A New Way to Podcast: Introducing SOLVV’s On-demand Social Podcasting App

In 1979, the Buggles popularized the idea (and the song) that “Video Killed the Radio Star.” While they put the blame squarely on the VCR — remember those? — in this decade, we have a new content battle raging.

No single media format has been killed in the content wars of the 2020s. Yet. In fact, all forms of media and entertainment are trending up. One is just trending faster than the rest.

The new star of entertainment and media consumption: On-demand podcasting.

The Uptrend in Podcasting

Video streaming, social media, video-sharing, blogging, podcasting — any media that is both digital and on-demand is growing in popularity. On-demand audio as a whole is growing at a fast clip, but podcasting audience growth is faster, outpacing even music streaming.

More and more consumers are looking for easier, more convenient ways to learn, grow, and engage with the world around them. Even though podcasts have been around for nearly two decades, between 2009 and 2019, the share of Americans who had ever listened to a podcast more than doubled — from 22 to 51 percent.

What’s more, podcasting in the US is expected to hit a compound annual growth rate of 17% or higher over the course of five years. Globally, the CAGR is predicted to be closer to 27.5% from 2020 to 2027. Overall, media and entertainment growth sits at just 4% in the United States.

That dramatic divergence in growth is very telling. Consumer behavior is shifting, though not necessarily in the ways we would expect.

While podcasting and drop-in audio involvement are on the rise — an exciting reality for content creators everywhere — the barriers of entry are still quite high. This is true for both creators and listeners.

Can Podcasting Be Even Better?

According to Deloitte Insights, “People are finding it increasingly difficult to manage subscriptions, find the entertainment they’re looking for, and balance costs against their tolerance for advertising.” While this refers more directly to streaming services, the behavior reveals a trend that is also evident in other forms of on-demand entertainment consumption, including podcasting.

Creators face the uphill battle of finding and purchasing the right equipment — recording software, microphones, intro and outro music — to make their podcast stand out in the crowd. Not only that, but they need the ability to invest time and money into sourcing guest speakers, recording, editing, and publishing their podcast.

Once the journey of creating a podcast is complete, getting it in front of the right listeners is another challenge.

Consumers, on the other hand, face barriers when it comes to listening to podcasts. Finding topics that challenge or encourage them, digging through the sea of advertisements to actually engage with that topic, and finding the time to listen are all obstacles in the way of a truly successful podcast experience.

Time is the biggest challenge for podcast listeners, as seen in recent trends. While listeners are engaging with more podcasts per week, on average, listening time has dropped. The number of people who listen to all or most of a podcast episode is decreasing, and the number of listeners who increase the speed of a podcast is on the rise. Listeners don’t have time to listen to long-form podcasts.

As podcasting continues to grow, an important question emerges: is there a better way to experience on-demand audio? We think so.

On-Demand Social Podcasting That Breaks Barriers

As podcasting, streaming, and drop-in audio platforms increase in popularity, we’re excited to introduce creators and listeners to something entirely unique.

SOLVV does exactly what our name suggests. We “solve” the issues facing modern-day content creators, podcasters, listeners, and even social media users. Not only that, but we’ve also created a space where you — as creator, panelist, and listener — can truly engage with and solvv the topics that matter most.

When we asked the question, “Can podcasting be even better?” we discovered that the solution existed through a combination of two major mediums: Social networking and podcasting. You can read more about Social Podcasting here. The ensuing application solved the barriers of traditional podcasting while introducing an entirely new way for people to connect.

All the Tools in One App

Ditch the pro-microphone, the editing software, and the hours of fine-tuning your audio. Everything you need to become a podcaster is built into the SOLVV platform.

Creating your first Solvv is as easy as asking a question, inviting panelists to join you, and finding 15-minutes in your schedule to have one of the most exciting conversations of your life. No editing is necessary. When your Solvv is done, you’ll instantly receive shareable assets to promote it on any of your social media platforms.

Panel-based Podcasting

Instead of a single voice dominating, at SOLVV, every voice matters. Creators can host a Solvv by first asking a question and then inviting anywhere from two to four panelists to join the conversation.

Hosts and panelists each bring their own unique expertise to the table, challenging themselves and listeners to grow, learn, and maybe even see things a little differently than before. Not only does this introduce a diverse perspective to every single Solvv, but it also breaks down the barrier between podcaster, guest, and listener. You can host a Solvv, join in as a panelist, and be a listener all in the same day.

Automated Panel Sourcing

Source your own panel of friends or colleagues, or let SOLVV automatically source a panel of diverse voices. Traditional podcasters are often restricted by their ability to source guest speakers that will draw attention to their podcasts.

Because we understand that everyone has powerful insights to share, we’ve created a way for hosts and panelists to authentically and easily connect. Discover new voices, new expertise, and an entirely new way to share the spotlight with your guest panelists.

Fifteen-Minute Episodes

Time is one of the biggest challenges faced by both podcast hosts and their listeners. Instead of one- and two-hour episodes, every Solvv is just 15 minutes. That’s 15 minutes to create a podcast, gain insight into a topic that interests you, learn something new, share your expertise, and grow as a human being. And if you love what you hear, follow Solvv hosts and panelists to discover what else they’re solvving.

Timed Speaker Segments

Other podcasting and drop-in audio platforms are easily dominated by the loudest voice in the “room.” Elevating the world around you, however, starts with creating space for others to speak.

Timed speaker segments help hosts navigate each Solvv, ensuring every panelist gets an opportunity to share and every listener gets an opportunity to hear a diverse set of insights.

Listener Interaction

Have you ever wanted to ask questions while listening to a podcast? Now you can. Solvv listeners can send in questions throughout the episode. Hosts can choose to leave time for listener questions toward the end of each Solvv.

Community Validated Insights

Creators everywhere are all too familiar with battling algorithms to get their content in front of the right audience. Listeners are equally challenged to sift through advertisements and money-based algorithms that drive the content they see or hear.

We don’t think this is a healthy approach to the content we consume as growth-seekers eager to learn from and connect with others. Discovering authentic content is essential.

SOLVV lets the community lead the way to better content through peer validated insights. As a listener, you can find, follow, and engage with new topics and other Solvvers based on your own likes and dislikes and the recommendations of your community.

As a creator, this means you no longer have to compete with unhealthy algorithms, other creators, or even paid ads. Instead, you get to let your authentic voice shine through as the community helps connect you to the right audience and network.

Sign Up For Free and Start Solvving

Whether you’re a creator, listener, or simply eager to try out something new, Solvv offers a completely new approach to podcasting, learning, and growing.

Breaking down the barriers of podcasting and sharing your voice with the world has never been easier. Ready to take your brand to another level? You can spend time reading “How to Start a Podcast in 20 Steps” and researching the best podcasting microphones. Or, you can create an account on SOLVV and schedule your very first social podcast for free.