Finding your podcast ‘niche’
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. How do you to covey your voice and avoid getting boxed in?
If you're planning to start a podcast, one of the first hurdles is figuring out what it's actually going to be about. And more importantly—how to keep it focused without backing yourself into a corner. In this post, we’re unpacking how to find your podcast niche in a way that’s clear, sustainable, and still leaves room for growth.
Why Niche Matters (and When It Doesn't)
Let’s be honest: when people think about launching a podcast, they often jump straight to the gear. “What mic should I buy?” “What software do I need?” But before any of that matters, you’ve got to nail down your topic.
Your niche is your foundation. It helps your future audience understand what they’re tuning in for—and keeps you on track when you’re planning episodes.
But that doesn’t mean your niche has to be rigid.
If you’re starting a podcast for business reasons—say you run a specialist service or work in a niche industry—your focus might already be built in. You’re creating content for potential clients who want to know more about your world. That kind of specificity is gold.
On the other hand, maybe you’re starting a show just because you and a few friends have great conversations. That’s fine too. But in that case, you’ll need to work a bit harder to define what sets you apart. That could be your format (a game, a debate, a story series) or a particular perspective you bring.
Think of a format like Desert Island Discs—it’s not just a music show, it’s a show with a structure. The framework does a lot of the heavy lifting.
Do You Have to Be an Expert?
Short answer: no. Long answer: it depends on how you position yourself.
If you’re presenting yourself as a subject matter expert, but don’t have the background to back it up, that’s probably not going to land well. But if you’re upfront about being a learner—someone exploring a topic in real time—you’ll connect with listeners who are on a similar journey.
We’ve seen this firsthand. When Jim started a podcast on vegan culture back in 2019, he didn’t approach it as an authority. Instead, he used the show to learn directly from guests and document the experience. It worked because it was honest, curious, and valuable.
The Biggest Mistakes New Podcasters Make
The biggest one? Not picking a niche at all.
If your podcast description includes phrases like “exploring everything from life and laughter to whatever comes next,” you’re going to struggle to build an audience. It’s too vague. People won’t know what they’re getting.
Another common issue is choosing a niche but not matching it with the right format. You might be passionate about a topic, but if your show structure doesn’t help deliver that content in a compelling way, you’ll lose listeners.
Passion First, Then Plan
One way to find your niche is to look at where your interests naturally overlap. Maybe you love food and travel. Or sustainability and tech. Maybe there’s a specific TV series or film genre you know inside out.
Start there. If you’re not interested in the topic yourself, how can you expect anyone else to be?
The good news is your niche can be built around curiosity just as much as expertise. As long as you’re clear about your angle and you’re consistently adding value—whether that’s insight, entertainment, or both—you’re on the right track.
Don’t Get Stuck in a Box
It’s smart to have a focus. But that doesn’t mean your show can’t evolve.
If you’re dealing with a niche that has a limited lifespan—like reviewing a specific TV series—think ahead. Could it spin off into another show? Could you expand to related topics? We’ve seen shows start with a single subject, then grow into a whole network once the audience is there.
At the same time, it’s okay to stop. Some of the best series in podcast history are limited runs. Ten great episodes are better than 50 half-hearted ones.
As a rule of thumb: aim for specificity at the start, then allow flexibility as your podcast grows. That’s how you balance clarity with creativity.
Final Thought
Before you worry about your mic setup or your cover art, get clear on your niche. Know who your podcast is for, what it’s about, and why you’re making it. The clearer you are on that, the easier the rest becomes.
And remember, there’s no one right way to do this. If it’s rooted in passion, has a point of view, and delivers something worthwhile, you’re already on solid ground.
Want More?
Next, we’re diving into gear—specifically what you need to get started, no fluff, no affiliate links. Just real advice, based on experience.
Stay tuned.