Fresh from Podfest 2026 in Orlando, we gathered insights from dozens of podcasters about what matters most this year. Their advice fell into three clear categories: specific tactics you can use today, strategies for better content, and the importance of human connection.
Here’s what podcasters told us about growing your show in 2026.
Watch the full video “How to Grow Your Podcast in 2026: Real Advice from Podfest Creators”
Helpful Tactics to Try Now
Several creators shared specific actions you can take to grow your podcast.
Use LinkedIn for Discovery
One podcaster emphasized that LinkedIn is an untapped resource for podcast growth. It’s not just for show notes posts. You can find new listeners, engage with current ones, and discover great guests.
Go deeper than basic episode announcements. Talk about who you serve, what you’re working on, and what you’re learning. Share your struggles and victories. The professional network is full of potential listeners actively looking for quality content.
Also see: How to Build Authority on LinkedIn as a Podcaster (Without Spending Hours Online)
Turn Episodes into Books
Another creator suggested repurposing your back catalog into books. If you’ve published dozens or hundreds of episodes, you already have the raw material. Copy, paste, and transform that audio content into written form.
This extends the life of your content and reaches people who prefer reading over listening.
Collaborate with AI
One perspective that stood out: we need to help AI get better by working with it, not against it. The human touch makes AI-generated content useful. Without that collaboration, AI alone falls short.
Related: The Best AI Tools for Podcasting – And How To Use Them
Focus on Your Audience and Content
The second most common piece of advice? Zero in on what your listeners actually need.
Identify Your Biggest Challenge
Before you chase every new tactic, step back and diagnose your real problem. Are people not discovering your show? Focus on discoverability. Do listeners drop off after one episode? Work on retention.
Analyze where you’re stuck, then tackle that specific issue. Don’t try to fix everything at once.
Stay Consistent
One creator put it simply: just do it. Don’t overthink or overcomplicate the process. Put content out there regularly.
Your episodes aren’t just for today’s audience. Someone will discover that episode six months from now when they need exactly what you’re talking about. Think about future listeners who will stumble across your archive.
Consistency beats perfection. Publish regularly, even if it’s not perfect.
Know Your Target Audience
Once you figure out who you’re serving, everything else gets easier. You reduce burnout because you’re not trying to please everyone. You can expand your show in focused directions that actually matter.
Understanding your audience shapes every decision you make.
Solve a Problem with a Strong Point of View
This was some of the strongest advice we heard: don’t drown in the sea of sameness. Focus on a specific problem and approach it with a clear perspective.
People should either turn you up or turn you off. They should not ignore you.
Having a polarizing viewpoint isn’t about starting arguments. It’s about attracting the right people into your orbit so you can make a real impact. Some people will disagree with you, and that’s fine. They’re not your audience. The people who resonate with your perspective will become loyal listeners.
Build Relationships and Stay Authentic
This was the most common advice we heard at Podfest 2026. In a world increasingly filled with AI-generated content, human connection matters more than ever.
Build Community
Podcasting is a powerful relationship-building tool. Focus on bringing listeners together, not just broadcasting to them.
Connect with people who listen to your show. Help them grow and learn together. Create spaces where your audience can interact with each other, not just consume your content.
Also see: How Podcast Hosts Can Interact with Their Listeners
Be Yourself
Multiple podcasters emphasized authenticity. With AI content flooding every platform, being genuinely you is your competitive advantage.
Make sure people know it’s really you behind the microphone, not a machine. Your unique voice and perspective can’t be replicated by AI.
Use Your Voice to Build Trust
There’s too much misinformation and cynicism out there. Podcasters need to use their platform to connect authentically with their audience.
Convey information that truly matters. Make a difference in people’s lives and communities. Build trust through consistent, honest communication.
Share Your Story
One podcaster summed it up perfectly: tell your story, find your why, and share it. One small story can change someone’s life.
Bring your genuine interests and personality into your show. There are people out there looking for exactly what you have to offer.
Three Big Takeaways for 2026
After hearing from dozens of podcasters, three themes emerged.
Do What Works for You
You’ll get endless advice about complicated workflows and must-have tools. Ignore most of it.
Focus on what’s truest to you and your audience. That might mean starting without video. It might mean recording voice notes on your phone. It might mean keeping episodes short and focused.
Do what you can sustain and what serves your listeners best.
Solve a Specific Problem
People are time-starved. Generic content won’t cut it anymore.
Pick one problem and become the best at solving it. This is how you differentiate yourself in 2026. Don’t just have casual conversations. Create content that actively helps people overcome specific challenges.
Consider Going Solo
Interview shows are popular, but they’re also more complicated to produce than solo podcasts. If you can create useful content that solves problems, a solo format might be your fastest path to growth.
Yes, it feels weird talking to yourself at first. But if you focus on serving your audience, that discomfort fades quickly.
What Are You Focusing On?
The podcasters at Podfest 2026 were clear: focus on your audience, solve real problems, and stay authentic. Build relationships, not just download numbers.
What’s your biggest focus for growing your podcast this year?
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