Spotify’s official guide to starting a podcast

The popularity of podcasts is on the rise in the Philippines, with almost 40% of Filipinos finding comfort in listening to their favorite creators. This has led to an increase not only in listenership but also in people’s interest in creating podcasts.

Spotify, the leading audio platform, and its creators provide tips and guidance for aspiring podcast creators.

Starting a podcast may seem daunting, but it is simpler than it appears. All you need are two things: an idea and a voice to bring it to life. Some popular topics that you can explore are Love & Relationships, which have seen a remarkable 400% increase in consumption from 2021 to 2023, as well as Pop Culture, Self Improvement, and Comedy, which have doubled their reach since 2021.

Before starting a podcast, it is important to think about a few important things such as creating a concrete plan of what your podcast is about and who you want it to attract, figuring out what goals motivate you, and what topic, format, and structure align best with your target audience and interests. It is also important to consider if the topic is something that you can produce enough content on.

Additionally, it is helpful to brainstorm ideas and pick a format that works best for you. Finally, it is important to remember that every successful podcast had to start somewhere, and it is okay to start small.

Once you have clarity on the topic you are passionate about, the rest comes easy — as Gayle de Chavez, Creator of Free Yourself puts it. And a free tool like Spotify for Podcasters will equip you with everything you need to create and grow a podcast.

If you’ve ever thought that podcasting can feel like a one-sided conversation, Spotify’s Q&A and Polls features deepen creator-fan connection — from gathering guest suggestions to receiving feedback on topics and formats, and even gamifying your content.

Rizza Lana-Sebastian, co-host of Camp Confidence shares, “We use Polls to gain insights into our audience’s preferences, allowing us to craft compelling narratives for our upcoming season that truly resonate with them.”

Podcasting is both an art and a science, and understanding your listeners and their interactions is key to podcasting success. It’s important that creators are provided the insights into your show’s performance which can then help you make decisions — may it be planning on your content calendar or coming up with ways to promote your new episode.

Video podcasts bring a new level of engagement like never before. Combining the intimacy of audio with the visual impact of video, it offers listeners a closer and more dynamic viewing experience. The result is an immersive experience where listeners feel closer to their favorite creators and creators make deeper connections with their audience.

Podcasting is for anyone and everyone. With platforms like Spotify, the home of culture and conversations for Pinoys, you will be able to take inspiration from other local creators — but the best way to find success is to hone in on the why of what you’re creating.