Is My Subject Too Niche For A Podcast?

As 2025 starts to draw to a close, podcasts have truly emerged as a powerful tool for reaching out to new audiences and sharing knowledge, to connect people to your ideas.  

Podcasting has grown enormously since its inception and is still growing. The world of podcasts is as vast and varied as the peoples of the planet, all offering something different and unique. 

While the concept of a general appeal podcast might seem like the right path to attract a wider audience, I would ask you to take a pause. It is easy to look at the big names of podcasting and think that you need to mimic their work to have appeal. Although some general podcasts enjoy success, it is difficult to achieve starting from scratch because broad-appeal podcasts often struggle to stand out. 

Niche podcasts, on the other hand, offer a unique opportunity to carve out a dedicated following and establish yourself as a thought leader in your field.

Niche Down, Rise Up

By focusing on a specific topic or interest, niche podcasts can deliver highly targeted content that resonates with people. Be aware that the audience for niche topics is dedicated and ravenous. They consume everything that they can find.  

Having a specialization allows creators to delve deep into their subject matter, providing valuable insights and unique perspectives that are not readily available elsewhere. As a result, niche podcasts tend to foster a strong sense of community among their audience, who share a common interest and connect with each other through the show. 

Now, I can imagine you saying; “But Matthew, what if no one cares about my niche?” 

Well, the truth is, you’d be surprised. 

People might not be loud or outgoing with it, but they are there - searching for content that speaks directly to their needs, interests, fears and desires.  

Whether your podcast covers the art of ping pong paddle creation, the history of interior decorating, or the intricacies of competitive wife carrying, there’s an audience out there ready to engage.

The power of niche podcasting lies in its ability to cultivate a loyal and engaged audience. When listeners feel a genuine connection to a podcast, they are more likely to tune in regularly, share the show with others, and support the creator through various means. This dedicated following can provide a solid foundation for building a sustainable business model, whether it's through advertising, sponsorships, or selling products and services.

How Do I Know If A Topic Has Enough Demand?

The fact that you are interested in the topic enough to think about creating a podcast means that probably is. To clearly determine if there is enough demand for a specific podcast topic, you can try a few different strategies.

Online Research is a great starting point. Tools like Google Trends can help you gauge the popularity of a particular search term over time. A high search volume indicates potential interest. Additionally, keyword research tools can identify relevant keywords and their search volume, providing valuable insights into audience demand. Social media platforms, such as Twitter, Reddit, and Facebook groups, can offer a wealth of information about discussions and engagement around your topic.

Direct Audience Research can provide even more specific insights. Creating surveys and questionnaires can help you gather feedback on your topic idea, while focus groups can offer in-depth discussions with potential listeners. Interviewing experts or potential listeners can also provide valuable firsthand knowledge about the demand for your topic.

Analyzing Existing Content is another effective approach. Studying existing podcasts, blogs, and YouTube channels in your niche can help you assess their popularity and audience engagement. Identifying gaps in the existing content can highlight opportunities for your podcast to fill a void and attract a dedicated audience.

Finally, testing the waters with a pilot episode or social media teaser can help you gauge initial interest and collect valuable feedback. This can provide valuable insights into the potential success of your podcast and help you refine your concept before launching fully.

By using one or more of the above strategies, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the demand for your podcast topic and make informed decisions about its potential success.

Success Or Failure, That Is The Question

It is all we really want to know isn’t it? Will it work..  In order to determine that you first need to decide what ‘success’ looks like.  It is just downloads, is it new clients, is it new joint venture partnerships, maybe it is show sponsorship. Whatever you decide is right, because it is how you are measuring your success.  

Whichever outcome you decide to measure your success by there are a lot of factors that go into the success of a podcast and not many of them have to do with the topic.  Among the components are; audio quality, hosts personality and ability, technical know-how, copywriting, consistency, time…  You will know whether you are success or not by your own criteria, but here are a few things that I would look at.  Engagement is paramount. A successful podcast fosters a vibrant community, sparking lively discussions on social media and drawing in eager fans. High download numbers and strong retention rates indicate that the podcast is connecting with its audience and delivering valuable content.

Quality content is essential. A thriving niche podcast offers insightful, well-researched, and engaging material that keeps listeners coming back for more. Collaborations with other creators and brands expand the podcast's reach and lend it credibility.

Finally, positive reviews and ratings are a clear indicator of audience satisfaction. By paying attention to these factors, you can identify niche podcasts that are truly thriving and worth exploring.

Be Specific

Working in hospitality was when I first noticed that people will do almost anything you want if they have the right information. Where to sit, what to eat, what to drink, best dessert, best date to come back again. People crave specificity. My experience over the last 10 years in marketing have proved that time and time again. Specificity is not only welcomed, it is celebrated. In a world where we are bombarded with content the trick isn’t to be just another voice in the crowd, it is to share that wonderful, unique, passionate niche of yours.

By focusing on a specific niche, you can create a podcast that stands out in a crowded market. By providing high-quality content, building a strong community, and implementing effective marketing strategies, you can turn your niche podcast into a thriving success. Remember, the key to success is to be passionate about your topic and dedicated to your audience.

That isn’t to say that having a niche means instant success - execution still counts. You have to bring your best to the show, your personality, your authenticity, your ability to craft a story and share it with your audienceRemember, it isn’t about just reaching the masses, it is about making an impact and creating a space where everyone feels valued. That is the power of the intimate nature of podcasting.