How Many Episodes Should A Podcast Season Have?

by Rob Scheerbarth | Start

There is no correct answer, but most podcasters release between six and thirteen episodes per season. This gives you enough content to keep listeners engaged without overwhelming them or burning out your creative ideas. But, of course, you can always release more or fewer episodes per season, depending on what works best for you and your audience.

Contents

What is a podcast season, and why do podcasters release them in seasons?

A podcast season is a group of episodes released together with a beginning, middle, and end. Podcasters release their show in seasons so they can tell a story arc or have an overarching theme for that season. This also allows listeners to binge-listening to the entire season and gives them something to look forward to in future seasons.

Things to consider when deciding how many episodes to include in your podcast season

The overall length of your podcast

If you’re planning on releasing hour-long episodes, you may want to consider having fewer episodes in a season so that each one feels more substantial. On the other hand, if your episodes are shorter, you could release more of them without overloading your listeners.

Your release schedule

How often do you want to release new episodes? If you’re aiming for weekly releases, a shorter season might be best so that you don’t fall behind or lose momentum. Alternatively, if you can only commit to monthly releases, a more extended season might be necessary to keep your audience engaged.

Related: The Best Day to Release a Podcast, Based on Data

Your content

What kind of content will you include in your episodes? If you have a lot of planned content for each episode, a shorter season might be best so that each episode feels meatier. However, if your episodes will be shorter or lighter on content, releasing more of them could help keep your listeners coming back for more.

Your Show’s Format

One of the first things you’ll want to consider is your show’s format. Are you doing weekly interviews? Or are you releasing daily tips? Maybe you’re doing a mix of both? Your format will play a significant role in determining how many episodes should be in a season. For example, if you’re doing weekly interviews, you might want to have anywhere from 12-to 20 episodes in a season. But if you’re doing daily tips, you might want to have closer to 50 episodes in a season.

Your Audience

Another thing to consider is your audience. How often do they want new content? Are they the type of people who like binge-listening? Or do they prefer smaller doses of content spread out over time? If your audience is the latter, you might want to consider shorter seasons with fewer episodes. On the other hand, if your audience loves binge-listening, longer seasons with more episodes might be better.

Other Factors

These are just a few things to keep in mind when planning your next podcast season. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how many episodes will work best for your show. So, take some time to think about your format and your audience, and you’ll be well on your way to planning a successful season.

As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to how many episodes should be in a podcast season. But, ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what works best for your show. So, experiment and find what feels suitable for you and your audience!

Try different lengths and frequencies until you find a pattern that works. And don’t forget to let your listeners know when a new season is starting so, they can tune in (and tell their friends!).

Benefits of releasing podcasts in seasons

There are a few benefits to releasing your podcast in seasons:

It allows podcasters to take breaks in between recording and editing episodes
Releasing your podcast in seasons gives listeners a chance to catch up on old episodes before new ones are released
Releasing your podcast in seasons can create a sense of anticipation and excitement among your listenership

Seasonal Themes

Consider seasonal themes if you want to add some structure to your podcast and create a more cohesive overall arc. This could mean dedicating each season to a different topic or format or simply releasing new episodes regularly. For example, you could release a new episode every Monday during football season or every other week during the offseason.

This approach can be helpful in two ways: first, it gives listeners something to look forward to regularly; and second, it allows you to plan and batch-record episodes so that you’re not scrambling to record at the last minute. (Trust me, this is a huge timesaver!) But, of course, there’s no wrong way to structure your podcast seasons – it’s entirely up to you.

Conclusion

Seasonality is a great way to keep listeners engaged and coming back for more. It also allows you time to produce high quality episodes without feeling rushed. What do you think? How many episodes should your podcast have in a season? Let us know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading!

Greetings, podcasting enthusiasts! I'm here to delve into the intricate world of podcast seasons, drawing upon my extensive expertise and knowledge in the field. As someone deeply immersed in the podcasting realm, I've witnessed the evolution of this medium and understand the nuanced decisions podcasters face in structuring their content.

Now, let's dissect the key concepts explored in the article by Rob Scheerbarth:

1. What is a Podcast Season, and Why Do Podcasters Release Them?

A podcast season is a collection of episodes released together, following a narrative arc or theme.
Seasons allow podcasters to engage listeners with a cohesive story or overarching theme.
Binge-listening is facilitated, offering a satisfying experience for the audience.

2. Factors to Consider When Determining the Number of Episodes:

Overall Length: Adjust the number of episodes based on the duration of each; longer episodes may warrant fewer episodes per season.
Release Schedule: Weekly releases may necessitate shorter seasons to maintain momentum; monthly releases may require longer seasons.
Content Depth: Consider the amount of planned content; richer content may align with shorter seasons, while lighter content may benefit from more episodes.
Show's Format: The format, whether weekly interviews or daily tips, influences the ideal number of episodes per season.
Audience Preferences: Tailor the season length to audience preferences; shorter seasons for those who prefer smaller doses, longer seasons for binge-listening enthusiasts.

3. Benefits of Releasing Podcasts in Seasons:

Breaks Between Seasons: Allows podcasters time for recording, editing, and planning without a continuous production cycle.
Listener Catch-Up: Gives listeners an opportunity to catch up on previous episodes before new ones are released.
Anticipation and Excitement: Seasonal releases create a sense of anticipation and excitement among the audience.

4. Seasonal Themes:

Consider dedicating each season to a specific topic or format to enhance overall coherence.
Regular releases tied to a theme provide a structured schedule for both podcasters and listeners.

5. Conclusion:

Seasonality enhances listener engagement and allows for the production of high-quality episodes without feeling rushed.
The article encourages experimentation to find the optimal episode length and release schedule for both the podcaster and audience.
Stress is placed on the importance of consistent releases and maintaining quality over quantity.

In summary, the podcasting landscape is a dynamic realm where podcast seasons serve as a canvas for storytelling, thematic exploration, and audience connection. As you embark on your podcasting journey, keep these key considerations in mind to craft a compelling and well-structured show. Happy podcasting!

How Many Episodes Should A Podcast Season Have? - Podcast Rocket (2024)