Have you ever thought about starting a podcast but felt like it’s “too late” to jump in? The thought might cross your mind—”Isn’t the podcasting world already oversaturated?” Well, you’re not alone. This question is popping up more and more, especially as podcasting continues to grow. But let’s break it down and talk about whether starting a podcast in 2025 is still worth your time.
Why Podcasting Isn’t “Too Late”
Let’s start with the basics: it’s never too late to do something you’re passionate about. You’ll be even later if you wait till 2026! That’s a good reminder that if you keep delaying, the opportunity will always feel like it’s slipping away.
Different types of podcasts like Sports Podcast, B2B podcast, True Crime Podcast have emerged with time. The beauty of podcasting is that it’s timeless. Just like people are still creating TV shows and movies decades after their invention, podcasts will continue to have a place in our lives. The key is to focus on why you want to start and what makes your podcast unique. But then here comes the question….
The Podcast Landscape: Is It Too Saturated?
A quick glance at the numbers might make you think podcasting is too crowded to succeed. But here’s an interesting twist: according to a study by Amplifi Media, 90% of podcasts don’t get past episode 3. Of those that do, another 90% quit after 20 episodes. That means by simply sticking with it and publishing your 21st episode, you’re already in the top 1% of podcasters.
Consistency is rare, and it’s also your biggest weapon. Sure, there are countless shows, but most of them are inactive or short-lived. If you’re passionate and committed, you can stand out—even in 2025.
So, What About the Competition?
Yes, the podcasting space is crowded, but don’t let that scare you off.
It’s winner take all at this point. Too late unless you are doing something very niche and targeted.
Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, narrow down your focus. What’s a specific topic or community you’re passionate about? The more targeted your content, the better chance you have of building a loyal audience.
Video podcasting is also still relatively new, which means there’s room to explore this format. Combine that with a solid plan and realistic expectations, and you’re on the right track. You can Start recording the podcast even with your Iphone in the pocket
Start Podcasting for yourself first
The general consensus? Do it for yourself first. My Client Aliss who started in 2023 said they launched their podcast because there was something they wanted to hear in their genre that didn’t exist. They weren’t chasing fame or fortune—they just loved dissecting films and wanted to share that passion.
Another podcaster chimed in, saying they treat it like an “expensive hobby.” For them, even if it doesn’t become a full-time gig, it’s something they enjoy doing, and that’s what keeps them going.
Here’s the truth: listeners can tell when you’re having fun. If you’re not enjoying the process, it’s hard to keep people engaged.
Real Talk: Money and Fame
Let’s address the elephant in the room: making money and gaining a big audience. While it’s possible, the odds aren’t in everyone’s favor. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.
But For fun? There’s no time limit on that. For a big audience? Your odds aren’t good, but it happens just often enough to give some people hope.
If your primary goal is to hit it big, you might end up disappointed. But if you’re doing it for self-fulfillment or to connect with a niche audience, you’ll find success in different ways.
The Truth I have learned about Podcasting
After working with countless podcasters and a podcast analyst myself for over 3 years, Here is what I can say. I know it isn’t a super long time and I’m aware that I’ve still got a lot to learn, but here’s what I’ve got so far:
It’s Hard. Like, Really Really Hard
Making good content of any kind takes a lot of work. Whether it’s writing/prep, performing, editing, or any number of the hundred things you have to do; it’s really hard.
Consistency is the Hardest Part
Consistency is the most crucial and challenging aspect. According to a particularly astute listener, “podcasts are habits.” Consistently releasing high-quality content is really difficult. It takes a lot of effort to create quality material. Regularly publishing that material is one of the most crucial things you must do, but it adds stress to all that work. In my opinion, anyone can produce a decent podcast episode or two. The difficult part is continuing to produce quality episodes week after week without degrading or burning out.
Make a Show Because You Love It
In all likelihood, your show won’t take the place of your day job. It’s possible, but it’s also possible to create a fantastic show and still not draw in enough viewers to turn a profit. You will have a terrible time if you create a show with the intention of becoming famous or wealthy. It will have intrinsic worth for you and be much simpler to make when times are tough if the show is your passion or pastime.
Throwing everything at an episode and not receiving any real attention is the worst thing that can happen to you. It doesn’t hurt nearly as much if you make it because you love it. Create the show you enjoy and want to hear.
Focus on the Content, Not the Equipment
Good equipment is readily available, and costly equipment won’t improve the quality of your work(Renting Podcast Equipment can be a way). Practice performing and reading aloud. Don’t cut corners on preparation; keep writing. I’ve discovered that excellent writing almost always produces excellent material. Additionally, practice off-air if improv is a part of your program. People will notice your material quality far more than your audio if your audio is at least passable.
Learn Audio Production if You Can
There are a lot of great resources on YouTube for this like Podcastage, Mike Russel, and Curtis Judd (just to name a few). You can make an inexpensive mic sound great with a little know-how. Admittedly, it’s a massive upfront learning effort, but once you learn how to dial in your spoken-word content, it’s very easy to repeat and tweak each week.
The main tools you need to learn are Gates, Compressors, and EQs. Good software will also help here. The most impactful money I’ve spent on my show has been paying for Adobe Audition. If you only have 1-2 people, you can probably get by in Audacity, but good software will enable you to really dial in your sound and editing.
Edit Your Own Audio if You Can
Editing takes a lot of time and is really really really difficult. I completely understand why people use editors. Editing your own material, however, aids in forming your vision. Doing one or two practice episodes, editing them to learn the process, and getting some feedback on your sound are good ways to learn before releasing. After that, create three actual episodes and tweak each one before releasing it. Listen to the first one after finishing the third.
You will undoubtedly have made progress, and you could even choose to revisit and make adjustments to your initial episode. When creating material, editing is a crucial ability to possess. Even while it takes a lot of effort and time, you will become much more proficient at it, and it gives your material a tight feedback loop. There are many Editing tools like Audacity that will get you started easily
However if you still think that editing is not your thing, dont force yourself. Because this is also true that Sometimes we feel like we are doing justice with our brand when we are doing it all by ourselves. We feel like if not us, no one would do it more passionately. But Successful Entrepreneurs and Creators always outsource those jobs that consume their time, so that they can focus on their real job without any distractions and headaches.
Moreover, professionals usually do it better, that would have been much worse if you had decided to do it all by yourself because of your lack of expertise in those fields. In these cases you may hire Freelancers who can do your job in exchange of some bucks.
Your Show Will Evolve Over Time
The show you make at the start will be different than the show you make after a year. It takes time to find your voice and find your audience. That’s natural, and your show should/will evolve over time. It took at least 8 episodes for us to settle into our show, and I don’t really think it found its voice until 40ish episodes.
Don’t Stress Over Promo
Sharing your show is obviously necessary to attract listeners, but don’t overburden yourself with constant promotion. Always err by producing more or better content. Don’t worry about posting to social media constantly or tagging things to oblivion; instead, become active in the communities where your show is important (if you haven’t previously) and do some promotion.
I used to get pretty burned out when I tried to post on social media three or four times a week. I now only publish two or three times a month, or whenever we have something entertaining to offer. Don’t worry too much about it, but if your listeners are communicating with you on social media, then absolutely engage more.
how to get Started?
Is Podcasting Right for You?
Before jumping in, ask yourself these questions:
- Why are you starting a podcast? If your reason is purely financial, you might need to rethink your approach.
- Do you have a unique angle? With so many shows out there, a niche focus can help you stand out.
- Are you ready for the grind? Podcasting requires consistency and effort, especially in the early days.
If you’re still wondering starting a podcast in 2025 is a good choice, here’s some practical advice from experienced podcasters:
- Invest in Good Equipment: Many podcasters recommend starting with your own gear. A simple setup with a good USB mic and software like Adobe Audition can go a long way.
- Learn Basic Editing: Doing your own editing can save you money and give you more control over your content.
- Focus on Quality: Whether it’s your sound, content, or niche, make sure your podcast adds value. One podcaster said they found a niche and worked hard to deliver a high-quality show—and it paid off.
Tips for Starting Strong in 2025
- Pick a niche: The more specific, the better. For example, instead of “parenting,” try “parenting teens in the digital age.”
- Leverage existing audiences: Do you have a social media following, newsletter subscribers, or a community you can tap into?
- Batch your content: Record multiple episodes before launching so you’re not scrambling to keep up.
- Promote smartly: Don’t just rely on word of mouth. Use SEO, social media, and cross-promotion to grow your audience.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
The short answer: yes, it’s worth it—but only if you’re doing it for the right reasons. If you’re passionate about your topic, enjoy the process, and have realistic expectations, starting a podcast in 2025 could be one of the most rewarding things you do.
Remember, there’s no “too late” in podcasting. The best time to start was yesterday. The next best time is today.
So, what are you waiting for? Dust off that mic and get started!
Podcasting is a different game, and without a precise blueprint, the game will get tougher midway. Grow your podcast from scratch with Zero Audience and learn about how successful podcasters cracked the code by winning our Free Guide with step by step Guidelines.
Get your complete podcast equipment setup by visiting Podcast Equipment Bundle. Don’t let the side projects kill your time. Get in touch with podcasting services and experts those will save you tons of time at Podcast Production Services.
With that being said, Let’s connect with all such free and paid tool/services you might need knowingly or unknowingly to fuel your growth. Here’s 21 BEST AI TOOLS AND PLATFORMS TO GROW YOUR PODCAST AND CONTENTS. There are some bonus tools in the end too to make your day to day life easier.
There are some affiliate links on this page that will redirect you directly to the original products and services. Also by buying through those links you will be supporting us. So thank you ^.^
