Introduction
As you plan on launching your podcast, or trying to grow your existing show, you might be wondering when should I publish my podcast? The right release day can help you build a consistent audience, increase downloads, and establish your show in your listeners routine. By choosing a day and time that works best for your target audience, you’ll ensure that your podcast is top of mind and easily accessible when they have the time to listen. In this post, we’ll explore the factors to consider when choosing the best day to release your podcast.
Consistency is Key
When it comes to releasing a podcast, consistency is key. Your listeners should know when to expect new episodes, and having a set schedule helps build an audience. Consistency also makes it easier for your listeners to fit your podcast into their routine. They’ll know when to expect a new episode, and they can plan accordingly. One of the biggest benefits of consistency is building an audience. When your listeners know when to expect new episodes, they’re more likely to tune in regularly.
If you’re just starting out, consider releasing your episodes on the same day each week. This will help you establish a routine and build a consistent audience. As your show grows and evolves, you may want to experiment with different days and times to see what works best for your audience. But regardless of when you choose to release your episodes, it’s important to be consistent and stick to your schedule.
Content Type
The type of content you produce can also have an impact on the best day to release your podcast. Different types of content may lend themselves to different days and times, so it’s important to consider the nature of your show when choosing a release day.
For example, if you produce a news or current events-focused podcast, it may make sense to release new episodes at the beginning of the week when the news cycle is just starting. This way, your audience will have access to the latest information and insights, and you’ll be able to capitalize on the week’s news events. One podcast I enjoy is Bill Burr’s Monday Morning Podcast. It’s great to know on Monday mornings, I can expect to listen to this podcast.
On the other hand, if you produce a fantasy football show, the games don’t start until Thursday, and the week isn’t over until Monday night. In which case a recap and preview of the following week might be best on a Tuesday or a Wednesday. Perhaps your podcast previews or reviews new release movies. If the majority of listeners head to the theater on a Friday or a Saturday, you may want to wait until later in the week to release your episode and put your episode at the top of their list of subscribed shows.
You may also have a podcast that people will want to binge. There was a great podcast that was recorded in our studio from Antica Productions called “Do You Know Mordechai?” That show was released on a week to week basis, but was also a limited series. When we went on a road trip, we finished binging the series except for the last episode which hadn’t yet been released. We nearly forgot to go back. I am a fan of full season dump releases for fictional or story type with a season.
When considering the content type of your show, think about the goals of your podcast and the type of content you’re producing. Consider your target audience’s preferences and habits, and choose a release day that makes sense for your show.
Experimentation
Experimentation is a crucial part of choosing the best day to release your podcast. While consistency and understanding your audience are important, you may find that different release days and times work better for your show. The only way to know for sure is to experiment and track your results.
Experimenting with different release days and times can help you understand when your audience is most likely to listen to your podcast. You may also hear feedback from specific individuals that either like or dislike your move to a new time.
Track your download numbers and listen to listener feedback. Pay attention to when your episodes are getting the most attention and when your audience is most engaged. Based on your results, you may need to adjust your release schedule to better meet the needs of your audience.
Remember, experimentation is a continuous process. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust your release schedule as needed. With a little trial and error, you’ll find the perfect release day for your podcast and build a loyal, engaged audience. Keep track of your results and make adjustments as needed. With time and persistence, you’ll find the best day and time to release your podcast and build a loyal, engaged audience.
Timing
The Megaphone Data
Megaphone’s 2018 research, known as “The Megaphone Analysis,” found that the most common days for podcast episode releases are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, typically between the hours of 2 am and 5 am. According to the study, publishing at 5 am can result in the highest number of downloads.
Be cautious of publishing your podcast episodes at midnight as it may result in your show being buried beneath other shows in directories such as Apple Podcasts. Megaphone suggests that shows released between 2 AM to 6 AM have higher download rates than those released around midnight. Also bare-in-mind not all your listeners are necessarily in your time zone. If you’re in California and publish your for 9am PST, you have missed most of the east coast’s commute time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the best day to release a podcast is an important decision that requires careful consideration of several factors. Consistency is key in building a loyal audience, and having a set schedule for your releases can help with this. Consider your target audience’s schedule and the competition in your genre when deciding on a release day. The type of content you produce can also impact the best day to release your podcast, so keep that in mind as well. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust your release schedule as needed based on your download numbers and listener feedback.
By taking the time to think about these factors and making informed decisions, you can build a consistent, engaged audience that looks forward to your podcast each week. With the right release day, you can increase downloads, establish your show as a must-listen, and achieve success as a podcaster. If you need help a different area of your podcast, feel free to contact us!