By Elizabeth Flatley
Podcasts have been around for more than a decade. In fact, they came about because of iPods, Apple, and iTunes; Apple brought podcasts to iTunes in 2005. Steve Jobs called podcasts “TiVo for radio,” which is an insanely dated reference. Before podcasts, listeners enjoyed the radio, but grew annoyed with its unpredictable content and ads. With podcasts, however, as Steve Job stated “you can put them on your computer or put ‘em on your iPod anytime you want.” Podcasts, like the radio, are free to listen to, but creators and people who make podcasts rely on advertisements to make a profit.
As influencers made their rise to fame, whether on TikTok, YouTube, or other platforms, many have decided to expand and create podcasts. With large audiences already, influencers successfully so drive viewership to their podcast, thereby diversifying their platforms and creating new sources of income. Popular youtubers like David Dobrik and other members of the Vlog Squad have decided to branch out and make podcasts about things they are passionate about! David and Jason Nash’s podcast VIEWS focuses on their thoughts about modern day pop culture and gives you insight on what goes on behind the scenes and vlogs! Addison Rae Easterling, the highest paid Tiktoker, has started a podcast with her mom called Mama Knows Best where she goes to her mom for advice on all things concerning growing up, relationships, friends, and family life. Addison describes her podcasts as “..another level of intimacy with [her]supporters” and enjoys the opportunity “to be able to talk about it with my mom [which]is so fun.” Highly creative opportunities, high engagement, and the chance to reach out to fans in a closer way draws celebrities and influencers closer to creating podcasts.
Here are some of my favorite podcasts: