Podcasts have become one of the most dynamic formats for media consumption, growing from short, digestible episodes to full-length, marathon-like sessions that challenge the very notion of modern attention spans.
Uultra-long podcast episodes are gaining traction among audiences, spearheaded by figures like Joe Rogan, who regularly hosts conversations lasting over three hours. These shows push the boundaries of typical podcast lengths, reflecting trends that appear to resist the gravitational pull of short-form content in other entertainment sectors, such as TikTok and Instagram.
While the podcasting world appears to be splitting into two distinct camps—those who prefer short-form, highly edited episodes, and those embracing long-form, freewheeling conversations—many are left wondering: What drives the appeal of multi-hour podcasts? And how does this trend compare to other mediums?
Rogan, host of The Joe Rogan Experience, is often credited with popularizing the ultra-long podcast format. His conversations, often lasting upwards of three hours, cover a wide range of topics from science and technology to fitness and stand-up comedy.
Rogan’s interview with Elon Musk, where Musk famously smoked cannabis on air, has become one of the most iconic podcast episodes of all time. Notably, this episode lasted for over two hours—yet it’s the discussions that sprawl over four or even five hours that have garnered significant attention.
Other prominent podcasters have followed suit. For example, Lex Fridman’s nearly nine-hour conversation with Musk and other executives at Neuralink became a massive hit on YouTube, drawing millions of views.
The concept of multi-hour discussions has clearly resonated with a segment of the audience willing to engage with content over extended periods, treating podcasts almost like audio marathons.
While some may assume that longer podcast episodes are simply a result of lazy editing or hosts unwilling to trim conversations, the reality is more complex.
Data has shown that audiences are tuning into these long episodes, with many staying engaged for the vast majority of the conversation. Ben Gilbert, co-host of Acquired, a podcast that regularly runs over three hours, noted that despite the extended runtime, their audience consumes between 68% and 70% of each episode on platforms like Apple Podcasts. Episodes that dive into topics like Lockheed Martin and Nike have seen particularly high engagement.
This level of consumption challenges the idea that modern audiences have short attention spans. In a world dominated by short-form video, from TikTok to Instagram Reels, podcasts appear to be carving out a different space. Long podcasts allow for depth and nuance that short-form content simply can’t provide.
This observation aligns with the success of platforms like YouTube, where podcast episodes, often lasting several hours, are regularly posted.
Steven Bartlett, host of Diary of a CEO, released a four-hour conversation with Andrew Huberman, a popular figure in the wellness space, which garnered over a million views. Viewers appear to appreciate the in-depth nature of these discussions, and it’s clear that for many, these podcasts serve as background content that can be consumed passively, much like talk radio.
One of the reasons ultra-long podcasts thrive is the sense of intimacy and community they foster. As Nishat Kurwa, Senior Vice President and executive producer of audio at Vox Media, pointed out, long-form podcasts often serve as a space for fans to “hang out” with hosts for extended periods, creating a bond akin to spending time with friends in a living room.
Long podcast episodes mirror developments in other forms of media. While podcasts embrace extended runtimes, television and film are also expanding episodic content. Consider Breaking Bad, a show that released multiple-hour-long finales, and Game of Thrones, which embraced supersized episodes as its narrative reached its climax.
In the world of television, miniseries like Chernobyl and The Queen’s Gambit offer rich, multi-hour storytelling, presenting a serialized narrative that audiences can engage with over time.
Even in the film industry, directors like Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese have argued for longer cuts, suggesting that audiences are more willing than ever to engage with sprawling, intricate stories.
While long-form podcast episodes are gaining popularity, it’s important to note that shorter podcast formats remain dominant, especially for general audiences. Quick-hit podcasts, ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, have their appeal, particularly for listeners commuting or looking to squeeze in content during brief breaks. Shows like The Daily by The New York Times thrive on this shorter format, offering concise news and analysis in digestible segments.
According to research, shorter podcast episodes appeal to new listeners who may not have the time or commitment for a multi-hour conversation. These shows are particularly popular among younger audiences, many of whom already engage with quick, bite-sized content on social media platforms.
Another factor in run time is playback speed. Some listeners are powering through longer episodes at 1.5x or 2x speed, a growing trend we've previously explored here.
We've also explored related topics, including maximizing studio usage for longer-form content, how video is impacting listener/viewer rates and why those viewers/listeners might be undercounted in analysis.
The competition between long and short formats is perhaps a reflection of the broader consumption patterns seen in the entertainment industry. On one hand, we see the rise of long-form streaming series and expansive, multi-season shows on platforms like Netflix, while on the other hand, short-form video platforms like TikTok continue to dominate the social media landscape. The key to success seems to be variety, with creators catering to both types of audiences.
The rise of multi-hour podcast episodes signals a broader trend in media toward embracing longer, more in-depth content that challenges conventional wisdom about attention spans. Shows like The Joe Rogan Experience, Diary of a CEO, and Acquired have proven that audiences are not only willing to sit through hours-long conversations but that they enjoy the unedited, authentic nature of such discussions.
At the same time, short-form podcasts remain popular, particularly among casual listeners and those pressed for time. The future of podcasting may not lie in one format or the other, but in the balance between the two. As the podcasting industry evolves, creators will need to continue experimenting with length, style, and format to cater to diverse audience preferences.
Ultimately, whether they run for 15 minutes or nine hours, podcasts remain one of the most versatile and adaptive forms of media, capable of catering to virtually every listener’s needs.
