# Your Podcast Downloads Are Plateauing. Here's How To Build Momentum. > This article explores the reasons why a podcast's audience might be plateauing and strategies to build momentum. Source: https://pod.vision/blog/your-podcast-downloads-are-plateauing-here-s-the-solution --- podcast downloads # Your Podcast Downloads Are Plateauing. Here's How To Build Momentum. This article explores the reasons why a podcast's audience might be plateauing and strategies to build momentum. Andreea Coscai, Head of Growth · October 9, 2026 · 5 min read Running a podcast successfully requires you to spend as much time on production as you do on growing the audience. Whether you’re a business owner or a creator, that time is limited. But your mission is important and it deserves to reach more listeners. If you have tried different marketing strategies for your podcast, such as social media, and downloads are still plateauing, it’s time to try something new. In this article, you’ll find the best strategies to reaching a larger audience and build momentum. Launching a new podcast? [Get our free podcast launch checklist](https://pod.vision/launch-checklist). ### Creating Newsworthy Podcast Moments The first thing podcasters must know is that [converting a non-listener into a podcast listener is a difficult challenge](https://www.thepodcasthost.com/business-of-podcasting/engaging-new-non-listeners/) that the industry itself is continuously aiming to solve. That’s why the first target of your promotion should be podcast listeners themselves. Where do you find them? They are on listening apps scrolling through the home page to discover their new favorite listen. They subscribe to industry newsletters and reputable publications written by critics whose recommendations they trust. [Pitching to podcasting newsletters and listening apps](https://blog.simplecast.com/how-to-get-your-podcast-featured-on-podcast-listening-apps)is the first best way to build momentum for your show. To do that, you need to: be subscribed, get familiar with the publications themselves and the writers, and pitch at the right moment. Podcast critics and writers and listening app editorial teams are always on the lookout for new shows, new seasons and newsworthy moments of existing shows that listeners might be interested in. So if you are launching a show, if you’re releasing a new season, or if you’re planning a limited series on a popular topic, this is your podcast’s time to shine. From this point forward, act as your PR team ([or hire a PR professional](https://pod.vision/services)). Create a press release, reach out, share on socials, shout it from the rooftops. Pro Tip: Keep in mind relevant calendar dates and wherever relevant, connect your news with a special moment. For example: Halloween, Mother’s Day, The World Cup, etc. If you’re launching a new podcast, read our case study on how we supported a small business podcast become #1 Mental Health Show on Apple Podcasts . Want a hand putting this into practice? Every engagement starts with a call about where your show is and where you want it to go. [Let's chat](https://pod.vision/contact) ### More Growth Solutions Finding and building newsworthy moments is only the beginning of building momentum. To ride that wave and keep new eyes and ears on the feed, podcasters should have a clear strategy in place for long-term growth. Several other strategies for ongoing audience development are: - **Cross-Promos:** Building partnerships with like-minded podcasters and shows similar in tone to exchange audiences. It’s a great opportunity to also further connect you to the podcasting industry. - **Guesting Opportunities:** Pitching yourself to be a guest on another podcast that would resonate with your audience and vice-versa. Be generous - leverage your audience, community and social channels to promote the partner show. This is a great opportunity to build authority for you as a business owner and further position you in the industry. - **Newsletter Communities:** Build a community around your show through a newsletter and adjacent content. Give your listeners the opportunity to directly connect with you and other listeners. If you already run a newsletter for your business, make sure that your podcast is integrated with the rest of your content strategy so it’s best leveraged as a marketing tool. - **Offline Events:** Bring the energy to life in an offline event for your audience and local community members to connect. This type of event will also help keep you motivated and energized from the live feedback. Choose one or a combination of the strategies above depending on your time constraints. Whichever you choose, remember to spend as much time producing and creating your podcast as you do growing it. If you’re not sure where to start, [download our free 360 podcast audit questionnaire](https://pod.vision/360-audit). ### Join A Podcasting Community One of the most helpful things you can do for the growth of your podcast is to join a community of podcasters. Running a podcast can be a very solo endeavor, whether you’re a business owner or a creator, and even if you have a co-host. To build connection and consistently be stimulated with new ideas for production, growth and conversion, join a local or virtual podcasting community where you can meet other creators. Attending regular meetings will be sure to bring you motivation, energy and new ideas. In order to find the best podcasting community for you, think about what shared traits you’d like to find. Are you looking for other women podcasters? Are you looking for New Englanders? Or maybe you’re interested in reaching other business owners. Find what best works for you and keep an eye on industry newsletters such as [Podnews](https://podnews.net/) for the latest news on industry events. ### The Bottomline [Social media alone will not get your podcast in front of more ears.](https://podcastbusinessjournal.com/social-media-alone-is-not-the-way-to-grow-an-audience/)It might help you further build a community for your show and business but it will not significantly impact your podcasts. There are several solid strategies to get more podcast listeners to find your show. Build a clear strategy, put in the work and time efficiently, stay creative, and be consistent. Most podcasts don’t have explosive growth. Most podcasts grow slowly over time, therefore granting you the opportunity to set all the proper systems in place to capture that audience beyond the feed once you have their attention. If you need support in your podcasting journey, [contact our team at PodVision](https://pod.vision/), and let’s build the strategy that will get you there! ## Want this done for your show? We personalize strategies like these for your podcast and needs. If you're looking for a partner in your journey, get in touch. ## Keep reading [All posts](https://pod.vision/blog) October 16, 2026 ### Why The End Of The Year Is The Best Time To Audit Your Podcast October 1, 2026 ### To Niche or Not To Niche? A Podcast Guide for Impact Businesses September 25, 2026 ### Treat Your Podcast Like Your Business