When music isn’t working for people, what is the next best thing? Podcasts. Podcasts have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and easy access. Most music apps and websites have incorporated podcasts into their interface as their own category. Additionally, numerous apps have been designed specifically for podcast listening and streaming. For example, every iPhone has the Apple podcasts app for quick and easy listening.
Podcasts have taken on a new way of entertainment by putting all listeners into a conversation or story about anything and everything. Podcasts are very easy to enjoy because there is one for anyone. According to an article by Josh Howarth, As of September 2023, over 3.02 million podcasts are available to anyone. Podcasts can cover many serious and controversial topics but also fun and lighthearted topics, as well as displaying podcast diversity and assortment. No matter what type of podcast it may be, according to Brett Robinson, The percentage of American listeners has tripled since 2006.
Podcasts are used by many famous social media influencers and athletes to share experiences from their lives and educate and help viewers in many ways. Additionally, Podcasts have increased influencers’ following and popularity, which has encouraged these people to continue producing this content weekly. NFL superstar brothers Jason and Travis Kelce started a podcast in September 2022 called “New Heights.” These two hall-of-fame football players with no podcast experience became the #1 Sports Podcast on Apple and Spotify and, as of February 16, the #1 and #2 overall podcasts on those platforms. This highlights how easily people can enjoy podcasts and how little experience and knowledge it takes to become successful in podcasting.
In close comparison, Many schools have begun using podcasts as a unique way for students to display their learning to teachers and other staff members. According to an article By Arianna Prothero, “They can be used in project-based learning, to spice up lectures, and even improve school climate.” Podcasts have been able to evolve to many schools, demonstrating that they are more than just a source of entertainment. Podcasts can be used as a useful tool for learning to become more fun and unique. At Hamilton Wenham Regional High School, a recording studio was added for students to have a distinct and professional recording environment.
Overall, podcasts are a fun and easy source of entertainment that are unique and diverse in many ways. Additionally, podcasts have recently become a beneficial tool for people to grow their following or use them for learning.
