In this episode, James Cridland, editor-in-chief of Podnews, is back with his bold predictions about where podcasting is headed — and how you can stay ahead of the curve.

We’re unpacking why downloads might not hold the top spot as the industry’s gold standard for much longer, YouTube’s growing role in podcast discovery (and its limitations), and how AI is adding convenience but not the creativity needed to stand out. James also explains the growing challenge of defining what a podcast really is as platforms like Spotify and YouTube continue to blur the lines.

Whether you're starting a new show or scaling an existing one, you'll walk away from this episode with the know-how you need to stay ahead of industry trends and stay focused on what truly matters: creating content that connects and converts. Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

18:00 - Why IAB Downloads Might Soon Lose Their Gold Standard Status

19:11 - The Role (and Limits) of YouTube in Podcast Discovery

21:41 - What *Actually* Makes a Podcast a Podcast

24:06 - Are AI Tools Saving Time or Killing Creativity?

33:39 - Adapt or Get Left Behind: How to Capitalize on the Latest Trends in Podcasting

 Episode Links:

• Podnews Daily (Podcast)
• Podnews.net (Daily Newsletter)
• PodcastBroker.com
• Buzzsprout.com/stats
• PodcastBusinessJournal.com/data
• Make Noise: A Creator's Guide to Podcasting and Great Audio Storytelling by Eric Nuzum

 Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

• What’s Changing in Podcasting and How to Stay Ahead

 
 → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U

Support the show

Liked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster!

Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.

Register for Courtney's Free Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Business with a Podcast in 2025

Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Audit with Courtney.

Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Demo to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for you and get the podcasting advice you need to grow your show.

Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ


©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.