4 Must-Know Podcasting Predictions to Capitalize On This Year | James Cridland, Podnews

Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast with Courtney Elmer | Podcasting Psychology for Business Growth

In this episode, James Cridland, editor-in-chief of Podnews, is back with his bold predictions about where podcasting is headed — and how you can stay ahead of the curve.
We’re unpacking why downloads might not hold the top spot as the industry’s gold standard for much longer, YouTube’s growing role in podcast discovery (and its limitations), and how AI is adding convenience but not the creativity needed to stand out. James also explains the growing challenge of defining what a podcast really is as platforms like Spotify and YouTube continue to blur the lines.
Whether you're starting a new show or scaling an existing one, you'll walk away from this episode with the know-how you need to stay ahead of industry trends and stay focused on what truly matters: creating content that connects and converts. Hit play and let's dive in.
18:00 - Why IAB Downloads Might Soon Lose Their Gold Standard Status

19:11 - The Role (and Limits) of YouTube in Podcast Discovery

21:41 - What *Actually* Makes a Podcast a Podcast

24:06 - Are AI Tools Saving Time or Killing Creativity?

33:39 - Adapt or Get Left Behind: How to Capitalize on the Latest Trends in Podcasting
Episode Links:

• Podnews Daily (Podcast)
• Podnews.net (Daily Newsletter)
• PodcastBroker.com
• Buzzsprout.com/stats
• PodcastBusinessJournal.com/data
• Make Noise: A Creator's Guide to Podcasting and Great Audio Storytelling by Eric Nuzum

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

• What’s Changing in Podcasting and How to Stay Ahead

→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U

Have a question about launching or growing a podcast you want me to answer on air? Shoot me a text!

Liked this episode? Share it and tag @thecourtneyelmer!

Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a review.
Register for Courtney's Free Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Business with a Podcast in 2025
NEW! Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Strategy Call w/ Courtney (60-min paid session).

Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Free Discovery Call to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for your business.

Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ