Episode 287 | Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast | Courtney Elmer

How Often Should You Be Releasing Podcast Episodes, Really?

When it comes to podcast episode frequency, here’s a question I’m asked a lot: Is once a week enough? Should I be releasing more than that? What if weekly feels like a lot?

Whether you’re wondering if you should release podcast episodes more frequently or you’re struggling to meet the once-a-week mark, I’m breaking down whether cranking out more episodes really leads to more listeners, the minimum number of podcast episodes you should always aim for, and how to build a schedule that works for you.

If you're ready for a podcast episode release schedule that fits your goals and keeps listeners coming back, read on.

The Biggest Misconception About Consistency in Podcasting

Consistency gets a lot of hype, but let’s clear up a major myth here: consistency alone doesn’t grow a podcast. If that were true, everyone who’s released a podcast episode every week for a year would have a top show — and we both know that’s not the case. So showing up every week doesn’t magically mean more listeners. What it does do? It builds something even more valuable: a listener habit. Listener habits build trust. And trust? And trust leads to conversions.

When you’re consistent, your audience knows they can rely on you. They know your show will be waiting for them each week, which gradually builds that habit of tuning in. And once that habit is there, trust follows — and with trust comes conversions, leads, and sales (you know, the stuff that turns your podcast into more than a passion project).

So, yes, consistency matters, but maybe not in the way you thought. While a consistent podcast episode release schedule doesn’t directly grow your show, without it, it will be difficult to build an audience because you won’t be able to retain listeners. So if you want better listener retention, let’s talk about the baseline you should aim for every week.

Why a Weekly Baseline Matters

If you’re serious about growing your podcast, here’s your baseline: one new podcast episode per week. It’s the minimum for anyone serious about building a podcast that yields an ROI. Why? When your listeners can count on a fresh podcast episode from you every week, it creates a predictable rhythm that keeps them coming back.

If once a week still feels like a lot, think about it this way: podcasting shortens the sales cycle. Studies show it now takes someone over seven hours of consuming your content to trust you enough to make a buying decision. That’s 3,400 seven-second reels (yes, I did the math for you). It’s just a handful of podcast episodes.

Unlike Instagram or TikTok, where a post’s lifespan is only hours (or even minutes), or YouTube, where the algorithm pushes creators to post multiple highly-produced videos every week, podcasting gives you the best of both worlds. Sure, YouTube offers great searchability, but it’s still a never-ending content treadmill that’s nearly impossible to keep up with unless you’ve got a full-time team behind you.

With podcasting, your episodes remain searchable and relevant for years after they air, giving you far more mileage out of each one. With a baseline of just one high-quality podcast episode a week, maintaining that steady rhythm is doable for most people (especially if you’re a busy parent or running a business full-time).

So once you’ve committed to that (note: it is a commitment), the bigger question becomes: how do you keep up with planning, recording, editing, and publishing a quality podcast episode every week?

3 Steps to Build a Release Schedule That Works for You (and Your Listeners)

Here’s how to make a weekly podcast episode release schedule feel sustainable.

1. Figure out what’s stopping you from staying ahead. Is it time? Energy? Lack of planning? Lack of systems? Unsure what to talk about next? Trying to batch too many episodes at once? Pinpoint the real roadblocks, so you can understand what’s getting in the way of setting up a content creation routine that actually fits your life.
   
   
2. Decide how far ahead you need to be to breathe easy. Think of it as your “stress buffer.” Whether that’s a couple of weeks or a full month, this buffer lets you handle life’s surprise stuff like a busy work week or sick kids, without scrambling to get an episode out at the 11th hour. Literally.
   
   
3. Block off time on your calendar, and protect it at all costs. Like one of my first mentors always told me “Fail to plan, plan to fail.” The key to staying consistent? Make your podcast a non-negotiable priority. Schedule time on your calendar to create podcast episodes and treat it like a client appointment: schedule everything else around it. 

These steps will help you build a schedule you can stick to long-term. Because in order for your listeners to get in the habit of listening to your show, you have to also be in the habit of creating content for them to listen to in the first place.

Do More Podcast Episodes Equal More Downloads?

It's tempting to think that pumping out more episodes could multiply your listens and downloads, right? Well, it’s not that straightforward. While more podcast episodes means more content for your existing loyal listeners, (and might boost your stats temporarily) more content doesn’t automatically attract new ears. If your podcast isn't already showing a strong pattern of month-over-month growth, it's smarter to channel your efforts into fresh marketing strategies that introduce your show to new audiences.

Otherwise, doubling your output will only double your workload, not your downloads. It’s not about how many podcast episodes you can produce, but about how you can make each episode you’re already creating work harder for your podcast's growth. Engaging your current audience more frequently is great, but it's not the key to growing your listener base. 

How to Tailor Your Schedule to Fit Your Podcast Goals and Unique Bandwidth

Just like doubling your podcast episodes won’t automatically grow your audience, producing less than one high-quality episode each week won't help your long-term growth either. The magic happens when you establish a manageable rhythm and stick to it. 

That's the real reason consistency is key — not just for keeping your current listeners engaged but for crafting a show new listeners will want to be a part of.

By taking a strategic approach to scheduling and podcast episode creation, you'll find a rhythm that's perfect for you and your listeners, making every upload count toward a new download, setting yourself up for sustainable growth that turns casual listeners into loyal fans.

And if you’re an established coach, consultant, or creator who’s ready to launch or scale your podcast and want our proven strategy to build a podcast that grows your business, book a free strategy call with our team to find out if you’re a fit for PodLaunch® — we’re here to help.

Or if you’re just here for the content and want more free advice on starting a podcast, growing a podcast, or increasing conversions from your podcast to grow your business, make sure you hit “Follow” for Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast on your favorite podcast app so you never miss a new episode.

Up Next:

Wondering if YouTube could be the missing piece to getting your podcast in front of more people? With its massive user base and undeniable searchability, it sounds tempting — but is it really worth the extra effort?

In the next episode, I’m joined by a special guest who’s coached thousands of business owners and podcasters to build profitable YouTube channels, and together we’re digging into the upsides of this search engine powerhouse and the downsides that come with it, because spoiler: it’s not as simple as connecting your RSS feed or uploading the lightly edited video from your latest interview and hoping for the best. If you’re ready to find out whether YouTube is worth the effort for your podcast, don’t miss the next episode.