The Podcasting Shift: What I’m Learning About Video, Longform, and Keeping Attention
By Rob Patz
As someone who has spent decades working in radio, television, and now podcasting, I’ve seen plenty of trends come and go. But this one feels different.
Recently, I stumbled across an article in The New York Times titled, “Who Is Watching All These Podcasts?” (You’ll need a subscription to read it, but I recommend it if you’re serious about podcasting.) Now, I’ll be honest—when legacy media talks about podcasting, I usually raise an eyebrow. They’re often behind the curve, slow to catch on to shifts that don’t match their worldview.
But this article got a few things very, very right.
Here are three takeaways that every podcaster—especially Christian media creators like us—needs to think about:
1. Longform Is Alive and Thriving
We’ve all heard the advice: “Keep your episodes short. People have short attention spans.” But let me challenge that.
The most successful podcasts right now? Many of them are two to three hours long. Yes, you read that right.
Here’s the truth:
Your content should be as long as it needs to be to tell the story and make the impact.
If that’s 10 minutes, great. If it’s 90, don’t cut it short just to match a trend. I believe a lot of podcasters default to short because it feels safer—it takes less prep, less editing, less risk. But audiences are hungry for real, deep conversations. The ones who stay with you for a full hour are your core.
2. YouTube Isn’t Optional Anymore
This one hit home for me. I used to be in the “audio-only” camp. Why? Because it was easier. I had the audio chops—I’ve been doing radio for years. But video? That felt like another mountain to climb.
But here’s what the article made clear—and what I’m seeing every day now:
If you’re serious about growing your podcast, YouTube needs to be part of your strategy.
More and more people want to watch podcasts. They want to see your expressions. They want to feel like they’re sitting in the room with you. And the best part? You don’t need a studio setup to start. Just hit record on your phone or webcam. Authenticity beats polish every time.
3. Your Audience Is Listening Differently
This is where it gets fascinating: People are putting on podcasts while they work, clean, or drive. That means two things:
You have to re-engage them throughout the episode with moments of intentional phrasing and structure. Pull them back in.
You need to repeat your key message and call to action—not just once, but multiple times.
Repetition isn’t lazy—it’s strategic.
If someone tunes out for 30 seconds to grab coffee or answer a text, you want them to still walk away with your core message.
Final Thoughts
Even though most podcast consumption is still audio-first (something Rob Walch from Libsyn confirmed in a recent conversation), the shift toward watching podcasts is real—and growing. And the creators who embrace that shift? They’re the ones experiencing the most growth.
As a Christian media company owner, I’m seeing this play out in real time. At Abundant TV, we’re integrating video podcasting more than ever. It’s not just about adapting to trends—it’s about connecting with people in the way they’re choosing to engage.
So let me ask you:
How is this shift changing the way you podcast?
Are you thinking about video? Are you leaning into longer episodes? Are you adjusting for the multitasking listener?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s grow together.
Keep podcasting,
Rob Patz
Founder, Abundant TV & SGMRadio
Host of The Rob & Kristen Show and Morning Break with Rob Patz
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