How Long Should a Podcast Episode Be?
The "right" podcast length depends on your content, format, and audience. Here's how to find what works for your show.
Average Podcast Lengths by Format
Interview Shows
45-90 minutes - Long enough for deep conversation
Solo Commentary
15-30 minutes - Focused, efficient content delivery
News/Updates
10-20 minutes - Quick, digestible updates
Storytelling/Narrative
30-60 minutes - Time to develop the story
Educational
20-45 minutes - Comprehensive but not exhausting
What the Data Shows
Research on listener behavior reveals:
- Most podcast listening happens during commutes (avg 25 min)
- 80% of listeners finish episodes they start
- Longer episodes don't necessarily mean fewer listeners
- Consistency in length matters more than specific duration
Finding Your Ideal Length
Consider Your Content
Ask yourself:
- How long does it take to cover my topic properly?
- Am I padding to reach a length or cutting valuable content?
- Does my content naturally fit a specific duration?
Know Your Audience
Think about when and how they listen:
- Commuters prefer predictable lengths
- Exercise listeners want longer content
- Quick breaks need shorter episodes
Test and Measure
- Try different lengths and compare completion rates
- Ask your audience directly
- Watch for patterns in your most popular episodes
Quality Over Quantity
Don't artificially extend episodes to hit a target length. Filler content:
- Frustrates listeners
- Increases skip rates
- Hurts your show's reputation
Don't cut valuable content just to be short. If the content is good:
- Listeners will stay engaged
- You can split into multiple episodes
- Quality depth builds loyalty
Practical Tips
- Be consistent - Same general length helps listener expectations
- Front-load value - Put the best content early
- Use chapters - Help listeners navigate longer episodes
- Edit ruthlessly - Remove anything that doesn't add value
- End strong - Don't trail off; have a clear conclusion
The Real Answer
There's no universally correct podcast length. The right length is:
- Long enough to deliver value
- Short enough to hold attention
- Consistent enough to set expectations
Start with 20-30 minutes, measure your results, and adjust based on what works for your specific show and audience.