How to Start a Successful Podcast in 2026 - Episode 59
Welcome back to Social Media Mastery - Episode 59!
Today’s edition is for anyone thinking about launching a podcast in 2026.
How to Start a Successful Podcast in 2026
My ambition is by the end of this newsletter, you understand the investment, the opportunity, but most of all, what it takes to grow a podcast in an already saturated market.
Firstly, why are podcasts so big, and where has this explosion even came from?
Well, podcasts have always existed in some form.
Whether it was a TV talk show in the 2010s, a radio show in the 90s, or even groups of primal humans sitting around a campfire over 400,000 years ago - humans have always consumed conversation-based entertainment.
The difference today is accessibility.
Anyone can now access the equipment needed to record a podcast and upload it to platforms that potentially reach millions, if not billions, of people.
Businesses see podcasts as an opportunity.
Creators see them as another way to monetise themselves and build an audience.
And the industry is exploding.
As of May 2026, podcasting is now a $40 billion industry, and it continues to grow rapidly every single year.
But where would you start?
Firstly, the concept.
If you are a creator looking to expand your portfolio, start with a genuinely interesting concept. Take inspiration from multiple successful shows and combine them into something unique.
Do not simply copy an already successful podcast, because you missed the winning ticket for that specific show.
If you are a business, the podcast should position you as a thought leader within your niche. I would start small and talk to a very specific audience first, before slowly broadening the niche over time. However, the more you broaden your audience, the less likely every viewer becomes a customer.
For example:
I wouldn’t start a car repair business podcast and suddenly start discussing how to go viral on social media. Instead, I would create a show focused specifically on helping people modify their Ford Fiesta into a high-performance car. Then over time, expand into wider motorsport or car culture conversations.
Secondly, the production.
There are definitely some podcasts currently succeeding virtually - however, I personally believe virtual podcasts have limitations.
And this is where I’ll give a slightly controversial opinion:
I believe social media will eventually go full circle and move heavily towards high-production formats that require studios, strong production quality, and real investment.
In many ways, we are already seeing this happen.
Virtual podcasts are easy and accessible, which is why they currently work so well. But when you think about traditional entertainment, most premium shows were never designed to feel virtual. I believe that in 10 to 20 years, many virtual podcasts will look incredibly dated compared to where the industry eventually moves.
Podcast studios are becoming increasingly accessible, and over the next few years I believe high-production podcasting will slowly become the standard.
If you can afford to record in a studio, amazing.
If you cannot - work it out.
Most successful startups begin by finding ways to make things happen without having huge amounts of money.
Thirdly, the distribution.
This is actually tough to talk about.
The reason being is because, I agree and disagree with a lot of advise I see out there about distribution, so I want to clear a lot of the BS up.
I hear a lot of people saying post in one place, and don’t post anywhere else until you hit x amount of followers. THIS IS TERRIBLE ADVICE. Post everywhere and be seen by more people.
You MUST make long form & short form, when recording the podcast.
The long form is your show, the short form could either be clips, or specifically made shorts to find an audience for your longs.
Think of shorts as marketing for your long form. Without that marketing, no one sees it.
I would post the long form on multiple channels, but I would post the short form everywhere.
Do not make different versions of the same shorts for different platforms, that is not worth it at all. Make one clip, and post it everywhere. Repeat as much as possible.
My podcast, The Nearlymen, posts around 3/4 shorts per day, and 1/2 longs per week. I believe we could be doing much more than this.
What I will add - these are high quality shorts. No ai fluff. All edited by real people, to a high standard. Keep your standards high. That doesn’t mean don’t use ai, far from it, but ai currently cannot edit to the standard of a person (I am certain one day that will change - but it is currently yet to.)
Overall,
A lot of businesses believe starting a podcast will instantly solve their problems. In reality, podcasting is usually a slow burn - especially if you do not already have an audience. However, done correctly, podcasts can become incredibly powerful.
Podcasts are no longer just content.
They are media brands.
And in 2026, the creators who understand distribution will be the ones who win.
Make sure to subscribe, and remember - “The best time to start was years ago. The second best time is today.”
- Jacob
If you’re interested in GROWING your Podcast in 2026 - press here
