How Long Should Your Podcast Be?
Why the “Perfect” Episode Length Doesn’t Exist (and What to Do Instead)
If you’ve ever Googled “What’s the ideal length for a podcast?”, you’ve probably gotten wildly different answers. Some experts say 20–30 minutes, others swear by 60+ minute deep dives, and then there’s The Joe Rogan Experience clocking in at 3 hours or more.
The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there is a right length for your audience.
📊 What the Data Says
A recent Backstage analysis pulled back the curtain on episode length trends:
Average runtime: ~43 minutes
Median runtime: ~39 minutes
Most common lengths:
15–30 min: ~31% of episodes
30–45 min: ~32% of episodes
Over 60 minutes: just 5% of episodes
These numbers align closely with what I’ve seen producing and coaching podcasts—most shows sit in the 20–50 minute sweet spot, short enough to maintain attention, but long enough to provide value.
Why Length Is About Fit, Not Formula
In my work at Sitch Radio and through coaching podcasters, I’ve found that episode length should be driven by:
Format
Conversational/interview shows often run 45–90 minutes.
Scripted narratives and fiction thrive at 30–50 minutes.
News/current events can work in 15–30 minute bursts.
Audience Lifestyle
Many podcasters tailor episodes to match common listening windows, like the average U.S. commute (~27 minutes one way).Content Density
If your episode is packed with insight, detail, and storytelling, a longer runtime can work. If it’s light and snackable, shorter wins.
Lessons from Pro Podcasters
From the NPR Podcast Start Up Guide and Tom Webster’s The Audience Is Listening, here’s what high-performing shows get right:
Respect the listener’s time – edit with ruthless focus.
End when the value ends – don’t stretch for the sake of a number.
Test and adapt – track completion rates and engagement to find your sweet spot.
Segment longer episodes – chapters, timestamps, and thematic breaks keep people hooked.
My Advice: Stop Chasing an “Ideal” Length
Your job isn’t to hit an industry average—it’s to create episodes that feel complete, engaging, and worth the listener’s time.
Ask yourself:
Does this episode deliver on its promise?
Would trimming 10 minutes make it tighter?
Would adding depth make it more compelling?
When in doubt, cut the fluff and keep the gold. Your audience will thank you by coming back.
💬 Your Turn: How long are your episodes right now, and do you think that’s the “right” length? Please drop a comment and let’s talk about what’s working for your audience.
