Planning Your Podcast for 2026: 5 Trends to Watch

Plan now, win later.

As 2025 winds down (and yeah, I'm also still wondering how it went by so fast), it’s the perfect time to plan your podcast strategy for 2026.

And, as somebody older and wiser once told me, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Ouch.

On a more uplifting note, let’s talk trends, tactics, and how to set yourself up for podcasting success in the year ahead.

1. Shorter, Sharper Episodes.

Attention spans are shorter than ever... (how do they keep getting even shorter?).... your listeners want insights, inspiration, or entertainment, but they don’t want a marathon. Episodes under 30 minutes are performing best, giving people quick, digestible value during a commute. Put yourselves in the listeners' shoes... wouldn't you want to grab the main takeaways as quickly as possible? Less is more.

2. Video First Recording.

If you’re still audio only, it’s time to embrace video. Vertical clips are standard at this point... perfect for Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn stories. Short, shareable clips turn one episode into dozens of touchpoints. And yes, you can play around with formats and aspect ratios, but when in doubt, go vertical for shorts. People are consuming these on their phones most often, and that trend certainly isn't going away anytime soon.

3. Podcast + Newsletter: The Dynamic Duo.

Content synergy is key. Pair your podcast with a newsletter and deliver the same idea in two formats. Some people prefer to read, some listen, some skim through, so make sure you cover all bases. Your audience gets consistent value, and you build touchpoints that reinforce your authority, your message, and your brand. Think of the podcast as Batman, and the newsletter as Robin. (But those old school tights gotta go)

4. Series Based Seasons.

Bingeable, thematic seasons are the new norm. Instead of standalone episodes scattered randomly, create series that explore a theme in depth. Your audience gets a narrative arc they can follow, and you get a structure that makes planning easier, marketing simpler, and binge listening irresistible. Now that's all around a win-win-win.

5. Data Driven Iteration.

Analytics aren’t just to make you feel good (or like crap).... they tell you what actually resonates. Double down on top performing topics, formats, or guests, and don’t be afraid to pivot if something flops. Your past episodes hold clues to future success, so listen to the data, and let it guide your content choices. Metrics have gotten more in depth than ever... as now you can see more detailed info on your audience demographics than ever before. Instead of getting creeped out by it (though it's totally fair if you consider it a bit creepy) use it to your advantage.

Here's some action steps you can take right now:

Before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, batch 4–6 episodes, set your clip calendar, define a single clear CTA, and pick one series theme to launch in January.

By starting the year with a plan, you’ll hit the ground running... and leave chaos, procrastination, and a disorganized podcast in 2025.

Want a 2026 content blueprint tailored to your goals? Book a strategy session and start the year with clarity, momentum, and a podcast plan that actually works.