High Podcast Attrition Rates:

A significant number of podcasts fail to sustain long-term production. Approximately 75% of all podcasts become inactive after 7 episodes, commonly referred to as "podfade." Many creators struggle with consistency due to time constraints, lack of strategy, or burnout​

Intense Competition in Podcasting:

While over 4.7 million podcasts are listed on Spotify, only about 800,000 are active, indicating many creators fail to maintain regular updates. This high volume creates a saturated market, making it challenging for new shows to gain visibility​

Barriers to Listener Growth:

The average podcast listener subscribes to 6-7 shows, with only a fraction of new podcasts breaking into a listener’s regular rotation. Without clear branding and targeted messaging, many podcasts struggle to stand out​

Time and Resource Management:

On average, it takes 7-10 hours to create a single podcast episode, from planning to post-production. Leaders balancing ministry, business, and personal responsibilities may find it difficult to allocate the necessary time. Of course, this is just an average.
Personal Note on this Stat: Average doesn't have to be your normal. After-all, we were meant to be set apart! My average time and effort for a podcast from recording to completion ranges from:

30 minutes for a simple audio take of a short 15 minute episode with scheduling and setup included all the way to probably 5-7 hours at the most for a full-scale TV/VIDEO/AUDIO panel discussion requiring planning, coordinating, and working with multiple guests, filming, video editing and post production through to the finish line of actually posting associated content to announce it all!

Monetization Challenges:

Monetizing a podcast often requires consistent high listenership, but most shows earn less than $500 annually. Leaders may struggle to justify the financial investment without seeing tangible returns early on​

Listener Drop-Off:

Even among well-produced podcasts, listener drop-off can occur mid-episode. A study found that 20-30% of listeners don’t finish episodes, emphasizing the importance of engaging and succinct content​

Content Relevance and Longevity:

Podcasts focused on niche topics or ministry often face challenges in keeping the content relevant and engaging for their audience while addressing universal truths.