[FAQ]

I’m in the process of planning the format for my new podcast, and I’m struggling with the question of how long my episodes should be. I see successful shows that are 20 minutes long, and others that are over an hour.

What is considered the “ideal” or most effective length for a podcast episode in 2025 to keep listener engagement and completion rates high? Does it depend entirely on the topic and format, or are there some general best practices to follow?

[Jeff Bullas]

That is a great question that almost every podcaster struggles with. While there is no single ‘magic’ number for episode length, there are some clear principles to follow to keep your audience engaged.

The most important rule is this: your episode should be exactly as long as it needs to be to deliver its promised value, and not a minute longer. The content should always dictate the length.

With that in mind, here is how you can think about it. First, a common ‘sweet spot’ for many weekly podcasts is between 20 and 45 minutes. This length aligns well with the average commute time for many listeners, making it a convenient choice for daily consumption.

Second, you must pay attention to your audience retention data, which you can find in platforms like Spotify for Podcasters and Apple Podcasts Connect. It is far better to have a highly engaging 25-minute episode that a large percentage of your audience finishes than it is to have a rambling 60-minute episode that most people abandon halfway through. High completion rates are a key indicator of a successful episode.

Third, different show formats naturally have different lengths. A short, daily news update might be just 5 to 10 minutes. A weekly interview or a deep-dive discussion could comfortably be 45 to 60 minutes. A narrative storytelling show might find its rhythm at around 30 minutes. You have to match the length to the format.

And fourth, for new podcasters, it is often a very good strategy to start with shorter, more focused episodes, perhaps in the 20 to 30-minute range. This is easier for you to produce consistently, and it is a smaller time commitment to ask from a new listener who is just discovering your show.

In summary, while the 20 to 45-minute range is a common target for many shows, the best podcasters let their content determine the length. Your primary focus should be on maintaining high engagement and delivering value from start to finish, regardless of the final duration.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Author]

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