Plan Your 2021 Podcast with Lessons
From the 10 Hottest Topics of Last Year

Despite the hardships and life disruptions that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused, millions of people are still listening to their favorite podcasts–and the audio industry is still growing. There are over 850,000 active podcasts, and in 2020, more than half of Americans had listened to at least one audio podcast. From true crime stories to daily financial advice, people are getting their information and entertainment through audio content.

THERE ARE CURRENTLY

850,000

Active Podcasts and over
30 million podcast episodes.

In the sea of podcasts that are available, what are some of the most popular podcast topics and how do you pick one as a podcast producer? These are the top 10 podcasting topics in the United States, as well as some of the best podcasts of 2020 to give you an idea of the genres that tend to be big hits.

NEWS

2020 had its fair share of huge news stories. From the global pandemic to racial justice reckoning in the summer to wildfires and the election in the fall, there were many major events to stay up to date with. Listeners continued to rely on news podcasts to get information they trusted about what was going on in the country as well as the world.

The Daily

Hosted by Michael Barbaro, “The Daily” is the New York Times’ morning news show which features reporting from journalists around the world. In twenty minutes, listeners learn everything they need to know on the biggest news of the day. “The Daily” tops the charts for both Spotify’s News Podcasts and Apple’s News Podcasts.

Up First

National Public Radio (NPR) ranks among the top podcast publishers in the world and draws in 20 million listeners each month. Its popular “Up First” podcast provides the 3 major news stories of the day in ten minutes, with analysis and reporting by hosts Rachel Martin, Noel King, and Steve Inskeep.

Tactics that make news podcasts so successful

You can use these tactics to improve your podcasts by searching for topics that are timely and important to listeners. Even if your podcast isn’t necessarily a “news” podcast, acknowledging what is going on in the world makes your content relevant and more engaging.

Key Tips for Success

You can use these tactics to improve your podcasts by searching for topics that are timely and important to listeners. Even if your podcast isn’t necessarily a “news” podcast, acknowledging what is going on in the world makes your content relevant and more engaging.

Comedians And Celebrities

Comedy continued to be one of the top podcasting topics throughout 2020. It actually was the most popular genre in October, pulling in almost ⅕ of all listeners in the U.S. Listeners continue to enjoy shows that feature a central comedian or celebrity that speak candidly and provide entertainment.

The Joe Rogan Experience

This show, exclusively on Spotify, experienced a surge in popularity in 2020. It was the #1 podcast on Edison Research’s list of Top 30 U.S. Podcasts as well as #1 on Spotify’s Podcast Charts. Joe Rogan, a stand up comedian, hosts long-form conversations with a variety of guests and friends, including Elon Musk and WWE Hall of Famer Mark “The Undertaker” Calaway.

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

Shows with a well-known host continue to be popular among podcast listeners. On his podcast, Dax Shepard, an actor who has a decade of sobriety, explores what it means to be human by interviewing journalists and other celebrities, such as Justin Timberlake.

Tactics that make COMEDY podcasts so successful

You can use these tactics to improve your podcasts by incorporating fun and entertainment. You might not be able to pull off jokes like a professional comedian–but you can lighten up your show. If you have fun creating your podcast and chatting with your guests, listeners will likely have fun too.

Key Tips for Success

Comedic podcasts work best when they provide an endless source of entertainment. This involves a naturally funny host, fresh content, and fun guests who get along well with the host.

True Crime

True crime has topped podcast charts for years, and people continue to love it. There is something about digging into true crime stories and unsolved cases that millions of listeners are hooked on. One theory is that true crime’s popularity is due to the fact that it triggers fear in a controlled environment, and listeners have the freedom to dig into the psychological factors to understand why crimes are committed. In 2020, people especially turned to true crime podcasts for their horror fix.

Crime Junkie

Ashley Flowers and Brit host this popular show that is among the most highly ranked on Apple true crime podcasts. Meant for listeners who can’t get enough of true crime, this weekly show provides straightforward stories that are easy to follow and digest.

My Favorite Murder

Another popular true crime podcast, “My Favorite Murder” features favorite tales of murder from hosts Georgie Hardstark and Karen Kilgariff. They are both lifelong fans of the true crime genre, and welcome guests who share true stories about crimes in their hometowns.

Tactics that make true crime podcasts so successful

You can use these tactics to improve your podcasts by making your content more story-like. Get listeners hooked, and keep them guessing as to who did it right until the very end of the episode. You can also dig more into the psychological impact of true crime stories and incorporate this into your content.

Key Tips for Success

True crime has long been popular and allows people to experience fear in a safe, controlled environment. Tap into the emotions of your listeners for engaging, successful content.

Politics

With the presidential election in November and increasing friction among political parties, 2020 was a major year for politics. Whichever party listeners identified with, they tuned into political shows to get the latest news and find trusted resources to break down major events.

Pod Save America

This all-time best seller is hosted by four men who used to be advisers for President Obama (Jon Favreau, Jon Lovette, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor). Joined by activists and journalists, they host a bi-weekly conversation about politics and break down the news of the week.

The Ben Shapiro Show

Hosted by Ben Shapiro, this podcast features a comprehensive and conservative analysis of the news, including politics. Shapiro aims to provide the hard-hitting truth five days a week. His podcast has experienced a high amount of growth, especially among younger listeners.

Tactics that make Political podcasts so successful

You can use these tactics to improve your podcasts by ensuring your show has expertise, whether that is from a big-personality host or guests who have made a name for themselves in politics. Speaking to strong opinions can gain loyal listeners.

Key Tips for Success

You can use these tactics to improve your podcasts by searching for topics that are timely and important to listeners. Even if your podcast isn’t necessarily a “news” podcast, acknowledging what is going on in the world makes your content relevant and more engaging.

Racial Justice

A racial justice reckoning took over the United States when George Floyd was killed by police officers in Minneapolis at the end of May. Searches for information on racism spiked over the summer, as millions of people sought education on race in America. Among the top sources for this information were podcasts. Shows that tackled racism head on and featured fearless conversations were not only popular among podcast listeners, but also opened eyes and illuminated difficult truths.

Code Switch

Hosted by journalists of color, this podcast became one of NPR’s top ranked podcasts and was #1 on Apple’s podcast chart in June. “Code Switch” delves deep into how race impacts every aspect of society, and features conversations with people who have traditionally been underrepresented and marginalized.

Pod Save the People

Hosted by DeRay Mckesson, an activist and organizer, this podcast explores social justice as well as politics and culture. Once a week, Mckesson sits down with local and national leaders, experts, and influencers like Megan Rapinoe for deep conversations about the state of race and racism in the country

Tactics that make Racial Justice podcasts so successful

You can use these tactics to improve your podcasts by tackling difficult subjects head-on and being honest about things that aren’t easy to talk about. Speak from personal experience, or host guests who do have personal experience so you can build credibility.

Key Tips for Success

Honesty and fearlessness are required for podcasts that take on difficult subjects such as racial justice. You will have to be prepared for some hard, yet eye-opening conversations.

Sports

Although many sports were canceled in 2020, podcasts on the subject continued to remain popular. Listeners flocked to sports podcasts for breakdowns on games, entertaining reviews, and information on teams or individual players.

Pardon My Take

This podcast from Barstool Sports trends at the top of both Spotify sports podcasts and Apple sports podcasts. The hosts deliver sports takes on daily topics and events, and aim to always provide something new so listeners are endlessly entertained.

The Pat McAfee Show

Some of the most popular sports podcasts are ones that are hosted by former players themselves. The host of this show is former NFL Pro Bowl player Pat McAfee, who chats with his friends such as Pacman Jones to provide a new take on sports and entertainment. On top of humor and storytelling, McAfee provides special player insight that gives this show a unique spin.

Tactics that make Sports podcasts so successful

You can use these tactics to improve your podcasts by reviewing or reporting sports events as soon as they happen, such as a player being traded or a team suffering a shocking upset. Entertain your listeners and talk to actual players who can add credibility to your show.

Key Tips for Success

The best sports podcasts feature current or former players. They can truly speak to the intense highs and lows of the sports world, and provide a fresh viewpoint that also establishes credibility.

Miscellaneous Information

One of the main reasons why people listen to podcasts is to learn new things. Some of the most popular podcasts simply aim to educate their listeners on topics big and small. Exploring these shows gives people random tidbits of information and skills that they can use to improve their lives.

Stuff You Should Know

This podcast covers a wide variety of topics to provide information on basically everything. The hosts, Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, connect with like-minded listeners who simply want to expand their knowledge of the world. The company behind “Stuff You Should Know”, HowStuffWorks, draws almost 28 million downloads monthly for its dozen podcasts.

Freakonomics Radio

Hosted by Stephen J. Dubner, who co-authored the “Freakonomics” book, this podcast discovers the hidden aspects to everyday events and topics. It aims to tell you things you never thought you wanted to know and features guests such as entrepreneurs and Nobel laureates.

Tactics that make Informational podcasts so successful

You can use these tactics to improve your podcasts by seeking out what your listeners would like to learn about the most. Or, add a fun “fact of the week” at the end of your show to provide a tidbit of knowledge. Listeners enjoy having a piece of information they can bring up at a party or tell a coworker about–even if it’s completely random.

Key Tips for Success

Any subject, big and small, is fair game for informational podcasts. Tap into your listener’s keenness to learn useful information.

Pop Culture

Pop culture still rules–and podcast listeners enjoy shows that feature this genre. From reviews on popular movies and videogames to breakdowns of TV episodes, pop culture podcasts have provided people the entertainment and sense of communal belonging they’ve been seeking.

Pop Culture Happy Hour

Five days a week, you can get your pop culture fix from this podcast, which is hosted by several prominent arts journalists. It features a rotating cast of pop culture guests and explores reactions, recommendations, and commentary on the top TV shows, music, movies, books, games, and more.

Office Ladies

#13 on Edison Research’s Top Podcasts, “Office Ladies” is hosted by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, co-stars in the popular TV series The Office. This is a “re-watch podcast” in which the hosts break down one episode of The Office every week and give listeners exclusive, behind-the-scenes information and stories.

Tactics that make Pop Culture podcasts so successful

You can use these tactics to improve your podcasts by conducting reviews of the last movie you watched or giving your experience of a videogame–good or bad. People enjoy listening to what others think, then make informed decisions on what to watch, read, or buy.

Key Tips for Success

People tune in to pop culture podcasts to see if that one movie is worth seeing, or to get more information on the TV show they watch with all their friends. The key is to provide valuable information on popular content.

History

Akin to the true crime genre, podcast listeners enjoy deep dives into historical events and stories that teach them new things. Creepy history and fresh insight are popular subjects within this genre, tapping again into that sense of fear and changing people’s minds about what they always thought they knew.

You're Wrong About ...

Hosted by journalists Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall, this podcast reconsiders an event or person from the past that has been miscast in the public’s imagination. “You’re Wrong About…” experienced a surge in popularity and currently ranks in the top 10 Apple podcasts.

Lore

This historical, award-winning podcast focuses on dark, supernatural tales. It explores creepy places, tragic events, and mysteries from history. There is a darker side of history, and “Lore” unearths it. The podcast won awards in 2015 and 2016 and has over 285 million listens.

Tactics that make history podcasts so successful

You can use these tactics to improve your podcasts by really digging deep into your content and providing as much detailed information as you can about your subjects. Again, listeners crave new information, so take advantage of this.

Key Tips for Success

Podcasts on history are popular because they dig deep into events or people of our past and provide fresh information. Pinpoint a subject that your listeners collectively know about and discover new details that you can present about it.

The U.S. Economy

The coronavirus pandemic led to a global recession as millions lost their jobs or were sent to work from home. While financial podcasts are always popular, this topic was especially listened to in 2020 as people sought advice from experts and tried to make sense of what was happening with the economy.

Planet Money

Another podcast from NPR, Podcast Money aims to explain the economy in simple terms. It consistently ranks among top business podcasts and has been produced since 2008, when the Great Recession hit the country. Listeners have relied on this podcast for years to get useful advice and information.

Snacks Daily

A newer podcast, “Snacks Daily” is produced by Robinhood and hosted by Jack Kramer and Nick Martell. The show covers the top 3 financial news stories in fifteen minutes. Many people listen in the morning to get the information they need to know on the biggest topics of the day, before they head to work.

Tactics that make economy podcasts so successful

You can use these tactics to improve your podcasts by seeking out what your listeners would like to learn about the most. Or, add a fun “fact of the week” at the end of your show to provide a tidbit of knowledge. Listeners enjoy having a piece of information they can bring up at a party or tell a coworker about–even if it’s completely random.

Key Tips for Success

A complex subject needs to be described in simple and understandable terms. When it comes to advice on something like money or the economy, make sure your advice is credible and that your guests have experience in the financial space.

Tending Topics For 2021

What’s next for the podcasting industry? Since the global pandemic is not quite over yet, 2021 may be very similar in topics and trends. However, there are a few predictions for this new year:
A Break from the News

News was the top topic in 2020–but in 2021, listeners may be looking for a break from our grinding reality. With the pandemic winding down and the election over, it’s predicted that many listeners will turn back to escapism forms of content such as fiction and history. Comfortable entertainment shows that provide a distraction from reality may see a boost. With sports coming back and being held normally as the year goes on, sports podcasts may increase in popularity as well.

Crossover and Collaboration

As the podcasting space grows and grows, many people are eager to see what the year brings in terms of collaboration among podcasters. Cross-promotion and networking is one of the best ways to grow a podcast’s reach, and there are many shows that are similar in theme and narrative that hold potential for collaboration. There also seems to be a melding of art forms; TV shows and films are being created that originate from podcasts, and some people hope to see this trend take off as well.

More Diverse Content

2020 brought frank discussions about racial equality, and podcasts are a great platform to ensure that certain voices and perspectives are heard. Industry experts are hoping that podcasts continue to grow in diversity, in terms of both content and hosts. Hopefully the industry will become more inclusive with diverse creators as podcasts increasingly connect with a broader audience. Spanish-language shows, for example, may become the premier podcast to produce.

More than anything, the podcasting industry is continuing to grow. Each year, more and more listeners tune in and discover podcast topics they can’t get enough of. Looking for more ideas and advice? Podcatalyst helps you increase exposure and build more authority as a podcast professional.

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