Bye-bye blogs. Move over mainstream media. Podcasts are taking over as the most trusted form of media and we tell you how to tool up and talk to the people.

words Tamara Clarke

Podcasts are currently undergoing a global renaissance and the UAE is keeping pace with leading markets around the world. According to a report released by Markettiers MENA, 16% of the population now tune in to a podcast at least once a week and 92% of those listeners trust podcasts more than traditional media.

Getting started

Choose a topic: The first thing you need to do is decide what you want to talk about. Choose a topic that excites you – something you could literally go on and on about.

Find the right format: Popular formats include nonfiction narrative storytelling, interviewing and conversational. Consistency is the key to keeping listeners engaged.

Pump it up: Submit your podcast to well-known directories such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify to help potential listeners find you.

Look who’s talkin’

Mark Ryan, host of Run and Rant, an educator based in Abu Dhabi: “Don’t over plan! You need to take the first step and learn as you go. Don’t worry about the amount of listeners. Don’t stop! If you want to be successful on social platforms you need content, content, content.”

Vinita Bharadwaj, co-producer of KarāmaSūtra: “Ask yourself why you are starting a podcast. Ask yourself who your audience is. Ask yourself if you are going to be able to sustain this for at least a few years. The last thing you want is to be a one-hit wonder.”