Most Profitable Podcast Topics

Podcasting has exploded in popularity over the last decade, with millions of listeners tuning in to hear their favorite hosts discuss topics ranging from true crime to self-help advice.

For podcasters, choosing the right topic is crucial – not just for attracting an audience, but also for monetizing the show through advertisements, sponsorships, and other revenue streams. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most profitable niches and topics in the podcasting world.

Popular podcast topics:

1. True Crime

One of the most popular and lucrative podcast genres is true crime. Shows like Serial, Up and Vanished, and My Favorite Murder has demonstrated there is an insatiable appetite for real-life tales of murder and mayhem.

True crime podcasts are attractive to advertisers because they tend to attract a loyal, engaged audience willing to listen to episodes that are often over an hour long. There is also income potential in live events, merchandise sales, and content licensing.

2. Self-Help and Wellness

The self-help and wellness category is also a consistent money-maker. Podcasts that provide advice on personal development, meditation, relationships, careers, and more can monetize through sponsorships with relevant brands and services.

Top shows like The Happiness Lab, On Purpose, and The Goop Podcast have built a strong following by providing actionable and inspiring tips for self-improvement.

3. Business and Finance

For podcasters with experience in business and finance, shows focused on these topics can generate substantial revenue. Popular examples like How I Built This, Masters of Scale, and Planet Money attract sponsorship from major companies due to their educated listener base.

Niche shows on personal finance, investing, entrepreneurship, and more also perform well by delivering valuable expertise.

4. Comedy

Funny podcasts have significant monetization potential because humor crosses all demographic boundaries. Long-running favorites like Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend and Comedy Bang Bang license their content for TV versions while also making big money from live tours and merchandise.

Even lesser-known comedy podcasts can earn decent revenue through ads and sponsorships as long as their humor resonates with audiences.

5. Pop Culture

Analysis and commentary about TV, movies, music, and celebrities is in high demand, making pop culture-focused shows a smart bet. From recap podcasts like Binge Mode and The Watch to deep dives into artists’ catalogs on Dissect and Switched on Pop, these shows leverage fans’ obsession with entertainment into sponsorships, merchandise sales, and more.

6. Health and Fitness

Health and fitness is one of the most popular podcast categories, appealing to audiences interested in improving their physical and mental well-being. Top shows like The Mindbodygreen Podcast, The Doctor’s Pharmacy, and The Model Health Show provide science-based advice on nutrition, exercise, self-care, and more.

Yoga and meditation podcasts are also prevalent. Sponsors relevant to the health space, like supplements and fitness companies, are drawn to this audience demographic.

7. Comedy

Comedy podcasts have exploded in popularity due to the universal appeal of humor. General comedy shows like Comedy Bang Bang, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, and SmartLess thrive on the chemistry between funny hosts. Other shows leverage improv and sketch comedy talents, like How Did This Get Made? and improv4humans.

True crime and news podcasts also incorporate comedy to add levity. Comedy podcasts attract a range of sponsors seeking the audience’s large, loyal following.

8. News and Politics

In the saturated media landscape, news and politics podcasts have emerged as popular sources for in-depth coverage and analysis of current events. Shows like The Daily, Up First, Pod Save America, and The Ben Shapiro Show provide perspectives across the political spectrum.

Listeners turn to these podcasts for more context on complex issues overlooked in headline news. The audience’s engagement makes this a good category for sponsors.

9. Sports

For sports fans seeking more on their favorite teams, players, and leagues, sports podcasts deliver. Flagship shows like The Bill Simmons Podcast and Pardon My Take lead the way with irreverent, obsessive takes. Team-specific podcasts like Ringer NBA Show also thrive.

Fantasy sports advice shows are popular too, like Fantasy Footballers. Sportsbooks, ticket sellers, and fan merchandise providers sponsor these podcasts.

10. Technology

With tech innovations constantly emerging, podcasts like Reply All, Darknet Diaries, and Rabbit Hole provide context. Tech podcasts analyze issues like hacking, online privacy, social media, and Silicon Valley.

Technical shows also delve deep into topics like coding, cybersecurity, and cryptocurrency. The niche expertise attracts sponsors from tech companies and products.

11. Parenting

Parenting podcasts have carved out a defined audience supplying advice, commiseration, and community. Veterans like One Bad Mother tackle all aspects of parenting with humor and heart. Other shows focus specifically on pregnancy, raising toddlers, teens, children with special needs, and more.

Busy parents rely on these podcasts for solidarity and guidance. Relevant sponsors include education tools, household products, minivans, and family destinations.

In-demand podcast topics:

Topics That Are Constantly Changing

Certain podcast topics remain compelling to audiences because they are constantly evolving. This allows episodes to stay fresh and focused on the latest developments. Examples include:

• Technology – With new innovations arriving rapidly, tech podcasts analyze products like smartphones, AI, social media platforms, and more as they change over time.
• Business – The world of business never stands still, so shows can revisit topics like entrepreneurship, marketing, investing, and leadership as paradigms shift.
• Science – Scientific breakthroughs happen steadily, giving science podcasts plenty to dissect in topics like space exploration, genetics, robotics, and medicine.
• True Crime – High-profile crimes and investigations continue to unfold, allowing true crime podcasts to deliver new cases and angles to captivate their audience.

Topics Relevant to Current Events

Podcasts that connect their subject matter to current events tend to be in high demand because they feel timely and significant. For example:

• News/Politics – These podcasts react to the latest political news, election developments, global affairs, and more as events transpire.
• Sports – Key games, trades, controversies, and milestones prompt discussion on sports podcasts.
• Finance – Major economic news directly impacts shows about personal finance and investing.
• Culture – Pop culture and entertainment podcasts analyze things like new movie releases, viral scandals, music trends, and celebrity news.

Topics of Interest to a Large Audience

Some podcast topics have inherent mass appeal, making them reliable choices for attracting a big loyal audience over the long term. Examples include:

• Comedy – Most people enjoy comedy, so it has universal appeal.
• Self-Help – There is widespread interest in content about self-improvement.
• Health – Everyone cares about their physical and mental health to some degree.
• True Crime – The popularity of crime stories crosses demographics.
• Celebrity – Fascination with the rich and famous is ubiquitous.

So podcasters catering to these evergreen interests are likely to gain traction and remain in demand.

Viral podcast topics:

Topics That Are Controversial or Shocking

Podcasts that tackle controversial subject matter or reveal shocking details are primed to go viral, as audiences can’t resist discussing and sharing attention-grabbing stories. Examples include:

• True crime cases with bizarre details or twist endings captivate audiences. Shows like Serial and Dirty John thrive on in-depth coverage of sensational crimes.
• Exposés that reveal scandals, corruption, or misdeeds by influential figures generate buzz through word-of-mouth.
• Debates on sensitive or divisive political and social issues often spread quickly on social platforms as people argue and share reactions.
• Conspiracy theories, even unproven ones, pique curiosity and get passed along privately by listeners intrigued by the claims.

Topics That Are Funny or Entertaining

Humor and entertainment are universally appealing. This makes comedy podcasts or shows with funny hosts primed for virality when episodes deliver hilarious moments worth sharing. Other examples include:

• Celebrity interviews where stars reveal surprising stories or details from their lives.
• Fascinating true stories are told in an engaging, comedic way on shows like This American Life.
• Reviews of entertainment like movies, music, and TV that get fans talking.
• Advice or “hack” episodes with clever life solutions that listeners want to share with friends.

Topics That Are Shared on Social Media

Viral podcast topics lend themselves to social sharing, as audiences can’t wait to post or discuss exciting episodes. This includes:

• Cliffhanger endings that leave people eager for more, prompting posts enthusiastically anticipating the next episode.
• Quote-worthy moments that get excerpted and shared as memes or social captions.
• Recommendation requests and replies as fans ask for or suggest new podcasts to try.
• Polls and threads as listeners start online dialogues about podcast characters, theories, or controversial moments.

So podcasters aiming for virality look to leverage social platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Reddit to maximize their reach.

High-paying podcast topics:

Topics That Are of Interest to Businesses

Podcasts centered around business, marketing, entrepreneurship, leadership, and other professional topics are prime for monetization. Companies have a vested interest in sponsoring shows that reach their target B2B audience. Examples include:

• Startup and small business advice attract sponsors offering services like web hosting, software, and financing.
• Corporate leadership lessons garner sponsorship from executive coaching firms, MBA programs, and more.
• Marketing and social media podcasts are sponsored by digital marketing agencies, social scheduling tools, etc.
• HR podcasts attract employee benefits companies, payroll providers, recruitment firms, and more.

Topics Requiring Specialized Knowledge

Podcasts hosted by experts who discuss complex or technical subjects like medicine, law, engineering, and science can charge higher advertising rates to match their niche audience. For example:

• Medical podcasts attract pharma and health tech sponsors targeting doctors and nurses.
• Legal podcasts are sponsored by software and services for lawyers and law firms.
• Tech podcasts get sponsors ranging from web developers to cybersecurity firms.
• Finance shows attract banks, financial advisors, and investing companies.

Topics That Are in High Demand

Some evergreen podcast topics have proven appeal and engagement, making them reliably profitable. Examples include:

• True crime and the cult-like fanbase it attracts.
• Self-help and personal development content.
• Comedy, humor, and celebrity content with mass appeal.
• News, politics, and current events to leverage timeliness.
• Health, fitness, and nutrition content relevant to daily life.
• Sports, are favored by passionate superfans.

By focusing on these in-demand topics, podcasters can build audience loyalty and become a magnet for consistent sponsorships and ad dollars over the long haul.

Conclusion

While passion should be the main driver when starting a podcast, profitability is also a consideration for creators looking to make a career out of their show.

Fortunately, the formats and topics discussed above represent some of the most lucrative options currently available in the podcasting space. As long as hosts can find their niche, deliver high-quality content, and build a loyal audience, monetizing a podcast is an achievable goal.  Learn here more about podcasting and making money online.