- Podcasting’s growth, projected to exceed $4 billion by 2025, will drive demand for studios in flexible workspaces.
- Podcast studios can be created with minimal investment by repurposing underused spaces and adding cost-effective equipment.
- Offering podcast studios enhances workspace value, attracting diverse clients and differentiating providers in a competitive market.
Flexible workspaces have obviously come a long way from simple desks and traditional office layouts. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s our job as workspace providers to stay ahead of the curve and meet changing demands.
A recent Flexible Space Association webinar explored the demand for podcast studios in flexible workspaces.
But the question remains: are these studios a valuable addition or just another fleeting trend?
The Rise of Podcasting
The growing popularity of podcasting is undeniable, with the market projected to surpass $4 billion in revenue by the end of 2025. This isn’t just a fad, but a reflection of how online content consumption is shifting.
For businesses, podcasting offers an engaging way to connect with audiences, and for individuals, it provides a creative outlet. And with over 546 million podcast listeners worldwide, it’s sure to advance marketing and communication, making it a lucrative area for flexible workspaces.
Is it smart, or practical to provide podcast studio amenities?
One positive for podcast studios is that they don’t require significant investment to get started. It doesn’t have to be a new space. In fact, a podcast studio could be a creative solution for flexible space providers repurposing space.
A small room with no natural light makes a poor workspace, but with the right equipment, you can create a podcast studio in an area that might otherwise have gone unused.
Podcasting equipment can also be tailored to your budget. For the initial audio treatment of the room, acoustic foam panels on the walls and bass traps placed in the corners are a simple cost-effective start.
Other basic equipment can include a recording device (which can even be a phone), headphones, a USB microphone, and editing software.
You don’t need an audio interface or mixer to get started, but this is helpful for those who might want to incorporate multiple audio sources into the recording.
The right amount of equipment to initially include could vary dramatically between spaces. A coworking center may have a larger podcasting clientele who would prefer to bring their own set-up.
But not including any equipment can create an unnecessary barrier for other users, especially those new to podcasting who lacked their own gear. A fully equipped studio is key to attracting a broader range of users.
You may already have the space, but bringing in the equipment and support makes all the difference.
Why Amenities Matter
Flexible workspaces today need to provide a place to work as well as create an experience.
Podcast studios represent one way to add value and differentiate your workspace, appealing to a diverse range of clients from content creators to corporate teams.
This is one of the main reasons it’s worth considering as a flexible workspace provider.
Podcast studios may not yet be a standard feature in flexible workspaces, but they’re far from a passing gimmick. As the demand for content creation grows, so does the need for spaces that support it.
For workspace providers, this presents an opportunity to stay ahead of the curve by anticipating and responding to emerging trends. And with Spotify alone having over 6.5 million podcast titles, it’s definitely something workplaces need to get behind.
By rethinking your underutilized space, and aligning with the evolving needs of your clients, you’re not only “keeping up” as a workspace — you’re leading the way.