The Number of Podcast Listeners Has Tripled Since 2013

In 2011, when my passing fascination with gaming developed into a full-on obsession, I fell in love with IGN's industry news podcast Game Scoop. In 2017, while I screamed and cursed my way through Bloodborne, I discovered the Soulsborne-focused Bonfireside Chat and its retro-game sister show, Watch Out For Fireballs. And last month, as I desperately struggled to decode Gene Wolfe 's nightmarishly dense, labyrinthine Book of the New Sun, I stumbled upon Alzabo Soup—a podcast dedicated to a single, largely obscure literary quintet.

There's a podcast for everything—every fanbase, hobby, and burgeoning interest—and their popularity is growing exponentially. According to Edison Research and Triton Digital's study, "The Infinite Dial," the number of podcast listeners has tripled since 2013; nearly 22 percent of Americans listen to podcasts. The IAB and PWC podcast ad revenue study (featured alongside the first in Variety's look at the current pod-issance) found that the industry will make $679,000,000 in 2019 and is predicted to grow at least through 2021.

Myriad shows cross countless genres—major news outlets supplement their stories with in-depth reporting, comedians goof off with celebrities, and some networks harken back to radio's serial roots, telling mysteries and horror tales in the vein of old-fashioned audio plays. Possibilities abound, for creators and listeners alike.

Podcasts have become the "let's start a band" of 2019 for a reason—podcasting is easy, cheap, and fun. For many people (myself included), it's an opportunity to gather friends or fellow fans around a shared interest. Have a phone or laptop and a burning enthusiasm? Then you're good to go! Of course, just because you can start a show doesn't mean you should—and that's coming from a guy with three podcasts who probably shouldn't have any.

Need recommendations? Check out PCMag's top 100 podcasts. If you want to start your own, snag one of our recommended mics and consult our guide on how to launch your show.