{"id":23559,"date":"2026-06-24T17:05:17","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T17:05:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/?p=23559"},"modified":"2026-06-24T17:05:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T17:05:18","slug":"podcaster-insights-survey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/podcaster-insights-survey\/","title":{"rendered":"RSS.com Podcaster Insights Survey"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What is actually working for podcasters right now?<br><br>To better understand how independent creators are building, publishing, promoting, and monetizing their shows, RSS.com surveyed 195 podcasters.<br><br>The responses reveal a creator landscape that is ambitious, resourceful, and increasingly interested in video, AI, and better growth workflows.<br><br>This survey is not meant to represent every podcaster &#8211; it reflects responses from RSS.com creators. Still, the patterns are clear: podcasters are publishing consistently, experimenting with new tools, and looking for ways to grow without adding more complexity to their workflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-key-findings\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"key-findings\"><\/span>Key Findings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23586 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/key-findings-new-and-latest-1024x683.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/key-findings-new-and-latest-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/key-findings-new-and-latest-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/key-findings-new-and-latest-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/key-findings-new-and-latest.png 1536w\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>62% of current podcasters publish weekly or more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>46% say growing an audience is their main podcasting goal right now.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>70% selected growing their audience as one of their biggest challenges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>51% record video in some form.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Among respondents who publish video, **63%** say video has helped grow their audience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>56% are using or experimenting with AI tools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>39% are currently monetizing their podcast.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-audience-growth-is-still-the-top-challenge-for-independent-podcasters\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"audience-growth-is-still-the-top-challenge-for-independent-podcasters\"><\/span>Audience Growth Is Still the Top Challenge for Independent Podcasters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The clearest takeaway from the survey is that podcasters are thinking seriously about growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When asked to select their biggest podcasting challenges, our respondents chose:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Marketing \/ promotion: 18%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Growing my audience: 70%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discoverability: 32%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monetizing my podcast: 24%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"new audience growth\" class=\"wp-image-23584 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/rss.com-podcaster-survey-publishing-cadence-graphic-1024x683.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/rss.com-podcaster-survey-publishing-cadence-graphic-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/rss.com-podcaster-survey-publishing-cadence-graphic-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/rss.com-podcaster-survey-publishing-cadence-graphic-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/rss.com-podcaster-survey-publishing-cadence-graphic.png 1536w\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That matters because growth is <strong>not just a vanity metric for creators.<\/strong> Audience growth affects almost everything else: motivation, monetization potential, collaboration opportunities, guest booking, and long-term consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even creators who are publishing regularly are still asking the same question: how do I get this show in front of more of the right people?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These insights don&#8217;t reflect what beginners hope works. They reflect what experienced creators are actually doing as they hit structural growth ceilings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-podcast-discovery-is-fragmented\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"podcast-discovery-is-fragmented\"><\/span>Podcast Discovery is Fragmented<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When asked for their primary source of new listeners, respondents pointed to several different channels:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Podcast apps: 31%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Social media: 29%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Word of mouth: 20%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guests \/ collaborations: 8%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>YouTube: 6%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Infographic showing RSS.com Podcaster Insights Survey discovery results: podcast apps, social media, word of mouth, guest collaborations, and YouTube all help bring in new listeners, while creators rank social media, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, website or SEO, and Spotify as important platforms for podcast growth.\" class=\"wp-image-23609 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/podcast-discovery-is-fragmented-3-1024x683.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/podcast-discovery-is-fragmented-3-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/podcast-discovery-is-fragmented-3-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/podcast-discovery-is-fragmented-3-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/podcast-discovery-is-fragmented-3.png 1536w\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No single channel dominated. That suggests podcast growth is increasingly multi-channel. Creators are not relying on one app, one algorithm, or one promotional tactic. Instead, they are combining <a href=\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/podcast-directory-list\/\">podcast directories<\/a>, social clips, word of mouth, guest promotion, YouTube, websites, and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When asked which platform is most important for growing their podcast, respondents ranked:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Social media: 35%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>YouTube: 15%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apple Podcasts: 14%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Website \/ blog \/ SEO: 11%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spotify: 11%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Note the gap here: 31% of respondents say podcast apps are their primary source of new listeners today, while 35% rank social media as the most important platform for growing their podcast. The channel podcasters credit for current listener acquisition isn&#8217;t the same channel they&#8217;re prioritizing for future growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The takeaway: creators still care deeply about traditional podcast platforms, but discovery is no longer limited to podcast apps. Social media, YouTube, search, and audience-driven sharing all play a role in helping shows reach new listeners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-video-podcasting-is-no-longer-a-side-conversation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"video-podcasting-is-no-longer-a-side-conversation\"><\/span>Video Podcasting Is No Longer a Side Conversation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Audio remains central to podcasting, but video is now part of the workflow for many creators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the survey, 49% said they create audio-only content, while 35% record video and publish both audio and video. Another 15% record video but only publish the audio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That means 51% of respondents record video in some form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Infographic showing RSS.com Podcaster Insights Survey video podcasting results: 51% of podcasters record video in some form, 63% of video publishers say video helped grow their audience, and YouTube is the most common video destination.\" class=\"wp-image-23777 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/video-podcasting-is-a-growth-layer-1-1024x683.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/video-podcasting-is-a-growth-layer-1-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/video-podcasting-is-a-growth-layer-1-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/video-podcasting-is-a-growth-layer-1-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/video-podcasting-is-a-growth-layer-1.png 1535w\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among respondents who publish video, 63% said publishing video has helped grow their audience either somewhat or significantly. YouTube was the most common video destination, followed by social platforms, Spotify, and creator websites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Video is not replacing audio podcasting. It&#8217;s becoming a top-of-funnel growth layer that creates discovery opportunities the traditional podcast directories don&#8217;t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Industry-wide data shows the same shift: <a href=\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/the-current-state-of-podcasting\/\">YouTube has overtaken Spotify and Apple Podcasts<\/a> as the dominant platform for weekly podcast listeners in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-ai-is-becoming-part-of-the-podcast-workflow\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ai-is-becoming-part-of-the-podcast-workflow\"><\/span>AI Is Becoming Part of the Podcast Workflow<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AI tools are already showing up in how podcasters plan, produce, and promote their shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overall, 28% of respondents said they use AI regularly, and another 28% said they are experimenting with AI. Combined, that means 56% are using or testing AI tools for their podcast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Infographic showing RSS.com Podcaster Insights Survey AI results: 56% of podcasters use or are testing AI tools, including 28% who use AI regularly and 28% who are experimenting. Top AI use cases include transcripts, show notes, research, cover art, editing, and social clips.\" class=\"wp-image-23605 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ai-adoption-is-becoming-part-of-the-Podcast-workflow-1024x683.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ai-adoption-is-becoming-part-of-the-Podcast-workflow-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ai-adoption-is-becoming-part-of-the-Podcast-workflow-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ai-adoption-is-becoming-part-of-the-Podcast-workflow-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ai-adoption-is-becoming-part-of-the-Podcast-workflow.png 1536w\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most common AI use cases were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Transcripts: 35%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Show notes \/ descriptions: 33%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Research \/ brainstorming: 32%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cover or episode art: 24%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Editing \/ production: 22%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Social clips \/ repurposing: 21%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This points to a practical trend. Podcasters are not necessarily trying to automate the creative heart of their show. They are using AI to reduce the friction around the show: writing descriptions, creating transcripts, brainstorming topics, repurposing episodes, and speeding up production tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With AI-generated transcripts on all paid plans, RSS.com makes it fast and easy to turn each episode into content that can be published, promoted, shared, and discovered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-monetization-is-happening-but-growth-comes-first\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"monetization-is-happening-but-growth-comes-first\"><\/span>Monetization Is Happening, but Growth Comes First<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the survey, 39% of respondents said they are currently monetizing their podcast, while 61% said they are not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Infographic showing RSS.com Podcaster Insights Survey monetization results: 39% of podcasters are monetizing and 61% are not. Programmatic ads are the top revenue source among monetizing podcasters, while the biggest barrier for non-monetizing podcasters is having an audience that feels too small.\" class=\"wp-image-23606 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/monetization-is-happening-but-growth-comes-first-1024x683.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/monetization-is-happening-but-growth-comes-first-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/monetization-is-happening-but-growth-comes-first-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/monetization-is-happening-but-growth-comes-first-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/monetization-is-happening-but-growth-comes-first.png 1536w\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the revenue-source question, 48% selected programmatic ads as their primary revenue source. Other revenue sources included listener support, sponsorships, products and services, affiliate marketing, and memberships.<br><br>With RSS.com\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/rss.com\/features\/programmatic-ads\/\">PAID (Programmatic Ads Inserted Dynamically)<\/a>, podcasters on any paid plan can enable programmatic ads with as few as 10 downloads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For respondents who are not currently monetizing, the most common barrier was audience size. Among non-monetizing respondents, the top reasons were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>My audience is too small: 48%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I\u2019m focused on growing first: 28%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I don\u2019t know how to monetize: 17%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I\u2019m not sure what options are available: 13%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>My content does not feel like a fit for monetization: 13%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This shows a gap that podcast platforms, educators, agencies, and creator tools can help solve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Podcasters need more than monetization features. They need a clearer path from publishing to growth to revenue. For many creators, monetization is not only a question of access. It is also a question of readiness, audience size, confidence, and knowing which options make sense for their show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"podcasters-are-paying-for-tools-but-they-want-simpler-workflows\"><\/span>Podcasters Are Paying for Tools, but They Want Simpler Workflows<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most respondents are already investing money into their shows. 72% said they currently pay for tools or services related to their podcast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Infographic showing RSS.com Podcaster Insights Survey tool-spending results: 72% of podcasters pay for podcast-related tools or services, with common paid categories including podcast hosting, website or domain, editing and production, AI tools, marketing, music or assets, and transcription.\" class=\"wp-image-23607 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/podcasters-want-simpier-workflows-1024x683.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/podcasters-want-simpier-workflows-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/podcasters-want-simpier-workflows-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/podcasters-want-simpier-workflows-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/podcasters-want-simpier-workflows.png 1536w\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Monthly spending varied, but many respondents are operating on modest budgets:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>$0 or pay for nothing: 17%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$1 to $25: 32%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$26 to $50: 18%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$51 to $100: 15%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$101 to $250: 14%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$250 or more: 5%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most common paid categories were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Podcast hosting: 48%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Website \/ domain: 41%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Editing \/ production: 31%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AI tools: 27%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marketing \/ promotion: 19%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Music \/ assets: 14%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transcription: 5%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Creators are clearly willing to invest in their shows. But open-ended responses repeatedly pointed toward a desire for easier workflows: better marketing support, easier social sharing, more AI-assisted repurposing, richer analytics, easier video publishing, and tools that reduce the time required to produce and promote each episode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"h-the-opportunity-is-not-just-to-give-podcasters-more-tools-it-is-to-make-the-full-publishing-workflow-easier\">The opportunity is not just to give podcasters more tools. It is to make the full publishing workflow easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-podcasters-want-next\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-podcasters-want-next\"><\/span>What Podcasters Want Next<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The open-ended responses add useful context to the quantitative findings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When respondents described what would make podcasting easier, several themes appeared repeatedly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Better marketing and sharing support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easier social clip creation and episode repurposing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Richer analytics and clearer performance insights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More AI-assisted workflow tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Simpler editing, recording, and production workflows<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Better support for video publishing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clearer paths to monetization<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Infographic showing RSS.com Podcaster Insights Survey themes about what would make podcasting easier, including better marketing support, easier social clip creation, richer analytics, more AI-assisted\" class=\"wp-image-23608 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/podcasters-want-less-friction-1024x683.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/podcasters-want-less-friction-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/podcasters-want-less-friction-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/podcasters-want-less-friction-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/podcasters-want-less-friction.png 1536w\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That feedback connects back to the central story of the survey. Podcasters are not only asking for more features. They are asking for less friction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They want to publish consistently, understand what is working, share their shows more effectively, and grow without having to stitch together too many disconnected tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-survey-methodology\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"survey-methodology\"><\/span>Survey Methodology<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">RSS.com surveyed 195 respondents in Q2 2026. Most core podcasting behavior questions were answered by 170 respondents, while some follow-up questions were shown only to relevant respondents. For example, monetization follow-up questions were shown based on whether respondents said they were currently monetizing. An optional open-text question about sharing links received 120 responses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because the survey was distributed to RSS.com users and respondents self-selected into participation, the results should be interpreted as directional insights from RSS.com podcasters rather than a statistically representative survey of the entire podcast industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is actually working for podcasters right now? To better understand how independent creators are building, publishing, promoting, and monetizing their shows, RSS.com surveyed 195 podcasters. The responses reveal a creator landscape that is ambitious, resourceful, and increasingly interested in video, AI, and better growth workflows. This survey is not meant to represent every podcaster [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":23592,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[206],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23559","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-research"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.9 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Podcaster Insights Survey: 195 Creators on Growth, AI, Video &amp; Monetization | RSS.com Podcast Hosting<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"See what 195 RSS.com podcasters said about audience growth, video, AI tools, monetization, publishing challenges, and the future of podcasting.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" 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