How to Grow Your Podcast in 2025—Tips from Industry Experts

Podcasting is booming, with over 5 million podcasts and 70 million episodes currently available worldwide. In the UK alone, listenership has doubled in the last five years. But as podcasting continues to grow, so does the competition.Standing out requires more than recording good audio. From smart distribution to community building, you must adopt strategies that help grow your podcast audience efficiently and sustainably.Professional support from spaces like TYX Studios in London, which offers purpose-built podcasting facilities and production expertise, can make all the difference in elevating your content from good to exceptional.

Table of contents

• Optimise your podcast for discovery
• Leverage social media channels
• Incorporate video podcasting
• Build audience engagement
• Collaborate and cross-promote
• Use AI tools to streamline production
• Monetisation strategies

Optimise your podcast for discovery

In a sea of content, even the most engaging podcast can go unheard if it isn’t easily discoverable. Optimising for discovery means making your podcast visible to both human listeners and search engines.It starts with the basics—titles and descriptions—and extends to metadata, hosting, and your overall online presence. Getting this right is one of the most critical steps in growing your podcast audience.

Podcast search optimisation

Most new listeners discover podcasts through platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Youtube Studio.These directories rely heavily on metadata and search functionality, which is why it's essential to fine-tune your podcast’s backend setup.Use specific keywords that your target audience is likely to type when searching for shows:

• Include keywords naturally in your podcast episode titles and descriptions—avoid keyword stuffing
• Write episode titles that are clear, compelling, and concise, ideally under 60 characters
• Maintain consistency in your naming conventions to build brand familiarity

Use tools such as Google Trends, SEMrush, or Answer the Public to research relevant keywords. For instance, if your show is about marketing strategies, you might want to include terms like “small business growth,” “digital strategy,” or “ad campaigns.”Brands often look at engagement rates and download numbers before agreeing to sponsorship deals, making accurate analytics crucial for monetisation.Other SEO tips to remember:

• Don’t overlook the value of your show notes—this'll help your listeners understand what the episode is about.
• Include timestamps, quotes, and guest bios to add valuable SEO assets to your show notes.
• Keep your RSS feed updated. Outdated metadata can have negative impact on your podcast's visibility.
• Distribute your podcast across other platforms to broaden your reach.
• Tag each episode properly and include only relevant content in the description.

Dedicated website

Creating a dedicated website or blog for your podcast provides a host of long-term benefits:

• Control over your content
• Improved SEO
• Creates a centralised location for your audience.
• Increase credibility making listeners more likely to view your podcast as trustworthy.

To do this, you'll need to build a website with custom domain name that reflects your branding. Include archives, show notes, and embed them into individual pages.Additionally, optimise each page with keywords, meta descriptions, and alt text for images.You can also host a landing page for each new episode and like these pages across your different platforms, email newsletter, and other marketing materials.

Advanced Analytics

Beyond SEO, a website opens the door to advanced analytics. With tools like Google Analytics or Hotjar, you can:

• Track who visits your pages
• Where they came from
• How they interact with your content.

This insight can inform future episode topics and help you fine-tune your marketing strategies.

Email marketing

Incorporate email marketing by adding a newsletter sign-up on your podcast website to alert subscribers about each new episode, exclusive content, or giveawaysGrowing an email list allows you to reach loyal listeners directly with updates, bonus content, or promotions—without relying solely on social algorithms.You can also use this space to offer freebies like exclusive audio clips, transcripts, or behind-the-scenes content.

Leverage social media channels

Social media is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal when it comes to growing your podcast.With billions of users active across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Twitter (X), Facebook, and LinkedIn, your podcast has a world of potential listeners just a few clicks away.Using social platforms strategically not only boosts your podcast’s visibility but also fosters direct engagement with your target audience.From short-form video to shareable quotes and stories, your podcast content can be transformed into a variety of media that helps attract new listeners and retain loyal ones.

Create social media video clips

Short video clips have become one of the most effective ways to promote podcast content.Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are built for snackable, engaging content that hooks users quickly—making them ideal for podcast promotion:

• Repurpose podcast content into 30–60 second clips that highlight compelling or emotional moments
• Use subtitles to ensure your video is understandable without sound
• Add branding such as logos, episode titles, and your podcast website URL

Creating content from audio only episodes is easy with tools like Descript, Headliner, and Riverside, which convert audio segments into waveform or subtitled videos.According to this study, short, visually engaging clips are more likely to grab your audience’s attention while they’re scrolling through busy social feeds.

Post frequently

The key to building a strong social presence is frequency. Posting regularly keeps your podcast relevant and helps you stay in touch with your listener base.Engagement is just as important as posting. Make time to respond to comments, like posts from your podcasting community, and follow similar accounts.Social platforms reward consistent posting with increased visibility through algorithms, which ultimately leads to growth in your podcast listenership.

• Use a content calendar to plan out posts in advance
• Share a mix of formats: teaser videos, inspirational quotes, audiograms, polls, and behind-the-scenes content
• Tie your content to topical events, trending hashtags, or themed days to boost visibility

You don’t need to post daily, but you should aim to show up consistently. Start with 2–3 posts per platform each week and adjust based on engagement levels.Scheduling tools like Buffer, Later, or Hootsuite can make this process more manageable.

Tailor content for each platform

Different social channels serve different purposes, so it's important to adapt your content accordingly.

• TikTok and Reels – best for short, punchy video clips and humorous content
• Instagram – ideal for stories, reels, carousels, and eye-catching visuals
• Twitter (X) – useful for quick updates, quotes, and engaging with niche communities
• Facebook – great for community building via Facebook groups and long-form engagement
• LinkedIn – effective for thought leadership, particularly for business and educational podcasts

Each platform has its own culture and audience expectations. Tailoring your tone, post type, and message helps maximise impact across your chosen social channels.Customise your message and tone depending on the platform to better resonate with a specific audience segment.

Promote your latest episode and archive

Your latest episode deserves attention, but don't neglect your archive. Promoting older content helps bring in new audiences and gives life to episodes that remain relevant.

• Reshare evergreen content regularly
• Group episodes by theme and post as curated playlists
• Link back to show notes or blog articles on your podcast website

You can also create “on this day” content or reshare episodes linked to trending topics or seasonal events. This keeps your feed fresh without requiring brand-new content every time.

Encourage listener engagement

Social media also allows you to turn listeners into a community. Invite them to participate in the conversation by integrating interactive elements into your posts.

• Ask open-ended questions related to your podcast episode
• Create polls and Q&As in Instagram Stories or Twitter
• Run contests or giveaways tied to sharing episodes or tagging friends

Featuring listener responses on your podcast or in your feed adds a personal touch and encourages others to interact. This word-of-mouth engagement is instrumental in helping grow your podcast audience.

Use paid campaigns and collaborations

While organic content goes a long way, investing in paid promotions can provide a boost—especially when launching a new episode or targeting a specific demographic.

• Run ad campaigns on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok targeting your ideal listener
• Collaborate with influencers or micro-creators in your niche for cross-promotion
• Use custom landing pages linked to ads to capture emails or drive downloads

You can also promote clips or episodes that performed well organically to get more mileage. Paid campaigns are especially helpful for reaching beyond your current following and bringing in potential listeners who may not have found you otherwise.Running Google Ads targeting specific keywords can drive traffic to your podcast website or landing page, helping you reach a specific audience beyond social media platforms.

Incorporate video podcasting

Video podcasting has become more than just a trend—it’s now a cornerstone of content consumption for many new listeners.Audiences are increasingly expecting a visual component, and offering one can dramatically increase engagement, discoverability, and trust.As platforms evolve, embracing video is no longer optional for podcasters aiming to grow their podcast audience.

Why video matters

Video gives your audience a face to connect with, adding depth and authenticity to your message.According to recent data from Exploding Topics, 64% of podcast consumers say they prefer podcasts with a video component.This shift is largely driven by platforms like YouTube, which has become a top destination for podcast discovery—especially among younger audiences.Visual content also builds credibility. Seeing facial expressions, body language, and behind-the-scenes settings creates a sense of intimacy and trust that audio clips alone can’t replicate.For guests, it can be especially impactful—interviews feel more dynamic and polished in a visual format.Many creators at TYX Studios choose their video-equipped podcast rooms to take advantage of this growing demand.

Platforms to use

Publishing your video podcast across multiple podcast platforms helps maximise reach and visibility.Each platform offers different discovery and engagement mechanisms, and as always, consistency in publishing both audio and video builds an expectation with your audience.Not sure which one to use? You can check our guide on the top podcast platforms.If someone prefers to watch, make sure your visual format is engaging and accessible—this includes camera framing, lighting, and subtitle integration.Ultimately, as podcasting continues to evolve, those who adopt a video-first mindset will be best positioned for long-term podcast growth.

Build audience engagement

Engagement is the heartbeat of podcast growth. Attracting new podcast listeners is vital, but keeping them as loyal advocates requires intentional interaction.The more your audience feels involved, the more invested they become in your success.Strong engagement fosters community, builds trust, and amplifies your reach through organic sharing.It also gives you direct insight into what resonates, helping you create high quality content that meets your target audience’s needs.

Interactive content

Modern podcast platforms are increasingly designed with interactivity in mind.Leveraging built-in tools like polls, Q&A features, and private groups allows you to communicate with listeners in real time and make them part of the experience.This kind of interaction transforms passive listeners into active participants. It also helps you shape your content based on real input, improving both relevance and retention.Listeners are more likely to return when they feel heard and appreciated.

Listener recommendations

Word-of-mouth remains one of the most effective tools to grow your podcast audience. People are far more likely to trust recommendations from friends or influencers than paid promotions.You can also incentivise sharing by offering rewards—exclusive content, shoutouts, or giveaways.Listener-driven promotion builds momentum and credibility, helping you reach new audiences that might not find you through search or ads alone.Finally, never underestimate the power of acknowledging your loyal listeners.A simple mention, reply, or thank-you message can make someone feel valued, increasing the likelihood they’ll stick around—and bring others with them.

Collaborate and cross-promote

No podcast grows in a vacuum. One of the fastest and most effective ways to grow your podcast audience is by teaming up with other creators.Strategic collaboration introduces your show to fresh ears—listeners who already enjoy similar content and are more likely to become loyal listeners.Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, collaborating within the podcasting community creates valuable cross-promotional opportunities and expands your reach in ways that paid ads alone cannot achieve.

Podcast swaps

A podcast swap involves exchanging promotional space with another host—either through ad slots, intro mentions, or dedicated shoutouts.It’s a simple yet powerful way to share audiences without heavy production costs. Swaps work best when audiences are aligned, but not overlapping.For instance, a personal finance podcast might pair well with a show focused on small business, wellness, or productivity.Cross-promoting with other podcasters helps you tap into adjacent listener bases and grow your podcast through shared trust, and helps attract potential listeners already primed for your content.

Guest appearances

Bringing guests onto your show—or appearing as one on other podcasts—is a time-tested way to expand your audience.Not only does this add variety and authority to your episodes, but it also introduces your brand to new audiences through your guest’s following.Recording interviews in a professional space like TYX Studios ensures the highest quality audio and video—something especially important when hosting well-known figures or repurposing content for short video clips.Guest episodes tend to perform well because they blend your voice with fresh perspectives. Featuring industry influencers on your podcast not only adds authority but introduces your content to highly engaged new audiences.They also encourage networking and long-term relationships within your niche or industry, paving the way for future collaborations and opportunities.Ultimately, collaboration isn’t just about exposure—it’s about community. The more you support others in the podcasting space, the more likely they are to support you in return.

Use AI tools to streamline production

Podcasting can be time-consuming—from scripting and recording to editing, promotion, and repurposing.Fortunately, advancements in AI have made it easier than ever to simplify your workflow and focus on what matters most: creating high quality content that resonates with your target audience.Incorporating AI tools into your production process helps save time, reduce manual labour, and maintain consistency across episodes and platforms.

AI-powered features

Today’s AI tools can handle everything from audio clean-up to social media content generation.These solutions are especially useful for solo creators or small teams looking to scale without sacrificing quality.Tools like Descript, Adobe Podcast, and Riverside offer intuitive features such as text-based editing, automatic speaker labelling, and even voice levelling.This reduces the need for advanced editing skills and speeds up post-production significantly.AI also makes it easier to repurpose content. You can use summarisation tools to create show notes, blog posts, or written content based on each podcast episode.By streamlining repetitive tasks, AI gives you more time to focus on your audience, strategy, and storytelling. It’s not about replacing the human touch; it’s about enhancing your creative process and sustaining podcast growth in a smart, scalable way.

Monetisation strategies

While growing your podcast audience should always remain the priority, monetisation can help sustain your efforts and unlock opportunities for better equipment, marketing, and content development.There’s no one-size-fits-all approach—successful monetisation depends on your listener base, niche, and the type of value you offer.Fortunately, there are several flexible and proven strategies you can explore.

New ways to monetise

As the podcasting community matures, monetisation models have evolved far beyond traditional sponsorships.Today, creators have multiple income streams to choose from, many of which are suitable even for smaller shows with highly engaged listeners:

• Partner with brands through sponsorships or affiliate marketing campaigns
• Offer premium content such as bonus episodes, early access, or ad-free versions
• Use platforms like Patreon, Supercast, or Apple Podcasts Subscriptions to enable listener contributions

These options give loyal listeners a way to support you while receiving added value in return.Many podcasters also create paid content packages—such as educational series or industry-specific interviews—that provide exclusive access to in-depth material.Another growing trend is dynamic ad insertion. You can monetise through selling ad space within your podcast episodes, offering mid-roll or pre-roll spots to sponsors aligned with your audience.With tools like Acast or Spotify Ads, you can programmatically place ads into episodes based on listener demographics or behaviour—allowing for better targeting and increased revenue potential over time.

Diversify income with services and products

Beyond direct content monetisation, consider how your podcast could support other revenue streams such as:

• Sell branded merchandise tied to your podcast theme or inside jokes
• Offer coaching, consulting, or online courses related to your expertise
• Host live events or virtual workshops to deepen community engagement and generate ticket sales

Monetisation isn’t just about making money—it’s about building sustainability. With the right mix of strategy, creativity, and consistency, your podcast can become a reliable income stream and a platform for long-term growth.

Conclusion

Growing your podcast in 2025 demands more than great content—it requires intention, consistency, and adaptability. From SEO to video podcasting, leveraging tools and strategies effectively will help expand your listener base and turn casual listeners into loyal fans.Stay consistent, be willing to evolve with trends, and actively engage with your audience to grow a podcast that stands the test of time.

Ready to grow your podcast?

At TYX Podcasting Studios in London, we know what it takes to create a standout podcast. In fact, we've helped produce some of the industry’s most compelling shows.From crisp audio capture to dynamic video production, our professional services are designed to help you connect with your specific audience and grow your podcast with confidence.Whether you're launching a new series or looking to elevate your existing content, our expert team is here to support your creative journey.Get in touch today to book your session—and take your podcast to the next level.