So how do I determine the right length for my podcast? In this article we explain the pros and cons of long and short podcasts. Hopefully this information will help you determine the best length for your podcast.
The average length of a podcast
The length of a podcast varies enormously. There are short podcasts of about five to ten minutes and long podcasts of half an hour to an hour. The length of the podcast often depends on the content you're talking about, but again you can vary the length.
Take, for example, a podcast that discusses current topics in society. The name says it all, but The podcast 'Long story short from NPO 3FM, discusses one topical subject every working day in 5 minutes. And the podcast of NPO Radio 1 'The Day, chooses to discuss current affairs in 20 minutes.
So unfortunately there is no average length for a podcast. However, we have Springcast Another way to determine the duration of your podcast is to take the results of the First major survey of Dutch podcast listeners.
Research results
In the survey of Dutch podcast listeners, 1,099 respondents were asked for their opinions. The survey focused on the identity of the listeners, the methods of listening, the revenue models of podcasts and the relationship with podcast makers.
The study asked two interesting questions to determine the ideal length of a podcast:
1. How long are your podcast listening sessions?
The respondents' answers show that most listeners listen to a podcast for 30 to 45 minutes, immediately followed by 45 to 60 minutes. The researchers assume that, since this is a common podcast playing time, an episode of a show is being listened to in these listening sessions.
2. Is there an ideal podcast length?
A large majority of the respondents answered this question by saying that there is no ideal podcast length. The other respondents were very divided. For some, the ideal length is under 30 minutes, while others would rather listen to a podcast for an hour.
The best length according to the target group
Now that you know how long listeners listen to a podcast and what they think is the ideal length, let's take it a step further by looking at your target group. In order to determine the best length of your podcast for your target audience, it is important to gather as much information as possible about your target group.
By gathering as much information as possible, you can find out what content appeals most to your target audience and how you can incorporate this into your podcast. This will also help you to determine the length of your podcast.
- 87% of podcast listeners want to learn something, 90% want to be entertained.
- Podcasts are listened to by 94% on a smartphone or other portable.
- Most interesting topics: media, tech, science, culture & politics.
- 83% listens to non-fiction podcasts.
- Podcasts are listened to most often when people are on the move.
- Apple, Spotify and their own website are the most used platforms
- The majority listens to a podcast for 1 to 6 hours a week.
Advantages and disadvantages of a long podcast
The average results from a survey are of course useful to know in order to determine the length of the podcast. But what are the advantages and disadvantages of long or short podcasts? We summarise them for you.
Advantages long podcast
- You can go deeper and make your content very valuable.
- A long podcast is suitable for interviews.
- People do not expect a weekly publication with a long podcast.
Disadvantages long podcast
- Without structure, your podcast is likely to be difficult to understand.
- Not everyone has time to listen to you for long.
- It takes a lot of preparation time & the shooting and editing also take a lot of time.
Advantages and disadvantages of a short podcast
To help you decide how long your podcast should be, the pros and cons of a short podcast are also listed.
Benefits
- Ideal for practical tips.
- Listeners can quickly determine whether the podcast is interesting.
- It takes little preparation time.
- You can respond better to current events.
- Possibility to bundle several short podcasts.
Disadvantages
- The topics to be discussed are very limited.
- It is difficult to go into depth.
- You have to come up with new podcasts every week.
- It is difficult to create a fan base.
And a small addition to the advantages...
Spotify launched the Dutch version "Your Daily". recently and thus makes it possible for users to receive a personalised offer of shortcasts. Quite interesting, a short podcast ;D
Tips for recording your podcast
As we said at the beginning of this article, podcasts come in all shapes and sizes. This article will help you decide on the right length for your podcast, but we might also be able to help you with other articles in which we share our knowledge.
A few blogs highlighted for you:
- A super comprehensive guide to making a podcast.
- The pros and cons of 7 different types of podcasts.
- Podcast tips for when you are just starting out and want to achieve a professional result.
- Tips for conducting a good podcast interview.
- Where to find music for your intro and what music is allowed.
- How to share your podcast with the rest of the world.
Conclusion
Hopefully this information will at least help you decide how long you want your podcast to be. The average length of a podcast varies a lot and nothing is wrong!
It is important to always keep in mind that there is no ideal length in minutes for a podcast according to most listeners. Think carefully about what you want to convey to your listeners and sketch out a good picture of your target group.
Only in this way can you determine what is valuable content for your target group and adjust the length of your podcast accordingly.
Happy Podcasting! 
