The rising popularity of podcasts isn't surprising. They're a great way to consume information without requiring much effort. You can listen to them while running, commuting, or studying.

But have you ever thought about starting your own podcast? If you haven't, you might want to consider changing your mind. Here are several reasons why you should start your own podcast.

1. Stand Out When You Apply for Jobs

a woman attending a job interview

These days, many companies will find their inboxes flooded with hundreds—if not thousands—of applications for each opening. Gone are the days when an impressive resume alone is enough; you need to think of alternative ways to stand out. Simply listing your achievements could actually be one of many LinkedIn mistakes that harm your job search.

Starting your own podcast is an excellent way to distinguish yourself from everyone else. When hiring managers can hear your voice, you add more of a personal touch. Moreover, you'll show that you're genuinely interested in your role and willing to think outside the box.

Plus, you'll automatically become more memorable. Very few (if any) other applicants will have gone through the effort of starting a side project.

2. Socialize With Your Friends

a professional voice recorder

Let's say that you want to start a podcast, but have no idea about which niche you should choose. If you fall into this category, don't worry—you can talk about literally anything you want.

Instead of worrying about pigeonholing yourself into one or two subjects, you can keep things open by starting a podcast with your friends. Each week, agree to either meet up in person or have an audio conversation somewhere online.

If you decide to start a podcast with your friends, you might find that your weekly show is the perfect way to socialize with them. And if you're looking to meet new people who could potentially join your podcast, consider checking out these great platforms to make friends.

3. Monetize Your Content Later On

You might struggle to explain what "I'm a podcaster" means when somebody asks what you do. But believe it or not, making a career from your show is an attainable long-term goal.

Many people have managed to make a living from their podcasts. Some ways they make money include sponsorship deals and fan donations. And even if you don't make enough money from the show alone, you could add an extra revenue stream alongside your job or business ownership.

Of course, you shouldn't get into podcasting for the money alone. Getting into such a position takes years of commitment and is by no means guaranteed. But if you're genuinely interested in making podcasts, keep the potential for monetization at the back of your mind.

4. Start an Interesting Side-Project

a content creator engaging with audience

If you don't want to make money from podcasting, that's fine as well. Though modern society likes to tell us that you must blindly follow your passions, not everyone wants to do that. After all, turning your creative endeavors into a job comes with numerous added pressures.

Don't feel like you shouldn't start a podcast because you don't want to make money from it, though. At the very least, you can launch your show as an exciting side project. By doing so, you'll have both a creative outlet and something to look forward to each week.

5. Learn New Skills

a woman editing audio on a computer

One benefit of picking up new hobbies is that we also learn new skills. While podcasting will, of course, teach you how to create and run a show, you'll also indirectly pick up other handy skills.

You'll become a better communicator, which can help in job interviews and presentations. You'll also acquire numerous direct skills from podcasting. Running your own show will help you get better at recording audio, and could also increase your proficiency in editing software.

Podcasting will also help you write more succinctly. You could learn how to use video platforms like YouTube, should you choose to upload your episodes there. Another benefit is that you'll learn useful life tips and tricks from the people you interview.

6. Showcase Your Expertise in a Particular Field

Demonstrating that you have knowledge in a particular field is essential for getting your peers to trust you. That applies to all walks of life, whether you're applying to a university, searching for a full-time job, or you're self-employed.

Podcasting helps you show that you practice what you preach in a way that your resume and cover letter alone will not. Running a podcast allows you to talk in-depth about your areas of expertise and demonstrate that you know how to research correctly.

While you can use podcasts as part of your portfolio, you might also find that people you want to collaborate with will eventually come to you.

7. Connect With Like-Minded People

If you're interested in a niche topic, you're probably aware of what it's like to feel that nobody can relate to you. This is especially true if you live in a small town or far away from where the hub of your interests is.

Fortunately, the existence of technology means that connecting with people similar to us has never been easier. And creating a podcast is a great way to attract new friends who enjoy the same things that you do.

When you publish podcasts related to topics you're interested in, you'll naturally find listeners with similar interests. Moreover, you'll meet others who want to collaborate with you—and with whom you can bounce ideas around.

8. Support Your Other Social Media Channels

person holding smartphone with social media app menu open

Some people start podcasts for the pure sake of becoming a podcaster, but you might also want to think about using the platform if you've already established an online presence elsewhere. For example, the YouTuber Ali Abdaal has his main channel—but he's also got a podcast called Deep Dive With Ali Abdaal.

While social media growth should have a specific goal (e.g. getting people to sign up for your newsletter), starting a podcast can help you build your online presence elsewhere. For example, you can share clips from your podcast as an Instagram Reel. Here are some top tips to create Reels that go viral.

9. No Need to Put Your Face on Camera

A woman sitting in front of a microphone and a computer

While there are many reasons to consider starting a YouTube channel, not everyone wants to have their face on camera. Yes, recording videos of yourself during the podcast can be beneficial—but you can also keep your face off camera if that's what you'd prefer.

If you think that you'd get your message across better with audio, grabbing the microphone and pressing Record is a better approach. You might also want to think about the different types of YouTube channels you can start without showing your face.

10. Become More Confident

a person walking in a forest

Podcasting requires you to step out of your comfort zone. For example, you'll need to learn how to communicate effectively with others while also improving your listening skills. As you become more proficient, you will also find out how to ask interesting questions and find out more about others.

Away from the podcasting itself, you'll also have to enhance skills related to audio levels, editing, and—if you later become a professional—how to manage a business. All of these will improve your confidence over time and make you better with other people.

Key Takeaways

  • Starting your own podcast can help you stand out when applying for jobs, providing a personal touch and showcasing your willingness to think outside the box.
  • Podcasting with friends allows you to socialize while exploring different topics and can be a fun way to stay connected.
  • While making money from your podcast is not guaranteed, it can be a potential long-term goal by monetizing through sponsorship deals and fan donations. However, podcasting can also be a fulfilling side project without the focus on financial gain.

Hop on the Mic and Have Some Fun

Hosting a podcast show could open the door to multiple opportunities. Beyond making it your full-time job one day, you could also meet exciting people.

At the very least, podcasting can serve as a hobby that gives you a creative outlet. Or, if you don't like it, you can move on and find something else that interests you instead.