How to Find Your Podcast Niche in 2024 [Complete Guide]
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Aspiring podcast hosts today face an immense challenge—-breaking into an ultra-saturated market already flooded with over 3 million shows spanning every possible topic imaginable.
Despite fierce competition, many newcomers often repeat the critical mistake of developing shows around topics too broad to realistically stand out, such as general “comedy” or “sports commentary” programs.
The key to breaking through instead lies in the art of intelligent niche-ing: drilling down into hyper-focused perspectives, blending personalized passions with untapped audience potentials, and embracing lesser-known interests or underserved listening segments.
This guide will walk you through all you need to know about finding the right podcast niche for you. By taking the time to find and investigate a niche, emerging podcasters can maximize their odds of sculpting a solid show, even against long odds in 2024’s crowded audio space.
What is a Podcast Niche and Why is it Important?
Defining a podcast niche
In simple terms, a podcast niche is the specific topic or subject matter that your show focuses on. Popular niches are true crime, comedy, sports, business, health, and technology.
The thing is niches can get far more specific. You can even combine two or more niches. Stick around 'cause we're showing leading examples and creative niche ideas later on.
Bottomline: Your niche is what uniquely sets your podcast apart from the masses. It gives listeners a clear reason to tune in to you.
Why does your podcast niche matter for audience growth?
Selecting a podcast niche is crucial for attracting your ideal listeners and achieving growth over time.
Those who try to create general interest "all-purpose" shows often struggle to stand out. In a saturated market, capturing and retaining a dedicated audience with a wide-ranging theme is hard work.
Switching topics drastically can lead to listener confusion. They may struggle to understand the core focus of your podcast and what to consistently expect.
By narrowly targeting a specific set of people interested in your niche, you stand a much better chance of building a clearly defined audience and keeping them engaged long-term.
In 2024 and beyond, launching with a well-researched niche will be essential.
How To Find Your Podcast Niche in 4 Easy Steps?
#1. Understand your interests and passions
The best place to begin your podcast niche search is by looking inward. What topics do you geek out over? What do you enjoy learning and talking about?
Your niche should align with your interests and passions.
While it's tempting to chase down trends or lucrative markets, check compatibility first. Do you have a unique perspective or background in this area? If not, better to lean into your interests. This makes creating niche content sustainable in the long term.
#2. Research potential niches and competition
Once you’ve narrowed down topic ideas, take time to analyze the niche landscape. Are there already countless shows on the topic, or is it a wide open space?
Use podcast search engine Listen Notes to study category rankings and track competitors. A niche with less competition can be ideal, but you’ll also need enough baseline interest from listeners. Find the right balance for your goals.
#3. Consider audience demand and profitability
While passion is crucial, analyzing demand for a niche also matters. This is especially important if you want to monetize your podcast down the line.
How do you do that? Study search volume trends for related keywords using Google’s Keyword Planner. Gauge fanbase interest via social listening.
Higher interest niches often translate to more downloads and partner opportunities over time. Just be wary of excessive competition in the most in-demand spaces.
#4. Choose a niche that inspires you
At the end of the day, choose a podcast niche that excites and inspires you. Don’t chase theoretical downloads or revenue potential. If producing regular niche content feels like a chore, you’ll likely burn out.
Select a niche that lights you up week after week. The rest will follow if you stick to it.
Top 5 Creative Podcast Niche Ideas for 2024
Still brainstorming exactly what niche you should drill down on? Here are evergreen podcast niche ideas primed for audience growth in 2024 and beyond.
Health and wellness
The public’s interest in health, fitness, nutrition and well-being continues to thrive. Consider sub-niches like mindful living, mental health, running, yoga, and healthy cooking.
Here are shows in this podcast niche, based on Chartable’s Top 200.
Huberman Lab
Huberman Lab discusses neuroscience, from how our brain controls perceptions, behaviors, and health.
12 Hour Sound Machines for Sleep (no loops or fades)
This podcast is literally 12 hours of uninterrupted sound machines. It offers to help with deep & restful sleep, soothe a baby, mask unwanted noise, or calm anxiety.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Jay Shetty holds fascinating conversations with the most insightful people in the world. His purpose? To make wisdom go viral.
Business and entrepreneurship
Business and entrepreneurship is a staple podcast niche. It also has endless subniches like startups, marketing, productivity, leadership, and online business. Choose an angle that caters to your first-hand experience.
Chartable’s Top 200 has a ton of shows from this niche and here are the frontrunners.
The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway
Professor and entrepreneur Scott Galloway combines business insight with provocative life advice.
Marketplace
Host Kai helps you make sense of the day’s business news, no economic degree or finance background needed. Marketplace takes you beyond the numbers, bringing you context.
How I Built This with Guy Raz
Guy Raz talks to the world’s best-known entrepreneurs to learn how they built their iconic brands. They discuss doubts, failures, and eventual success.
True crime and mysteries
The popularity of true crime media shows no signs of slowing. Possible niches include unsolved cases, paranormal encounters, conspiracy theories, and beyond. Take a unique approach while respecting victims. Comedic true crime is also on the rise.
Here are the top shows in this podcast niche, according to Chartable’s Top 200.
Crime Junkie
In Crime Junkie, the co-hosts talk about crime in a way that sounds like you’re sitting around with your best friends.
Dateline NBC
Dateline NBC offers true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries, and in-depth investigations.
Morbid
Morbid is a true crime, creepy history, and all things spooky podcast. It's hosted by an autopsy technician and a hairstylist.
Arts, comedy and entertainment
Tap into your creative talents or comedic chops via an arts and entertainment niche. Explore ideas like film analysis, interviews with creatives, and behind-the-scenes entertainment industry intel.
Here are frontrunners in this podcast niche, based on Chartable’s Top 200.
99% Invisible
A weekly exploration of the process and power of design and architecture. Design is everywhere, and it's especially in the places where we've stopped noticing it.
Tales from the Stinky Dragon
Tales from the Stinky Dragon is a D&D actual play podcast in the midst of its second campaign.
Lovett or Leave It
This is a live variety show that breaks down the week’s news in politics and pop culture. The twist? They tell it with sketches, games, jokes, and nuanced analysis.
Technology and gadgets
For the tech-obsessed, gadget niches let you dig into your passion. Consider angles like device reviews, cybersecurity, blockchain, AI, and crypto. The options are endless here.
Here are the world’s top tech podcasts, according to Chartable’s Top 200.
Darknet Diaries
Host Jack Rhysider shares true stories about the dark side of the Internet. The show covers the chilling world of hacking, data breaches, and cybercrime.
Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast
This is a tech podcast for the gadget lovers and tech heads. The co-hosts dive into the latest and greatest in tech and what deserves your hard-earned cash.
Pivot
Pivot shares unfiltered insights into the biggest stories in tech, business, and politics. It's hosted by tech journalist Kara Swisher and NYU Professor Scott Galloway.
4 Ideal Tips for Launching and Growing a Niche Podcast
Ready to dive into your chosen niche but not sure how to start? Here are pro tips for launching and expanding your niche podcast in 2024.
Create trailer episodes teasing your niche
To spark interest, release a trailer episode that previews your podcast's theme. But making the trailer is only the beginning.
The next step is to promote it across various platforms. Don’t just upload it and hope for the best. Share it on social media, in your emails, and use every communication channel at your disposal.
It's also important to connect with the right people. Join forums and groups related to your topic and niche. Find ways to naturally insert your trailer or podcast in conversations. This helps more interested listeners find your podcast.
Conduct thorough keyword research
Identify niche terms and queries your target audience uses.
You can use free keyword research tools like AnswerThePublic, Google Trends, and Ubersuggest. These show you questions and phrases your niche audience is already searching for.
You can either:
- Incorporate keywords in your podcast content (if it’s already done and recorded)
- Use it as the base for your episode topics and discussions (if you’re still prepping for an episode)
- Or both!
Once you've gathered your keywords, strategically incorporate them into your digital footprint.
How do you start doing this? A simple way to go about it is to include keywords in your podcast's title, description, and episode titles.
Taking it a step further, create show notes or accompanying blog posts for each episode. Use keywords throughout these, especially in headings, subheadings, and the first few paragraphs.
Protip: Use Deciphr AI for instant titles, show notes, keywords, and podcast blogs.
Interact with your niche community
To connect with your audience, immerse yourself in the communities where they thrive. Start by pinpointing the hubs of activity related to your podcast niche. This could be forums, social media groups, or networks where thought leaders gather.
Use platforms like Reddit, Facebook Groups, and LinkedIn to your advantage. For instance, if your podcast is about cleantech, search for 'cleantech' or other relevant keywords on these platforms.
Once you've identified these communities, don't just lurk – participate. Share your insights, offer valuable commentary, and engage in meaningful conversations. Your goal is to be recognized within these circles; make people remember your name.
Here's a practical tip: Dedicate 15-20 minutes daily to this engagement. Small, consistent efforts can lead to significant impact over time. Think of it as sowing seeds that will eventually bear you an engaged audience.
Collaborate with thought leaders in your space
Don't be shy to seek out collaborations. Inviting guests or partnering for episodes helps share audiences and establishes you as an important voice in your area. Approach these collaborations with confidence and a clear value proposition.
For outreach, use social media like LinkedIn or Twitter. BuzzSumo is also a great tool to find top influencers in your niche.
When you message them, make your email or direct message personal. Explain what's special about your (and their) podcast and how working together can be beneficial. A good message can lead to great partnerships.
Read more: Creating a Podcast Guest List That Converts: The 2024 Guide
Choosing the Right Niche is Key to Podcasting Success
In business, clearly defining your target audience from day one is absolutely essential - and podcasting is no exception. Taking the time upfront to strategically select your niche will set you up for growth month after month.
Good luck as you search within to find that winning niche made just for you!
One last thing: When launching in a competitive space, you need every bit of advantage to get discovered. Why not use an automated repurposing tool to help with that? Deciphr AI enables you to turn a single episode into captions, reels, and blogs.
With strategic repurposing and niche selection by your side, you can transform your passion into a thriving podcast business in 2024.