As podcasters try to stand out in the ever-crowded world of on-demand audio, a unique niche is taking shape within the industry. Podcasts targeting children. Granted, kids are a previously ‘untargeted demographic’, however, podcast networks see an opportunity previously viewed as irrelevant.
Podcasts: A Guild-Free Alternative for Kids
As the New York Times mentioned in an article entitled “The New Bedtime Story”
Podcasts are being pushed as a guilt-free alternative to screen time, a more engaging option than zoned out You-Tube bingeing or hyptmotizing mobile games]
The smartphone revolution has made it easier than ever for podcast discovery, and now, if networks can push out compelling content for children, imagine how different a long drive in the car will be or delivering a bed-time story to help your child fall asleep? But can on-demand audio hook our kids enough to keep them thoroughly engaged? Time will tell.
But can on-demand audio hook our kids enough to keep them thoroughly engaged? Time will tell. Personally, I’m not sure if there’s a sustainable way to drive a captivating audience let alone change embedded habits that will be hard to change. Can you imagine Saturday morning cartoons change to sitting on the couch listening to your favorite podcast? I’m not sure the masses of 7 to 9 year old’s will sustain this change in habits.
But this isn’t stopping networks from moving forward curating new children’s content.
Where Can You Find Top Kids Podcasts? (Listen By Clicking Thumb)
Look no further than NPR (of course), their first dabble into children’s podcasts (you can listen by clicking on the below banner). Since last May, the podcast is approaching 4 million downloads! That’s no joke. Is it surprising that NPR is seeing success with a children’s podcast, particularly since the audience could not be further from their traditional audience? Not really, especially when you think of the NPR audience…which is very loyal and engaged. There’s no doubt that the NPR audience is an earlier adapter to this niche.
Check Out Additional Top Podcasts for Kids Below (Listen By Clicking Thumb)
Brains On! Science podcast for kids – American Public Media
Brains On!® is a science podcast for curious kids and adults from American Public Media. Co-hosted each week by kid scientists and reporters from public radio, we ask questions ranging from the science behind sneezing to how to translate the purr of cats, and go wherever the answers take us. @Brains_On
Dream Big Podcast | Family-Friendly Show Inspiring Kids To Take Action & Live Their Dreams – Eva and Olga Karpman: Mom and Daughter Team, Big Dreamers, Family First
The Dream Big Podcast is a family-friendly podcast inspiring kids (and adults!) to pursue their passions in life and take action to make their dreams a reality. Your hosts Eva Karpman (currently 7-years-old in 2nd grade) and mom Olga Karpman interview world-class performers who do what they love and live their dreams each and every day.
Stories Podcast – A Free Children’s Story Podcast for Bedtime, Car Rides, and Kids of All Ages! – Stories Podcast / Wondery
On the Stories Podcast, we perform a new story for your children every week. The stories range from retellings of fairy tales like Snow White to classic stories like Peter Rabbit and even completely original works. Everything is G rated and safe for all ages. The perfect kids podcast for imaginative families. Whether you’re driving with your children or just want to limit your kids’ screen time, Stories Podcast delivers entertainment that kids and parents alike will love.
The Music Box by 90.5 WUOL Classical Louisville
Music boxes were invented to make music small enough to fit in your pocket, just like this podcast. With a tap you’ll be carried into classrooms, across the city, and out into the field where we ask what is music and how do we make it. We’re taking classical music out of the box and giving you the inspiration and tools to compose your stories into music. The Music Box is complete with ready-to-use activities integrating core grade-level standards. Target audience: Pre-K through elementary school classrooms, families, and the forever curious.
Kids Like You And Me – Kids Like You And Me
A unique and nurturing place to hear stories from children about how it feels to be excluded, mocked, and bullied because you’re different, in color or ability – or how it feels to be accepted despite those differences.
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids – Vermont Public Radio
But Why is a show led by kids. They ask the questions and we find the answers. It’s a big interesting world out there. On But Why, we tackle topics large and small, about nature, words, even the end of the world. Know a kid with a question? Record it with a smartphone. Be sure to include your kid’s first name, age, and town and send the recording to questions@butwhykids.org!
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