- Podchaser Pulse
- Posts
- Blue skies ahead for podcasting?
Blue skies ahead for podcasting?
plus November's Podchaser 25
Trent Anderson
December 07, 2024
Today's Lineup 🎙️
Bluesky and its podcasting implications
New social platforms rarely disrupt the status quo, but Bluesky Social, led by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, is doing just that. Focused on user autonomy, privacy, and interoperability, Bluesky is reshaping social media while opening fresh opportunities—and challenges—for the podcast industry.
Here’s how podcasters, advertisers, and networks can leverage this emerging platform.
What is Bluesky Social?
Bluesky Social, at its core, is more than just another social media app; it’s a bold experiment in decentralization. Built on the Authenticated Transfer Protocol (AT Protocol), Bluesky allows users to own their data and identity, with the freedom to move their profiles and content across apps. Unlike traditional platforms that lock users into proprietary ecosystems, Bluesky envisions a future where the internet is more democratic and collaborative.
The platform has gained significant traction, with early adopters flocking to its clean, ad-free environment. This surge in popularity is fueled by growing disillusionment with platforms like Twitter, now X, and the increasing demand for privacy and control over online interactions.
Bluesky’s Unique Selling Points
Bluesky differentiates itself through several key features:
Decentralization: Unlike traditional platforms, Bluesky gives users ownership of their profiles and content. This could fundamentally change how podcasters engage with their audience.
Interoperability: Users can connect across apps built on the same protocol, creating a larger potential audience pool.
Algorithmic Choice: Bluesky lets users choose or build algorithms, putting content discovery back in the hands of creators and communities.
No Ads (For Now): Bluesky’s ad-free experience aligns with the ethos of many independent podcasters, offering a space that feels more authentic. These features create fertile ground for experimentation, particularly for industries like podcasting, where community engagement and niche audiences are paramount.
Why Bluesky Matters for Podcasters
Podcasters rely heavily on social platforms to promote their episodes, build listener communities, and engage directly with fans. While platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok dominate this space, Bluesky brings a fresh perspective that could reshape podcast promotion.
1. A Fresh Start for Audience Building
For podcasters disillusioned with the chaotic landscape of legacy platforms, Bluesky offers a clean slate. Its decentralized structure provides a more intimate, focused environment, making it easier for podcasters to stand out. Early adoption could give podcasters an edge, allowing them to claim usernames, establish communities, and position themselves as leaders in their niches.
2. Community-Driven Discovery
Bluesky’s approach to algorithmic choice empowers creators to design or select algorithms that favor their content style. Imagine podcasters creating discovery algorithms that prioritize episodes from their genre or featuring guest crossovers. This kind of flexibility is a game-changer for independent creators often buried under mainstream algorithms on larger platforms.
3. Enhanced Fan Engagement
Unlike the often performative interactions on platforms like X or Instagram, Bluesky’s ad-free and minimalist environment encourages genuine conversation. Podcasters can cultivate deeper relationships with their listeners through meaningful engagement, leading to stronger brand loyalty and higher listener retention.
Bluesky Stats:
According to an unofficial Bluesky data aggregator, the platform now boasts nearly 25M users. Nearly 10M users joined since the US Presidential Election, likely in response to Elon Musk’s ownership of X (formerly Twitter) and involvement in President Trump’s campaign.
According to web traffic aggregator Similarweb, the makeup of visitors to Bluesky’s website is 30.37% female and 69.63% male. The largest age group is 25-34 year olds (33.37%), followed by 18-24 year olds (26%).
Combined, 18-34 year olds make up over half (59.37%) of the traffic.
Given its rise, we took a look at mentions of Bluesky on podcasts from November 21-December 5, 2024. Here’s the chart:
Notable Podcasters on Bluesky
How vibrant is Bluesky within the podcast community? Here are some of podcasting’s notable names and their follower counts:
MeidasTouch - 584,000
Brian Tyler Cohen - 553,000
Molly Jong-Fast - 538,000
Rachel Maddow - 360,000
Kara Swisher - 219,000
The Future of Bluesky and Podcasting
Bluesky Social represents more than just another social media platform; it’s a paradigm shift in how we think about online interaction and content ownership. For podcasters, this could mean new ways to build and monetize audiences, free from the constraints of traditional algorithms and ad models.
As the platform grows, podcasters have a unique opportunity to shape how Bluesky is used within their industry. By embracing its decentralized ethos, experimenting with its tools, and building strong communities, podcasters can position themselves at the forefront of a new era in social media.
Are you currently using Bluesky for your podcast? |
November’s Podchaser 25
Earlier this week we released the latest iteration of Podchaser 25. In it, we look at November’s hottest podcasts who’ve published their first episode within the last 90 days.
True Crime dominated November’s ranker, boasting 13 of the top 25 spots. But breakout hits in Sports and TV/Film also made the cut. Here’s a preview of the hot list, ranking shows 21-25:
To get the full Podchaser 25 for November, smash the button below 👇️
And that’s a wrap!
Want to see this data (and more) up close? Consider a Podchaser Pro subscription.
5.4M podcasts
Deep demographic data
Monthly and per episode reach
and so much more
