Essential Tips for Crafting Engaging Gen Z Podcasts
If brand is gearing up for Gen Z podcasts aimed at <30-year-old listeners, this blog post is a must-read.
Some popular podcasts listened to by Gen Z include:
Whether your target audience is Gen Z or their fellow Young Millennials, you’ve likely observed some distinct trends specific to this era.
While it’s true that not all teens and twentysomethings are identical, there are certain shared experiences and trends worth noting.
In this post, we delve into these commonalities and highlight key considerations for creating a show that resonates with your rapidly expanding and highly engaged audience.
The Influence of Exceptional Design
Design is always crucial, but when catering to a young audience, the expectations are exceptionally high.
To effectively capture your demographic, remember three critical words — aesthetic, aesthetic, aesthetic.
In the age of social media, everyone is a creator, raising the collective bar of quality and creativity to new heights.
Scanning through platforms like TikTok and Instagram, we witness a culture of constant creation and swift content exchange that demands attention.
At the heart of this cultural shift lies one overarching concept: Aesthetic.
The concept of aesthetic has transformed significantly as heightened focus on beauty, expression, and style has taken center stage.
Today, an “aesthetic study nook” represents a visually appealing and deliberately curated space.
Though this evolving definition may not align with traditional dictionaries, it captures the essence of our modern cultural landscape and prevailing trends.
To connect with Gen Z podcasts effectively, aesthetics play a critical role, making the design choices surrounding your show more vital than ever.
Encouraging you to unleash your creativity is key. The younger demographic thrives on exploration and defying norms, evident in movements like anti-design.
We’re not seeking conventional beauty; we’re in pursuit of a truly extraordinary, unprecedented, and absolutely breathtaking appearance.
So, if you aim to captivate your trend-setting audience with top-notch content, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance.
Inclusive and Accessible
Inclusivity, accessibility, and social responsibility are essential to any great podcast.
Young generations are raising the bar, so you’re going to want to develop a particularly keen eye.
The social conscience and moral compass of young people today are impossible to miss — and trust us when we say that they will catch any slip-ups.
When it comes to your branded podcast, review it with a fine-tooth comb.
Listen to BIPOC folks, LGBTQIA2S+ communities, folks with disabilities, and their many young allies, and take their well-intentioned advice.
Building a more inclusive world is a process of constant evolution, and young people today are making a stir that we should absolutely learn from.
Bottom line? Keep your ear to the ground, engage in the dialogue, and have all of your content checked once, twice, and three times.
And if you make a mistake, please just apologize.
Understanding Pain Points
If you’re reading this post, you probably already know enough about marketing to understand the importance of pain points…
But in this context, you might need a shift of perspective.
Normally, this is a blanket term for the problems your target market has that your product or service was made to solve.
But when it comes to your corporate podcast (and great content marketing of any kind), an understanding of pain points isn’t just part of your sales strategy.
It’s essential to offering real value and creating a net-positive show.
Let’s take a look at an example. Say you’re developing a series offering financial guidance tailored to Young Millennials.
To deliver content that is engaging, impactful, and responsible, it is crucial to grasp their financial realities. Picture 27-year-old Maddi, earning the same as her mother did at her age, but faced with homes in her area that are priced ten times higher. While Maddi witnesses her grandparents enjoy a stable retirement income, she is confronted with the stark possibility of never being able to retire herself.
When addressing financial matters with Maddi compared to her grandparent, the conversation must be approached from entirely different angles. However, it’s not only money that demands our attention in this context.
The Shared Challenges
To gain insights into these pain points, let’s refer to recent data.
A 2024 global survey conducted by Deloitte this year focused on the lives and viewpoints of Gen Z and Millennials, revealing the following statistics:
- Approximately half of individuals in this demographic live from one paycheck to another
- Over 40% experience significant professional fatigue
- Less than half are optimistic about the effectiveness of sustainability efforts for our planet
Considering these figures, it’s understandable that almost 40% express chronic or persistent feelings of stress.
Given the current uncertainties in the world, it’s not unexpected that young people are bearing the brunt of contemporary societal issues.
Prioritizing Your Audience
To truly connect with people outside these demographics, it’s crucial to show empathy and take the time to understand their concerns and challenges.
Failing to do so may result in completely missing the point.
Placing Your Audience at the Forefront
When it comes to a successful corporate podcast, the focus should be on your listeners rather than your brand.
Effective content marketing revolves around providing value and building connections, not just aiming for immediate conversions or sales.
The primary objective is to establish a bond, tailoring your approach significantly for each age group.
To cultivate a strong connection with Gen Z and Millennials, it’s essential to grasp what makes them unique and develop a series that genuinely meets their needs.
5 Essential Insights
- Visual Appeal Matters: Design plays a vital role in Gen Z podcasts. Invest in distinctive and visually captivating aesthetics to engage this audience effectively.
- Promoting Inclusivity: Ensure your Gen Z podcast is welcoming and accessible for all. Incorporate feedback from diverse communities to prevent overlooks.
- Addressing Challenges: Recognize and tackle the specific struggles of your youthful audience to provide meaningful content and solutions.
- Embracing Empathy and Research: Maintain a compassionate and research-based approach to connect with Gen Z podcasts. Understand their difficulties and viewpoints to avoid misunderstanding.
- Audience-Focused Strategy: Concentrate on nurturing a rapport with your audience by delivering value and forming connections rather than pushing immediate sales messages.
Jen Moss is the Co-Founder and and Chief Creative Officer of JAR Audio. As JAR’s podcast “doula”, collaborating with enterprise brands to bring great podcasts into the world. With a background spanning CBC Radio, Canada’s National Film Board Digital Studio, Vancouver’s Roundhouse Radio and the University of British Columbia, she guides the creation of captivating podcasts at JAR.
