Thinking of starting a podcast? There’s no better time to do it than right now when podcasting is a growing medium in the Philippines. According to data from leading audio platform Spotify, Filipinos are finding comfort in podcasts, with nearly 40% nothing that listening makes them feel less lonely knowing that other people go through similar life situation.

Filipinos are finding comfort in podcasts, with nearly 40% noting that podcasts make them feel less lonely knowing that other people go through similar life situations. Spotify, the leading audio platform, reveals insights that reinforce the meaningful connections built between creators and listeners. 

Which podcast genres do Pinoys listen to the most?

According to Spotify statistics, the Love & Relationships genre is the most popular in the Philippines seeing a 400% growth from 2021 to 2023. With thousands of Pinoys being fans of love teams, romantic K-dramas, and rom-coms, this is hardly a surprise.

Other fast-rising categories seeing a twofold increase in consumption since 2021 include Pop-Culture (140%), Self-Improvement (130%) and Comedy (nearly 100%). With this growing consumption across genres, now is the time for aspiring creators to start their podcast!

So how do you start a podcast?

At the recently conducted Spotify Podcast Media Masterclass, Phil Disini, Spotify’s Podcast Partner Manager for the Philippines, shared some valuable insights for content creators.

“Look at your listeners first and then build your podcast on what can appeal to them,” says Disini, encouraging beginner podcasters. “When you start, that’s when you’ll have to continue to engage your community to find out what listeners want to hear from you.”

Disini says the key to having a successful podcast is not always to plan out your episodes months in advance, it’s to listen to audience feedback and finetune your content from there.

When it comes to frequency of posting, here’s what he has to say:  “Have a cadence and commit to it. At the end of the day, you want your podcast to be part of the people’s daily habits.”

Disini also adds that if you’re a beginner podcaster, make sure you’ve got at least three episodes ready to go. In case you encounter problems (or you get lazy trying to record a new episode), at least “you’re giving listeners more options to try your podcast.”

Tips from seasoned Pinoy podcasters

Gayle de Chavez, creator of motivational podcast Free Yourself podcast also gave some tips for beginner creators who find themselves losing interest in podcasting.

“Really have clarity because clarity is power,” she says. “When you know why you want to do this… you will not stop in the middle because podcasting is a long game.”

“My advice to all aspiring content creators is to just be curious about everything. Don’t be shy asking people who are experts at this,” de Chavez adds.

Podcasting is also a great way to push yourself to step out of your comfort zone and to widen your network. Rizza Lana-Sebastian, co-host of Camp Confidence, a self-improvement podcast, said the project has made a huge positive impact on her life.

“Goal-wise, it has helped me reach heights I thought I’d never reach,” says Lana-Sebastian. “In Season 2 [of Camp Confidence], I was so shy but now in Season 8, I’m the makulit camp ate. It really helped and impact me to create a platform to help other people. It gave me a sense of service.”

Spotify for Podcasters has all the tools you need to start

Spotify has made it easy for everyone who dreams of being a content creator. So easy, in fact, that it’s free! Spotify for Podcasters has a full suite of creator tools, data, and interactivity features to help creators build their podcasts, reach new audiences, and grow their communities.

Its features include Q&A for more interaction between the host and the listeners, Polls, and Video Podcasting. Creators can also use the scheduling tool and check out the Insights tab for more statistics on the show and episode. It also shows an audience insight where creators can find out more about their listeners including the top artists they’re listening to.

Thinking of starting your podcast?

It’s probably been ruminating in the back of your mind for a while now but you just haven’t mustered enough courage to start. We’ll tell you what — there’s never a better time to start than right now. You’ve got all the tools you need thanks to Spotify for Podcasters. All you have to do is find a quiet space, pick a topic you’re passionate about, and press record!

For more information, check out updates on For The Record: Podcasts.

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