The Download Illusion

After the success of our first webinar with Michelle and Mikelle from This Is Perimenopause on sustaining the spark in podcasting, Bespoke Productions Hub is teaming up with Adam McNeil, SVP of Client Services at ADOPTER Media, to dispel the myth of downloads. Adam will help us stop chasing downloads and focus on what metrics really matter.

Learn why downloads don't matter and gain insight into podcast metrics and what independent podcasters should really focus on.

Adam currently leads the media buying team as they scale brands into household names through podcast advertising and YouTube sponsorships. Before buying podcast ads, Adam was an independent podcaster and managed influencer partnerships in-house for a Calgary startup, Füm, where he learned the power of podcasting for brands, both what he was driving for his sponsors and what podcasters were driving for his company. From just getting started podcasting to working with the biggest names in the industry, Adam has grown to be one of the leading voices in the podcast industry on LinkedIn.

Bring your questions—Adam is ready to answer them! Here are some of the topics we're excited to dive into:

What is the biggest misconception about downloads being an effective podcast metric?

Why is there an overemphasis on downloads in the podcasting industry?

What metrics should independent podcasters focus on and why?

Podcast Discovery: A Journey, Not an Event

For podcasters, understanding how listeners discover and connect with your show is a crucial piece of the puzzle. Podcast discovery is an ongoing process influenced by habits, preferences, and engagement. To help you understand this better, we took a closer look at metrics around podcast discovery from the 2024 Podcast Discovery Survey from The Podcast Host.

How Do Listeners Discover Episodes?

When we asked how listeners found the last podcast episode they listened to, the answers were diverse, from podcast apps to social media and recommendations.

The good news? Listeners discover your podcasts in a variety of ways.

What Convinces a Listener to Hit Play?

Once someone discovers your episode, what makes them commit to listening? The data says that words matter. Description, episode titles, and a consistent publishing schedule release were the top three. 

The Ideal Episode Length

The sweet spot that listeners are looking for is between 15 to 60 minutes. Only about 15% of listeners stick around beyond an hour.

Balancing your content length with your audience's preferences can help keep them coming back for more.

What About Audio Quality?

Great content is appreciated over technical perfection. Over 63% of listeners are satisfied with "good enough" audio as long as the content is engaging. While professional-grade audio can elevate your show, don't let imperfect sound stop you from producing.

Podcast discovery is an ongoing process, and each episode is an opportunity to connect with new and loyal listeners. So, keep asking thoughtful questions, experimenting with your format, and staying curious. Reflecting on podcast trends for 2024, AI tools are now more mainstream, offering creators innovative ways to streamline production and enhance content.

Meanwhile, video podcasts have gained significant momentum, capturing new audiences and expanding how stories are told.

So, what's next for podcasters? Anything is possible, but one thing is certain: podcasting is here to stay, and we will do our part to contribute to the industry's growth in 2025!

Source: The Podcast Host

New Podcast Joins the Bespoke Network

Welcome Ancestral Science Podcast

We are excited to announce the latest addition to the Bespoke Productions Hub Network: Ancestral Science Podcast.

Join host Dr. Kori Czuy along with a dynamic group of Indigenous scientists, educators, and artists who want to further explore and share the depth of science within Indigenous knowledge and bring together global & Indigenous science.

You’ll hear stories of exploring and sharing the depth of scientific knowledge within stories that humans have been gifted from the Star, Land, and Animal Ancestors for thousands of years.

Listen anywhere you get your podcasts

Follow Ancestral Science Podcast on Instagram

Welcome to the Bespoke family, Ancestral Science Podcast!

As a member of the Bespoke Network, Ancestral Science Podcast is part of a growing network dedicated to supporting and amplifying the voices of independent podcasters.

So what are you waiting for? Support a Bespoke Productions Hub podcast by tuning in to their latest episodes. Subscribe, rate, and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.