What Makes a Podcast Successful?

Mar 24

As of early 2025, estimates indicate there are around 4.4 million podcasts worldwide. This number reflects a significant increase from previous years, highlighting the growing popularity of podcasting as a medium. However, only about 15% of these podcasts are considered active, meaning they release new episodes consistently.

With that in mind, it makes sense that popular shows are significantly more likely to have a substantial backlog of episodes. In fact, they are almost 8 times more likely to have over 100 episodes and 16 times more likely to have over 200 episodes. This highlights the importance of consistency, dedication, and patience in building a successful podcast.

Defining Success in Podcasting

For some content creators, success is measured by personal satisfaction and creative fulfillment. For others, it’s about audience engagement, content quality, or industry influence. However, in the podcasting industry, success is often defined by one key metric: number of downloads.

According to recent data, podcast rankings based on first-week downloads look like this:

Top 50%: ~30 downloads per episode
Top 25%: ~100 downloads per episode
Top 10%: ~500 downloads per episode
Top 5%: ~1,000 downloads per episode
Top 1%: Over 5,000 downloads per episode

Reaching these higher levels requires more than just great content. Consistency, strategic promotion, and audience retention all play critical roles in climbing the ranks.

Key Factors That Drive Podcast Success

A successful podcast isn’t just about getting started—it’s about staying consistent. Here are seven key factors that contribute to podcast growth and longevity:

1. Audience Retention & Growth

Listeners expect regular content, and a predictable schedule keeps them engaged.
New episodes attract new subscribers while keeping current ones invested.
Irregular posting can lead to audience drop-off and loss of momentum.

2. Algorithm & Discoverability

Platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify prioritize active podcasts in their recommendations.
Regular uploads improve visibility and increase chances of organic discovery.

3. Monetization & Sponsorships

Advertisers prefer podcasts with consistent engagement and a reliable release schedule.
More episodes mean more opportunities for ad revenue, sponsorships, and listener donations.

4. Brand Authority & Credibility

Consistency builds trust and establishes authority within a specific niche.
Established podcasters are more likely to be invited for collaborations, guest appearances, or industry events.

5. Habit Formation

Regular listeners develop a habit of tuning in, strengthening loyalty and community engagement.
Weekly or biweekly schedules work best for keeping audiences engaged long-term.

6. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

New episodes improve search rankings on podcast platforms and Google.
More episodes = more opportunities to target relevant keywords and improve discoverability.

7. Momentum & Motivation

Sticking to a schedule keeps podcasters disciplined, creative, and committed.
The more episodes produced, the easier it becomes to refine content style and quality.

While download numbers provide insight into a podcast’s reach, true success extends beyond just statistics. Listener loyalty, industry credibility, and monetization opportunities all play a role in a podcast’s long-term popularity. However, the most successful podcasts share one common trait: they release new episodes regularly.

By maintaining a structured release schedule, podcasters can enhance their visibility, build authority in their niche, and foster lasting connections with their audience. Whether success is measured by personal fulfillment or industry recognition, the key to a thriving podcast lies in the commitment to delivering valuable content over time.

Erik Krosby