Why You MUST Ditch 'Podcast' Before 2024: The Shocking Truth That Could Cost You Listeners!

In an era where terms often become diluted through overuse, the definition of a "podcast" is rapidly evolving. According to YouTube’s 2025 Recap feature, the podcast that dominated my listening last year was Seth Meyers’ segment “A Closer Look” from his show Late Night. Just a few years ago, I would have insisted this wasn’t a podcast but rather a mere clip from a television show. However, as we move deeper into 2026, it’s clear that the lines between traditional media and podcasting are becoming increasingly blurred.

With nearly every major podcast adopting a video component, the term “podcast” has become almost meaningless. What used to denote a specific form of audio content—often narrative journalism or discussions—now encompasses formats that resemble late-night talk shows, such as Good Hang with Amy Poehler and Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard. In fact, these shows now share the spotlight on platforms like Spotify alongside traditional podcasts.

As I scrolled through my YouTube feed, the majority of the suggestions in the “Podcast” tab featured late-night interviews, host-driven video essays, and food reviews—all seemingly far removed from the core essence of what podcasts once stood for. This begs a significant question: is it time to retire the term “podcast” altogether? I believe we might be approaching that point, as “podcast” risks becoming yet another outdated internet relic, akin to how “web series” has faded from popular use.

The Need for New Nomenclature

So, what should we call this new breed of content? Instead of coining a new term, we might find it better to reappropriate an old one. During The Podcast Show in London this past May, Ashley Carman from Bloomberg noted that some producers have already shifted away from referring to their productions as podcasts. For instance, Georgie Holt, CEO of FlightStory, which produces Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett, labeled their content simply as “shows.” Similarly, Max Cutler, founder of Pave Studios, echoed this sentiment, stating they prefer the term “shows” as well.

This shift is not just anecdotal; it’s gaining traction across various media companies, including here at Vox Media. The term “show” carries greater marketability, particularly when attracting advertisers. While “podcast” may suggest a niche audience, branding a “show” implies a larger reach and engagement across varied platforms. The allure of landing deals similar to Meyers’ lucrative arrangements is strong among creators.

As this terminology evolves, fans will likely adopt the term “shows” as well, similar to how audiences have embraced terms like “influencers” and “creators.” On shows like The Adam Friedland Show, the term “podcast” is now jokingly corrected by the host, who insists it’s a “talk show.” This reflects a broader cultural shift where traditional podcasting is integrating into the fabric of interactive media consumption.

We are witnessing a convergence of content types, with platforms like YouTube becoming a melting pot for non-podcast programming. This includes series like Hot Ones and Chicken Shop Date, further complicating the need for a distinct label for audio-only shows. As the landscape shifts, the term “podcast” seems increasingly inadequate, especially when considering the platforms’ strategies moving forward.

It’s important to note that while the term “podcast” may be on the decline, audio-only programming is unlikely to disappear entirely. After all, many people still prefer to listen to content while commuting or engaged in other activities. According to research from Edison Research, a significant portion of podcast listening occurs at home rather than on the go. However, as larger media companies focus on video formats, independent creators may be the ones keeping the audio-only format alive.

Compounding these changes, we see major platforms like YouTube and Netflix increasingly blending and prioritizing video content. YouTube reports that over one billion individuals watch podcasts on its platform each month, while Netflix has plans to integrate podcasts into its offerings, collaborating with networks like Spotify, iHeartMedia, and Sirius to develop original content.

As we look ahead, it's likely that what we recommend as entertainment will shift. Rather than suggesting a podcast to a friend, we might find ourselves talking about something we “watched on TV.” This change signifies a broader trend toward centralized media consumption, diverging from the decentralized nature that defined early podcasting.

In conclusion, while the term “podcast” may be fading, the desire for engaging audio content remains strong. We might be witnessing the end of an era, where future conversations about “what is a podcast?” might soon become “what was a podcast?” Only time will tell, but the evolution of media consumption is undeniable.