Choosing your show's topic is one of the most defining decisions in podcast production. The right topic not only sets the direction of your content, it also determines how you can reach and keep your listeners. A well-chosen topic becomes the backbone of a series, guides your content marketing strategy, and defines how you position yourself as a podcaster.
Watching trends: where to find ideas for your podcast topic
1. Popular shows and genres
Spotify Podcast Charts and other charts clearly show which topics attract listeners most in 2025 as well.
In Hungary, in the first quarter of the year:
- True crime stories remain popular, with many new shows launching in this category.
- The popularity of podcasts for children keeps growing compared with previous years.
- Content related to mental health attracted 22% more listeners in the first quarter of 2024 than in 2023, and interest remains strong in 2025.
Global trends:
- Society and culture
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Live shows and events
These figures can give you a point of reference, especially if you're still shaping your idea or thinking about podcast studio rental.
2. Analysing online searches
Google Trends and AnswerThePublic are great tools for mapping which topics people are most interested in at a given time. In Hungary in 2024, for example, searches such as "life hacks for kids", "money-saving life hacks" and "healthy lifestyle tips for beginners" were especially popular. These directions can easily be turned into individual podcast episodes, or even an entire series.
3. Social media trends
The TikTok Creative Center or the Instagram Explore page can help you map popular topics to build your shows around. Following trending hashtags, posts and creators can help you discover new topics and keep your podcast fresh and current.
In 2024, the following hashtags dominate content that can also be linked to podcasts:
- #neurodiverse: growing interest in content about learning disabilities
- #slowliving and #minimalism: conscious living is enjoying a renaissance
- #digitaldetox and #selfawareness: popular mainly with Gen Z audiences
Involving your target audience
Involving listeners is key to successful podcast production. Spotify for Podcasters and similar platforms let your audience actively help shape the show, for example through polls or feedback.
Shows that involve their audience in shaping the content in some way see, on average, 37% higher listener engagement and are shared on social platforms more than 40% more often.
How to position your podcast
Channel building and marketing
To publish your podcast, you'll need a podcast hosting service that generates an RSS feed. With that, you can already appear on platforms such as Spotify or Apple Podcasts. A social media presence, blog posts and sharing the show in relevant online communities are also essential.
A unique style and authenticity
Be authentic, have your own voice, and dare to ask questions. If you make interview-based podcasts, don't be afraid to use a more personal tone. The podcaster's personality is often at least as important as the topic itself. If you don't want to go it alone, it's worth bringing in a host. An experienced host can help keep the show dynamic and well directed.
The Budapest Podcast Studio team can help with podcast studio rental, content creation, or even developing the concept for your entire show. Launch your own show now and join the world of podcasting!
