Podcast Length

[lau_k13]

How long it to long for a podcast? What are your thoughts?

The podcast I do averages about an hour, but recently it has been running longer, I was wondering if other podcasters have run into this problem as well.

[Yotto]

How long it to long for a podcast? What are your thoughts?

The podcast I do averages about an hour, but recently it has been running longer, I was wondering if other podcasters have run into this problem as well.

Your listeners tend to expect your show to remain roughly the same length. If you go too long, they may start to unsubscribe.

There are many different types of listeners out there. Some don't mind 2-hour shows. Some refuse to break 15 minutes. Some won't listen to shows that are under a half hour. You can't cater to everybody.

I will personally listen to any show that keeps me entertained or informed for its entire run. If the show's 2 hours long so be it. If it's 1 minute, I'm cool with that. I have a friend who won't even listen to MY show because he has a hard cap of 45 minutes per episode and we frequently break 90 minutes.

IOW, don't sweat it, but remember your current listeners are the most important thing to worry about when it comes to listeners. If they don't mind, don't worry. If they do, do worry.

[EndGamePR]

My personal feeling with podcasts is that any hour long show would be better if you cut it in half. But, some people disagree. I work from home, so I don't have a long commute during which I can listen to long shows.

For entertainment shows, any length is good ... and if you have listeners then they probably agree. For more informational/business shows ... I generally recommend no more than 15-20 minutes.

[DailySplice]

I agree with EndGame, except I'd say if it's an hour, cut it by 3/4. But that's just my opinion. If you're listeners like 60+ minute shows, and you like doing them, don't stop. You're really better off asking your listeners this question i think.

[Barefoot Radio.com]

I think it depends on the podcast and the level of entertainment in that amount of time.

Real fans will always want 'more.'

It depends on the mentality of the particular listener you're talking about.

When our podcast goes long, it does not seem to affect the outcome of our numbers.

Shorter podcasts may logically do better because of simplicity. Personally, the length of a good podcast never kept me from downloading it, and we all have broadband, so?

[WyethDigital]

I agree with Paul. If the content is compelling, I'll find a way to listen to/watch the podcast, even if it is two hours. Of course, you need to be a good judge of what is entertaining. Listening to a 30 minute rant (or discussion) might be entertaining for half an hour, but might get tedious if it goes longer if there's nothing being added to the content beyond pointless blathering. And sadly, there is way too much pointless blathering out there...

It also helps to know your audience. Are they the type to engage in something once started, or are they A.D.D. and waiting to jump to the next thing? Ultimately, their input (if encouraged) will guide you.

Eric

[WyethDigital]

BTW, I believe this is your iTunes' podcast page address:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=257120869

You should use that if you want do better in iTunes, instead of just telling people to "search for the Sam and Nick Show in iTunes."

The URL should have been in your confirmation email, or you can get it by right-clicking the image on your iTunes page and copying the link.

Eric

[lau_k13]

Thanks for the help.

It always helps to take a step out for the listener. I didn't realize i could do this, thanks again

[WyethDigital]

No problem. Hope it helps.

Eric