Mythbusting 10 Podcast Misconceptions
When we started reaching out to non-podcast listeners for Adopt-a-Listener month, we realized there are some misconceptions that might be preventing people from really getting into podcast listening. To help clear up those inaccuracies and clarify the world of podcasts, we put together a list of truths about the common myths and misconceptions.
Myth #1: Podcasts cost money.
FALSE!
Maybe some associations with other streaming media like Netflix are responsible for this one. You do have to pay to watch Netflix, but you don’t have to pay to listen to podcasts. Listening to a podcast and subscribing or following a podcast is free on many podcast apps! Sometimes there may be exclusive content for listeners who pay a premium, but there are many, many millions of free shows to enjoy.
Myth #2: Podcasts are just interviews or conversations.
FALSE!
Just like books, movies, and TV shows, podcasts come in all styles and formats. Of course, there are many interviews and conversational-style podcasts (and some of those are great, too), but if you’re not into that, there are lots of other genres and styles to choose from.
Myth #3: Podcasts are just white guys talking to each other.(Or celebrities interviewing each other. Or white chicks reading Wikipedia pages of murder victims.)
FALSE!
We still can’t believe that this is something we hear, but it is! If you think podcasts are just white guys talking to each other, that means you’re like a Roomba who keeps bumping up against the wall in a (IOHO) bland corner of the podcast universe. But don’t worry! We’re here to help you get out. We have provided playlists and have newsletters that are all about podcast discovery. There are podcasts for people who love Disney World Cruises and a podcast musical about RAs, then there's 36 questions…but also just beautiful (might we say…perfect?) podcasts about….everything. Try This American Life, 99% Invisible, or Articles of Interest. We promise that whatever you love, there’s a podcast out there to make you feel closer to it.
Myth #4: All fiction podcasts are about outer space and the apocalypse.
FALSE!
A lot of really great and captivating fiction podcasts do touch on these topics, but there are — shall we venture to say — hundreds of thousands of other options out there. Interested in rom-coms? There’s a fiction show for you. Interested in urban fantasy? There’s a fiction pod right up your alley. What about a pirate musical? Yup. It’s all there in fiction podcast land.
Myth #5: I don’t have time in my day to listen to podcasts.
Here is a brief list of things you can do while you’re listening to podcasts (AKA some of the things that the Tink team does while listening and you can adopt these activities, too)
Cleaning the litter box
Washing the dishes
Chopping vegetables
Walking to work
Grocery shopping
Sex (it happens)
Swinging kettle bells or weights or heavy workout things
Running
Swimming (yes!)
Road trips
Doing boring mindless work on your computer
Brushing your teeth
Meal prep
The waiting room at the veterinarian
In the aiport, waiting at your gate
While embroidering your bag
When you are packing for a trip
While playing tetris
Folding laundry
Gardening
Making a disco covered basketball net
Watching the sun set
We were listening to them while we made this list! (No lie.)
Myth #6: I need to SEE something.
Do you? It can be really mind-expanding to just imagine a world through your ears. But if that doesn’t sound interesting to you, good news! You can actually “watch” podcasts, too. Watch on YouTube, Spotify, CHALLENGE YOURSELF! If you like what you see and want more from your new favorite hosts, you can then take it off of YouTube by searching for those shows on your favorite podcast listening app. And now, look at you! You’re a podcast viewer and listener!
Myth #7: The podcast bubble is about to burst.
FALSE!
Podcast listener numbers are growing. Current estimates project that listeners in the U.S. could increase from 75.9 million to 100 million listeners in the U.S. by 2024. (Also stats on podcast listeners around the world. It’s growing! And you can be part of that growth!)
Myth #8: The Apple Podcasts app sucks.
FALSE!
First of all, we’ve gotta give flowers where flowers are due. Not only was the Apple Podcasts app the first to do it (“Podcasts” is an Apple-centric word btw), but they’re also actively improving all the time. Their homepage is beautifully curated and will help you find your next favorite show!
But if it’s not your thing, and you want more capabilities from your podcast listening app such as playlists, more robust playback speed, and more, there are tons of other apps you can use:
Myth #9: I don’t like to hear people talking at me.
Podcasts are more than just that. Some are experimental pieces of audio, captured soundscapes, things that were made to help you fall asleep or relax, interactive roleplaying shows and D&D games, and portals into new worlds. There is even a podcast about boring things that we think you’ll find very interesting.
Myth #10: There are too many podcasts.
Are there too many books? Too many blogs? Too many YouTube channels? Too many kinds of wine? One of the best things about podcasts is that anyone can make one. (Yes, that can sometimes also be the worst). But the fact that there is a low barrier to entry means that lots of people and stories blocked by other media formats are free to share their art with the world.
Did you ever get that fuzzy feeling in your stomach when you find the perfect song or artist? After going down a rabbit hole on YouTube or the streaming platform you use, the joy you get from discovering it is unmatched. Well, you can have that with a podcast too and there’s one out there that’s perfect you BECAUSE anyone can make one.
So, next time you come across a non-podcast listener who has fallen prey to the myths and misconceptions about podcasts, send them this list to help set them straight! And if you want to persuade them into becoming a podcast listener, join our Adopt-a-Listener initiative to spread the joy of podcasts.