Why are celebrity podcasts on the rise?

From actors to reality stars, an increasing number of public figures have launched podcasts in recent years. Have they become a new form of PR or simply a method to improve public image? 

Podcasts are a platform that feels controlled and secure for celebrities, escaping traditional interviews, and allowing them to shape their own story. With no hostile interviewer trying to catch them out, or time limits, celebrities are able to communicate on their own terms. Podcasts as a form of PR are strategic tools used to create an image of authenticity, and in some cases, rebuild or reshape reputations. They are safe spaces for celebrities, as opposed to interrogations. Podcasts avoid aggressive questioning and encourage agreement and validation. As a result, reputation management is achieved through storytelling rather than direct defence, creating empathy among audiences. 

The rise of celebrity podcasts has led to a debate as to whether the true authenticity of podcasts has been lost, and whether fame matters more than expertise in podcast success.

This ‘authenticity’ has become a deliberate branding strategy for many celebrities. It allows them to sell the illusion of intimacy and help listeners relate to them. Podcasts have the ability to draw people in, despite episodes sometimes being up to an hour long. It gives celebrities the opportunity to be vulnerable, talk about mental health, helping fans become more loyal as they feel they ‘know’ the celebrity. The Diary of a CEO, hosted by Steven Bartlett, showcases celebrities and entrepreneurs presenting polished vulnerability that still supports their brand. This podcast has gained a lot of popularity, with one of the recent episodes with Louis Tomlinson being shown in cinemas. However, despite Steven Bartlett’s ability to attract popular celebrities and allow them to be vulnerable, is this intimacy genuine or merely just another layer of strategic branding? 

Podcasts are a powerful tool to gain popularity, which raises the question of why those who already have a platform are granted such immediate visibility. The rise of celebrity podcasts has led to a debate as to whether the true authenticity of podcasts has been lost, and whether fame matters more than expertise in podcast success. Algorithms and networks favour recognisable names. However, giving celebrities a voice remains central to the appeal of podcasts, allowing people to be heard. Despite inequalities within this media space, the public’s desire for insight into celebrities’ lives has fuelled the podcast boom, contributing to the continued growth and future potential of the medium. It has attracted advertising and wider audiences that have benefited the podcast industry as a whole. 

Podcasts have the ability to elevate the fame of celebrities, making them well-known for their personality instead of their talent.

Podcasts have the ability to elevate the fame of celebrities, making them well-known for their personality instead of their talent. This can be seen through many reality TV stars. Staying Relevant, a podcast hosted by Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks, has gained immense popularity throughout recent years, leading to them recently selling out the O2 Arena for their podcast show. After appearing on reality TV shows including, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and Strictly Come Dancing, fans came across their podcast wanting to see more of their personality. Their funny and witty podcast has led to advancements in their careers, appearing on several TV shows. Therefore, through podcasts, personalities can shine through, opening up more opportunities for well-loved celebrities to be seen more often. Podcasts offer celebrities the opportunity to be perceived as ‘ordinary’ individuals, challenging the distance often created by fame. 

Celebrity podcasts are very accessible for the public, which has likely led to their popularity. Most podcasts are free to access, available across multiple platforms and easy to listen to while commuting or multitasking. This major advancement in accessibility is paramount to their success as it means high-quality interviews and discussions are no longer restricted to elite media spaces. 

Ultimately, podcasts are an effective way of understanding people, celebrities or otherwise, and serve as a powerful platform to ensure voices are heard. Celebrity podcasts have become less focused on professional output and more centred on personality, with perceived authenticity driving their recent success.