As Bridge Ratings analyzes thousands of podcasts of various genres, hosts, platforms and length, we have drilled down on how best to determine podcast length for your production.
It all comes down to multi-layered analyses of your listeners.
The ideal podcast length depends heavily on the target audience, content type, and listening behavior. Here’s a breakdown of the considerations regarding short (under 20 minutes) versus long (over 30 minutes) podcasts:
Short Podcasts (<20 minutes):
Advantages:
Appeals to busy listeners: Ideal for those with short attention spans or limited free time. Easier to integrate into daily routines: Matches typical commuting or workout durations. High retention rates: Listeners are more likely to finish the entire episode, increasing the chances of repeat listening. Bite-sized value: Great for educational, news, or “snackable” content that doesn’t need extensive elaboration.
Best for:
Daily news recaps | Quick tips or how-to guides | Entertainment highlights or story teasers | Long Podcasts (30 minutes):
Advantages:
Deep dives: Allows for in-depth exploration of topics, storytelling, or interviews. Engaged audiences: Listeners of longer podcasts are often loyal, niche audiences willing to dedicate more time.
Ad revenue opportunities: More content length means room for additional ad breaks, boosting revenue potential.
Challenges: Requires consistent, high-quality content to maintain listener interest. Longer episodes may demand more planning and editing.
Best for:
Narrative storytelling or true crime
In-depth interviews
Niche or highly specific audience content Key Considerations for Repeat Listening: Listener Context: Short podcasts fit busy lifestyles, while long ones thrive with dedicated fans.
Consistency: Releasing episodes of consistent length builds listener habits. Engagement Metrics: Long-form podcasts excel when engagement is high; short-form works well when maximizing reach.
What Does the Data Say?
Spotify data suggests: The average listener prefers podcasts under 30 minutes for general consumption. Longer podcasts (45–60 minutes) tend to succeed in genres like true crime or detailed interviews where audiences are willing to commit. Balancing content depth and pacing is critical regardless of length.
If repeat listening is a goal, shorter episodes might be better for reaching broader audiences, while longer formats nurture deeper engagement with a dedicated listener base. It may also depend on the strategy: Are you trying to grow quickly or deepen loyalty?
You must be logged in to post a comment.