E563 - Has Podcast Measurement Moved Away From The Almighty Download - What We Should Be Measuring Going Forward

Episode 563 - Has Podcast Measurement Moved Away From The Almighty Download - What We Should Be Measuring Going ForwardHas Podcast Measurement Moved Away From The Almighty Download? What We Should Be Measuring Going ForwardIn this solo episode of the How To Podcast series, Dave dismantles the myth of the "almighty download," explaining how easily they can be gamed, faked, or triggered without any real listening—through auto-downloads, bots, shady services, or even just marking episodes as played without hitting play. He shares relatable examples from his Spotify library, where unlistened episodes still register as downloads, and warns that early podcasters especially risk discouragement from volatile, meaningless numbers in their first 10-20 episodes.Dave urges a shift to more meaningful metrics like time spent listening (TSL), a concept championed by industry voices such as James Cridland of Podnews. Platforms like YouTube, Apple, and Spotify reveal where listeners drop off, completion rates, and retention patterns—far more telling than raw download counts. High TSL signals engaging content that keeps platforms happy and builds loyalty, while revealing structural fixes like shortening episodes or tweaking pacing. For newcomers, he advises ignoring stats entirely for the first 90 days: focus on consistency, skill-building, and real human interactions like comments, shares, DMs, reviews, or community joins instead of chasing vanity numbers that lead to quitting too soon.He ranks priorities for measurement going forward: completion rates first, then return listeners, saves/subscribers, and genuine engagement over downloads, which he calls a "blunt, unreliable tool" like a hammer misused for every job. Dave encourages claiming shows on Spotify for Creators (even if not hosted there) and YouTube to access direct feedback, respond in comments, and foster connection—reminding creators that every podcast is unique, and personal comfort with output plus audience response trumps comparisons.Key Takeaway: Ditch download obsession; measure time spent listening and real connections. Platforms reward sticky content that keeps people around, and true growth comes from humans who stay, engage, and return—not faceless numbers. New podcasters: create for 90 days without peeking at stats to build real momentum.https://podnews.net/_____Helping Podcasters Everyday! https://howtopodcast.ca/We would love to hear from you - here is our listener survey!https://forms.gle/GbrFv9DGszV8N4PW6