"Morning Audio Coffee: Discussing micropodcasts

Talking audio shows are gaining momentum, and streaming platforms are paying more and more attention to them. But they are especially interested in compact programs of no more than ten minutes in length. Here's what it's all about.

A few words about the format

Micropodcasts, sometimes called "micro podcast" are short audio shows that last from 3 to 10 minutes. The format is convenient to listen to almost any time - while driving, cleaning and even brushing your teeth.

The first micro podcast appeared approximately at the same time when classic podcasts gained popularity. For a long time, long shows like Serial or Freakonomics Radio dominated the market, but recently content consumption has increased, and more and more listeners are scrolling through shows at double speed. In such a context, it's not surprising that microformats are finally coming out of the shadows.

What's happening in this niche right now

Independent shows are coming out in the micro podcast format. For example, the authors of World According to Sound tell the story of the unusual and interesting sounds that can be found on the planet. For example, in one of their two-minute episodes, they talked about geysers and the "black pool" in Yellowstone Park, and in another, they showed what one of the oldest textile factories sounds like.

Major radio stations produce short news summaries, and streaming services and podcasting companies experiment with the format by preparing cuts of existing audio shows. For example, the Gimlet platform makes seven-minute excerpts of the podcast Science Vs, dedicated to debunking pseudoscientific myths. They are published on a separate playlist on Spotify, Shots of Science Vs.

As for the Swedish streaming service itself, it has launched an algorithmic playlist called Your Daily Drive. It combines micro-podcasts and royalty free music to listen to during short car rides. The selection includes summaries from prominent news media and even multi-part narrative shows.

What to Expect

You could say that micropodcasts have already become a self-sufficient format. In its early days, Anchor (before Spotify acquired it) specialized in mini-podcasts. The format of the audio shows was reminiscent of the well-known "stories.

Photo: insung yoon. Source: Unsplash.com

Since then, new players have entered the scene. Late last year, for example, Racket launched an app to record micro-podcasts that last less than 99 seconds. Services are also emerging that allow content makers to form compact excerpts of their longer shows, including by using machine learning. Hark and Podz, in particular, offer such capabilities.

In general, a compact audio format is much easier to adapt to listeners' needs. Even if they are not familiar with shows of this format, it is not difficult to do because of their length. It's also believed that in the near future, micropodcasts can be heard in gas stations, business center elevators, and even supermarkets. They will be another way to reach the audience.