6 - Global Trends (Programming, Streaming, Online, Social, or Gaming)

The New Talk Show: How Podcasts Are Reshaping Online Media

Over the past two decades, podcasts have grown from a relatively niche form of media into a major part of the modern entertainment landscape. Traditionally, podcasts were primarily audio-based programs that people listened to through streaming platforms while commuting, exercising, or doing other activities. However, a newer format has become increasingly popular in recent years: the video podcast. Unlike traditional podcasts, video podcasts record and distribute the conversation visually, allowing audiences to watch hosts and guests interact instead of simply listening. As platforms such as YouTube and Spotify continue to prioritize video content, video podcasts have become a growing trend within digital media. In many ways, they function as a modern version of the traditional talk show, combining long-form conversation with the personality-driven style that is common in internet culture.

A graphic from Stat Significant that shows monthly podcast listeners in the U.S.

One of the main differences between traditional podcasts and video podcasts is how audiences experience the content. Audio-only podcasts rely entirely on conversation and storytelling, which allows listeners to consume them while multitasking. Video podcasts, on the other hand, allow viewers to see the hosts and guests interacting in real time. Facial expressions, body language, and visual reactions can add another layer to the conversation, making the experience feel more personal and engaging (Stat Significant). Video podcasts are also easier to promote online because short clips can be shared on social media platforms such as TikTok, which helps attract new audiences who may not have discovered the full podcast otherwise. Because of this, video podcasts often spread quickly through internet culture (Podcast Host).

Another reason video podcasts have become so popular is that they often function similarly to traditional talk shows. Many of them feature celebrity guests and revolve around conversational interviews led by a recognizable host. A well-known example is Call Her Daddy, hosted by Alex Cooper. The show frequently features celebrities and public figures, such as Kim Kardashian, Miley Cyrus, and Kamala Harris, who discuss topics such as relationships, personal experiences, and life in the public eye. While the podcast originally gained attention for its candid discussions, its interview format has also made it comparable to a digital talk show. Instead of appearing on traditional television programs, many celebrities now choose to have long-form conversations on podcasts where the environment is more relaxed and less scripted.

A clip from an episode with Chappell Roan.

Another example of this trend can be seen in In Your Dreams with Owen Thiele, hosted by Owen Thiele. This podcast reflects a more internet-culture-focused version of the talk show format. Thiele often invites celebrities, influencers, and entertainment figures like Brittany Broski, Connor Storrie, and Kendall Jenner onto the show, where they have casual conversations that blend humor, pop culture commentary, and personal stories. Because the podcast is filmed, viewers can see the chemistry between the host and the guest, which contributes to the entertainment value. The visual design of the set also plays an important role in shaping the overall tone of the podcast. The podcast is filmed in a set designed to resemble a teenage bedroom, where Thiele and guests sit together on a bed while talking. The décor includes colorful posters and elements that evoke early 2000s nostalgia, creating a relaxed and playful atmosphere. This setting contributes to the podcast’s overall vibe and reflects the type of personality-driven, visually recognizable content that has become popular within internet culture. Clips from these conversations can then circulate on social media, helping the show reach audiences who may only encounter short moments from the interview rather than the full episode.

A clip from the episode with Connor Storrie.

Overall, the growing popularity of video podcasts highlights how digital media continues to evolve. By combining the conversational style of traditional podcasts with the visual elements of online video, video podcasts create a format that feels both personal and entertaining. Shows like Call Her Daddy and In Your Dreams with Owen Thiele demonstrate how podcasts are beginning to resemble modern talk shows that exist primarily online. As audiences continue to consume media through digital platforms, video podcasts will likely remain an important part of internet culture and the future of entertainment media.