In its 2026 Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) Predictions, Deloitte outlines major shifts in media consumption—particularly how podcasts and video podcasts are evolving into franchise‑style experiences with loyal fan communities that drive sustained engagement and revenue.
This signals a new era in which podcasts are rewarded not just for single episodes or viral hits, but for cultivating deep, recurring audience fandom.
The Podcast Landscape Is Becoming More Immersive
Deloitte’s research shows podcasts are no longer just audio streams in the background; they’re increasingly visual, serialized, and integrated with broader media ecosystems.
Video‑enabled podcasts—sometimes called “vodcasts”—are gaining traction because they blend the storytelling of traditional video with the intimacy of audio. This trend is reshaping how audiences engage with content and how brands monetize it.
According to the report:
- Podcast and vodcast ad revenues are projected to reach ~$5 billion in 2026, reflecting rapid commercial growth.
- Video versions are now offered by many top shows and drive greater screen time and viewer engagement than audio alone.
This mirrors a broader trend: audiences want richer, story‑driven, serialized content that feels more like TV and film franchises than one‑off audio clips.
What “Fan Franchise” Podcasting Looks Like
Deloitte’s media analysis suggests that the most successful podcasts in 2026 won’t just attract casual listeners—they’ll build fan ecosystems similar to what we see in entertainment franchises. Here’s what that means for creators:
1. Serialized and Thematic Storytelling
Podcasts that unfold like seasons, arcs, or ongoing narratives cultivate anticipation. Listeners return episode after episode—not just for information, but for story and connection.
2. Multi‑Platform Engagement
Podcast fans don’t only listen; they watch vodcasts, follow creators on social platforms, join community channels, and interact with themes across media. This cross‑platform presence turns a show into a cultural experience, not just a listening event.
3. Community and Fandom Activation
Like film or game franchises, podcasts that activate active fan communities—through live events, exclusive content, membership perks, or fan forums—can generate deeper loyalty. Deloitte’s broader insights into fan behavior suggest that engaged fan communities create higher long‑term value for brands and media properties.
Why Fandom Matters
Deloitte research outside the TMT Predictions highlights that fan communities represent untapped revenue and engagement potential. When brands and media understand what motivates fan engagement—and treat listeners as active participants rather than passive consumers—they unlock more meaningful interaction and monetization opportunities.
Applied to podcasting, this means:
- Understanding why listeners return (story, personality, utility)
- Leveraging data and listener behavior to deepen engagement
- Encouraging community participation and ownership of the experience
Podcasts that tap into fandom dynamics essentially become ongoing franchises instead of standalone shows.
What Creators Should Do in 2026
Focus on story and continuity. Episodic, serialized formats that build narratives over time encourage habitual listening.
Use video as a tool, not just audio. Video podcasts drive higher engagement and create a more immersive fan experience.
Think beyond downloads. Community interaction, shorts, events, and fan‑centric content multiply touch points and drive deeper loyalty.
Monetize with experience. Patreon‑style memberships, exclusive vodcast access, merchandise, and live shows reward fan investment and franchise growth.
The Bottom Line
Deloitte’s predictions make one thing clear: podcasting in 2026 will reward creators who think like franchise builders—those who move beyond episodic audio toward immersive, serialized, community‑oriented storytelling.
Podcasts are evolving from background audio into multimedia experiences with dedicated audiences that behave more like fandoms than listeners. In this environment, creators who embrace franchise‑style engagement stand to win the most attention, loyalty, and revenue.
More about audience engagement:
Dan Craft
Staff Report
Staff Report
