Podcasts have exploded in popularity over the past decade, becoming a go-to medium for entertainment, education, and information. Picking a topic for your podcast is a big deal, my friend. It's like the heart and soul of your show, shaping what you talk about and who you attract. But here's the cool part: if you jump on the trend bandwagon and talk about what's hot right now, you'll have listeners flocking to your episodes like bees to honey. We had to ask other Haitian podcast creators to chime in on the medium. Seriously, it's a fantastic way to grow your show and connect with an enthusiastic audience. So, whether you've got your podcast concept all figured out or you're still brainstorming, riding the trend wave can take your episodes to the next level.
Stay updated with current events and trends
One of the simplest ways to find trending podcast topics is by staying informed about current events and trends. Keep an eye on news outlets, social media platforms, and industry-specific publications to identify popular discussions, emerging trends, and relevant news stories. By addressing these topics in your podcast, you can tap into the existing buzz and capture the interest of your listeners.
Research keyword trends and search volume
Conducting keyword research can provide valuable insights into popular podcast topics. Utilize tools like Google Trends, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to identify keywords related to your podcast niche and gauge their search volume. Look for keywords with a steady upward trend or seasonal spikes in popularity. By incorporating these keywords into your podcast titles, descriptions, and episodes, you can increase your chances of attracting a larger audience. Check out my podcast about sexual wellness in the Haitian community.
Analyze podcast industry trends
The podcast industry itself is constantly evolving, with new trends and subgenres emerging regularly. Stay connected with the podcasting community by attending industry conferences, networking with fellow podcasters, and following relevant blogs and podcasts. By understanding the latest industry trends, you can adapt your content to meet the changing demands and interests of your listeners.
Lekol, Legliz, Lakay podcast share with us, "As a Haitian American podcast focused on growing up Haitian, most of the topics we speak on stem from shared experiences within the Haitian community. Our podcast name is inspired by a running joke in the Haitian community that picks at truths of growing up at home, school and church - all strict and rigid spaces. We understood that growing up Haitian is one of those unique experiences that every Haitian American could relate to, religious or not. Our podcast used to be so experienced based that sometimes if something happened with our parents, at school or within our church community, our response was to hop on the mic and talk about it. Little did we know hundreds of people either experienced it or were currently experiencing it. This storytelling approach made it so every topic was beyond trendy but deeply relatable."
Once you've identified trending podcast topics, it's crucial to make the most of them by creating high-quality content and optimizing its visibility. Develop engaging episode titles and descriptions that accurately represent your content and incorporate relevant keywords. Promote your podcast across various platforms, including your website, social media channels, and email newsletters. Monitor your podcast's analytics to track the performance of episodes related to trending topics and adjust your content strategy accordingly.
While you dive into the realm of what's currently popular, it's important to retain the essence of what makes your podcast truly special. Remember, a topic doesn't have to be the hottest thing right now to be worthy of discussion. If it resonates with your audience and ignites your passion, it holds value. Striking a balance between trending subjects and your personal interests ensures a winning combination for your show, where you cater to your audience's preferences while staying true to your own unique voice.
Engage with your audience
Your existing audience can be an excellent source of inspiration for trending podcast topics. Encourage listeners to provide feedback, suggestions, and questions. Create opportunities for engagement through social media platforms, email newsletters, or dedicated Q&A episodes. By actively listening to your audience and addressing their interests and concerns, you not only provide valuable content but also foster a loyal and engaged community around your podcast.
The Haitian podcast creators behind the Jaw Jackin Show say, "have amazing supporters that keep us updated on what’s trending via DM or email. We are also a supporter based podcast and we pride ourselves on engaging with our supporters. So their feedback on topics that they want to discuss is valuable to us!"
Collaborate with influencers, creators, and experts
Collaborating with influencers and experts in your niche can help you tap into their existing audience and gain exposure to new listeners. Reach out to influencers, authors, researchers, or industry leaders who have a strong following and invite them as guests on your podcast. Their expertise and unique perspectives can add value to your episodes and attract a wider audience. Additionally, co-hosting episodes or participating in guest appearances on other podcasts can expose your content to new listeners who may be interested in your topics. Sending something like, "my podcast would love to collaborate with you, shoot us a dm ," is a great way to request collaborations with influencers or experts.
Leverage social media and podcast directories
Social media platforms and podcast directories are excellent resources for finding trending podcast topics. Join relevant Facebook groups, follow Twitter hashtags, and participate in discussions on platforms like Reddit and Quora. Engaging with your target audience and monitoring conversations around your niche can help you identify popular topics and gain insights into what people are currently interested in. Additionally, explore podcast directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher to see what topics are trending in your specific category or genre. My go to directory for resources is the Blk Pod Collective. They cater to Black podcasters and truly center them in community, education, and visibility.
