll need strong storytelling skills for this genre. Consider scripting or using thematic music for emotional depth.
3. News and Politics
Many podcasts cover the latest news headlines from around the world.
This information shows that listeners want to stay informed but may prefer analysis over news articles. Podcasts allow discussion and alternative viewpoints.
Here’s what you could discuss on your news podcast:
- Local beat: Report or comment on local issues that others ignore.
- Policy deep-dives: Analyze one issue per episode – healthcare, education, etc.
- Fact-checking show: Debunk misinformation in a compelling, accessible format.
You’ll want to aim for clarity, neutrality (if appropriate), and concise structure. You could even partner with journalists or academics for credibility.
4. True Crime
True crime is one of the most addictive podcast genres. In fact, 24% percent of U.S. podcast listeners tune into it regularly.
Listeners in this niche enjoy suspense, mystery, and the psychological aspects of crime.
If you’re interested in exploring this niche, here are some ideas:
- Lesser-known cases: Focus on unsolved or under-reported crimes.
- Crime + Culture: Explore crimes that intersect with music, art, or politics.
- Wrongful convictions: Highlight systemic flaws and share interviews with affected parties.
Note that this can be a sensitive topic. Ethical storytelling is key – you’ll want to respect victims, avoid sensationalism, and cite sources.
5. Self-Help and Relationships
Many of your listeners will want to work on their mental well-being, careers, and other aspects of their lives.
Is self-help the right niche for you? Here’s how to get started:
- Dating diaries: Share and analyze real or anonymous dating experiences.
- Tough talks: Explore conflict resolution and emotional communication skills.
- Career burnout: Help listeners find purpose and boundaries.
- Daily affirmations or journaling prompts: Short-form, guided audio for reflection.
With this niche, you’ll want to be vulnerable and authentic. Listeners will connect more with you when they sense you’ve been through it, too.
6. Technology and Innovation
Technology is another popular niche. Business owners, IT professionals, and other people in the industry will want to stay ahead of the curve and understand how emerging tech will impact their lives.
Here are some episode ideas:
- AI for everyone: Break down artificial intelligence trends in plain language.
- Tech in daily life: Explore how smart homes, gadgets, and apps are reshaping routines.
- Startup spotlight: Interview professionals who are building innovative solutions.
Not everyone will be familiar with industry terminology or trends, so you’ll want to simplify complex topics.
7. Finance and Investing
Finance and investing podcasts have gained traction as listeners seek to improve their financial literacy. In fact, podcasts like The Ramsey Show, Planet Money, and Women & Money have become staples for those interested in personal finance and economic insights:
Your listeners will want to learn how to budget, invest, and retire early. Here are some things you could discuss:
- Money myths: Debunk bad advice circulating online.
- Side hustle diaries: Interview real people on building income streams.
- First-time investor guide: Walk through basics using case studies.
- Finance for creatives: Help artists and freelancers understand business.
Remember to avoid overwhelming jargon, as many listeners will not be financial experts. Also, try to give real-world examples for better understanding.
8. Education and Learning
According to a study by Pew Research, 88 percent of U.S. respondents listen to podcasts for learning purposes. So, education is another popular niche worth exploring. You can target lifelong learners who want to turn downtime into skill-building time.
Some good ideas include:
- Language learning: Offer lessons or conversational practice.
- History snapshots: Explore obscure historical moments and their impact.
- Skill builder series: Teach something new in 10 minutes — photography, coding, chess.
Structure is crucial here. You’ll want to break episodes into segments or levels to help learners progress.
Conclusion
Your choice of niche shouldn’t just depend on what’s trending, but also on what you’re passionate about. There are many topics you could explore, including technology, finance, society, and self-help. You could also run a comedic show, discuss news and true crime, or teach a skill.
Once you select a niche, you’ll want to build a solid website for your podcast. At Beamly.com, you’ll find professional templates, a customizable audio player, and easy episode imports from other platforms.
Are you ready to launch your podcast? Get started with Beamly today!
