Blog chevron right Podcasting

The Impact of Transcription on Podcast Audience Growth

Michael Gallagher
Michael Gallagher
Posted in Zoom Feb 4 · 5 Feb, 2024
The Impact of Transcription on Podcast Audience Growth

How Podcast Transcription Grows Your Audience and Boosts Accessibility

Podcasts are a major part of digital media. Many creators want to reach more listeners. One important way to grow your podcast is by adding transcripts. This post explains how transcription services can help podcasts reach non-native speakers, people who prefer to read, and anyone who needs more accessible content.

Why Transcription Matters for Podcast Growth

  • In 2023, more than 464 million people listened to podcasts globally (Statista, 2023).
  • About 15% of the world’s population has some kind of disability (WHO, 2022).
  • Non-native speakers and readers make up a large share of potential listeners.

1. Breaking Language Barriers

Many podcasts grow slowly because they are only in one language. Non-native speakers may struggle to follow fast speech or complex words. Transcripts offer a simple fix:

  • Written content helps non-native speakers follow along by reading while they listen.
  • Text can be easily translated using text translation services or audio translation services.
  • This opens your show to a global audience and supports a diverse community of listeners.

2. Meeting the Needs of Readers

Some people prefer reading to listening. Reasons include:

  • They can read faster or at their own pace.
  • A text version is helpful in noisy or quiet environments.
  • Transcripts allow easier searching and note-taking.

By providing transcripts, you make your podcast work for all types of users. It also lets people quote you or refer back to details quickly.

3. Improving SEO and Online Visibility

Google and other search engines cannot "listen" to podcasts. They read text. By transcribing your audio, you make it easier for people to find your show online. Benefits include:

  • Increased chances your podcast shows up in search results.
  • Opportunities to rank for important topics and keywords.
  • More website traffic and new listeners by making content discoverable.

Studies show that podcasts with transcripts rank higher in search and get more visitors (Backlinko, 2023). If you're growing your show, automated transcription can make this easier and faster.

4. Enhancing Accessibility for All

Accessibility matters. Transcripts can help people who:

  • Have hearing loss or are deaf.
  • Struggle with audio processing or attention disorders.
  • Cannot listen due to their environment, such as at work or in a library.

When you offer transcripts, you make your podcast welcoming to everyone. Following closed captioning and accessibility guidelines also supports your brand’s reputation as inclusive and responsible.

5. Educational Value and Content Repurposing

Many schools, colleges, and businesses use podcasts as learning tools. Transcripts make them better by:

  • Helping students and teachers review, quote, and analyze your content.
  • Allowing listeners to copy and share key takeaways easily.
  • Making your content more useful for second-language learners.

Transcripts also let you repurpose content. Ways to do this:

  • Turn episodes into blog posts, articles, or e-books.
  • Create shareable quotes or graphics for social media.
  • Build lesson plans or summaries from your podcasts.

6. Easy Ways to Get Started with Podcast Transcription

Conclusion: Unlock Podcast Audience Growth with Transcription

Podcast transcription helps you:

  • Break language barriers to reach a global audience.
  • Cater to readers and non-native speakers.
  • Boost your SEO and online visibility.
  • Make your podcast accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
  • Repurpose and share your podcast across new platforms.

If you want to grow your podcast and connect with more listeners, transcription is a smart investment. GoTranscript offers expert solutions for manual and automated transcription, closed captioning, and translation. Make your podcast content accessible, discoverable, and ready to reach new audiences worldwide with GoTranscript.