There is no optimal length for podcasts

Miranda Katz in Wired:

“Forget those worries that the podcast bubble would burst the minute anyone actually got a closer look: It seems like podcast listeners really are the hyper-engaged, super-supportive audiences that everyone hoped.“

This is, obviously, good news for anyone who relies on podcasting as a form of income. As a listener, this is what makes me happy:

“‘What we’re not seeing is any glaring indication that all podcasts should be, say, 15 minutes and 30 secs long, and that’s the optimal length,’ says Cox. Quite the contrary, in fact: podcast enthusiasts may expect to see more experimentation in form over the coming months.’”

I am of the sincere belief that stories should be as long as they should be. Often this is under fifteen minutes, but sometimes it is thirty or sixty or an hour-and-a-half. The key is making sure the content warrants the length, and I’m glad there (appears to be) a medium that will reward people who craft good stories, rather than analytics.