A podcast should be as long as it needs to be to get your message across. However, if you’re aiming for general podcasting success, the sweet spot typically falls between 30 and 60 minutes.
When deciding on the length of your podcast, there are several factors to consider, such as the content of the episode, the format of the show, the length of each segment, and the amount of prep time needed for each episode.
Content: Are you going to dedicate an entire episode to a single topic or multiple topics? If you are covering several topics, think about how much time each one deserves, and how to transition from one topic to another in an effective way.
Format: Different types of podcasts have different standard lengths due to their format. Talk shows typically range from 45 to 60 minutes, while interviews usually last around 30 minutes. News-style podcasts can be any length, depending on the content, but will generally be shorter than talk shows and interviews.
Segments: Included within each episode, you may have different segments such as news updates, commercials, mini-segments, interviews, etc. Each segment should be allocated and timed beforehand so that they don’t overrun or run too short.
Prep Time: You should also factor in the time needed for research, writing, speaking, and editing of each episode. Knowing how much time your processes will take will give you an indication of how long your podcast should be.
Overall, the length of your podcast should depend on how impactful you want it to be, but you should aim to keep it between 30 and 60 minutes. Giving yourself a framework will help you better plan your episodes and create a great podcast experience.