It's time to bid farewell to the word 'podcast' and embrace a new era of media. The traditional definition of a podcast is becoming obsolete, as the line between audio-only journalism and video-based talk shows blurs. With major podcasts now incorporating visual elements, the distinction is fading, and it's time to update our vocabulary.
In 2025, I consumed Seth Meyers' 'A Closer Look' segment on YouTube more than any other podcast. But here's where it gets controversial: is it even a podcast? Or is it a clip from a TV show? The debate is irrelevant, as the format has evolved beyond our old definitions.
When scrolling through my YouTube feed, the 'Podcast' tab suggests late-night interviews, video essays, and food reviews. It's a far cry from the narrative audio journalism we once associated with podcasts. So, instead of arguing over definitions, let's retire the word altogether.
The need for a new term is evident. Two industry leaders, Georgie Holt from FlightStory and Max Cutler from Pave Studios, have already made the switch from 'podcasts' to 'shows'. This change is not just semantic; it's a reflection of the evolving media landscape. Using 'show' is more marketable, especially when pitching to advertisers. It conveys a broader reach and a more definitive platform.
And this is the part most people miss: the hosts are catching on too. The Adam Friedland Show now corrects guests who refer to it as a podcast, claiming it's a talk show. The traditional sign-off, 'Find us wherever you get podcasts', is being replaced with the more YouTube-friendly 'like-and-subscribe'.
These podcast shows are now living alongside non-podcast shows like Hot Ones and Chicken Shop Date. Why limit them to a term associated with iPods when they've outgrown that niche?
Unfortunately, this shift also means the openness of podcasting is being centralized on platforms like YouTube and Netflix. YouTube boasts over a billion monthly viewers for podcasts, and Netflix is joining the game, developing its own shows and partnering with major networks. YouTube is becoming the new Netflix, with 'talk show-style podcasts' leading the way.
Next year, you might not recommend a podcast to your friend; you'll talk about what you 'watched on TV'. But audio-only programming isn't going away. People still drive cars and listen to podcasts without screens. Most podcast listening happens at home, according to Edison Research.
So, the era of the term 'podcast' is ending, but the audio-only format will persist. In the future, we might ask, 'What was a podcast?' instead of 'What is a podcast?'
What do you think? Is it time to retire the word 'podcast'? Or do you think the format will evolve and adapt, keeping the term relevant? Let's discuss in the comments!
