E303 - Seasonal vs. Non-Seasonal Podcasts - Understanding the Trends and Making the Right Choice For Your Show

Episode 303 - Seasonal vs. Non-Seasonal Podcasts - Understanding the Trends and Making the Right Choice For Your Show

The use of seasons in podcasting offers both benefits and challenges. Here's an overview of the pros and cons, along with some data on seasonal versus non-seasonal podcasts:Benefits of Using Seasons in Podcasting

Content Planning and Quality Control

• Allows for better planning and organization of content


• Provides time to research and prepare high-quality episodes

Preventing Burnout

• Gives hosts and production teams scheduled breaks


• Helps maintain enthusiasm and creativity

Marketing Opportunities

• Creates anticipation for new season launches


• Allows for promotional campaigns between seasons

Flexibility in Format

• Enables experimentation with different themes or formats each season


• Facilitates natural evolution of the podcast over time

Audience Engagement

• Can create a sense of excitement for returning seasons


• Allows for audience feedback to be incorporated into new seasons

Challenges of Using Seasons in Podcasting

Potential Audience Loss

• Risk of losing some listeners during breaks between seasons


• According to the search results, even a break of just a couple of weeks can lead to audience drop-off

Consistency Concerns

• Breaks in publishing can disrupt listener habits


• May affect podcast rankings and discoverability during off-seasons

Momentum Loss

• Can be challenging to regain momentum after a long break


• Requires effort to re-engage audience with each new season

Production Pressure

• May create pressure to produce a full season's worth of content in a shorter timeframe


• Can lead to rushed production if not well-planned

Audience Confusion

• Listeners may be unclear about when to expect new episodes


• Requires clear communication about season schedules

Seasonal vs. Non-Seasonal Podcasts

While exact percentages are not provided, there are some insights into the prevalence and performance of seasonal versus non-seasonal (always-on) podcasts:

• Always-On Podcasts: The majority of top shows on Spotify are "always on," running weekly or daily throughout the year


• Consumption Rates: Always-on shows drive three times more consumption per show than seasonal shows


• Listener Preference: 75% of Spotify's podcast audience exclusively listens to always-on shows

It's important to note that while seasonal podcasts may face challenges in maintaining audience engagement during breaks, they can still be successful with proper planning and communication.

The key is to set clear expectations with listeners about the podcast's schedule and to maintain some form of engagement during off-seasons.

For podcasters considering a seasonal approach, it's crucial to weigh these factors against their production capabilities, content strategy, and audience preferences. Ultimately, the decision should align with the podcast's goals and the team's ability to consistently deliver high-quality content.

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