Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is a podcast?

A podcast is the Netflix show, BBC iPlayer series or ITV Hub playback of the audio world. You can listen to pre-recorded bespoke and pre-played digital audio files from the comfort of your headphones, wherever you are, via your digital device, on topics as far ranging and differing as humans are.

Who listens to podcasts?

25% of UK adults listen to podcasts every week, mostly for entertainment and the learn, with male 25-34 year olds being the largest market. Podcasts are skewed towards the ABC1 socio-economic group and people hear about and find their favourite shows via social media and word of mouth.

data taken from the

MIDAS_Winter_2021.pdf (rajar.co.uk)

Why start a podcast?
  • For Marketing
    • Podcasts can be listened to anywhere, and other marketing channels can’t necessarily – which gives you a satep ahead in the marketing game. Podcasts are a great way for your clients to trust and get to know you. Lead conversion rates are close to 20% – a huge result!
  • You control your message.
    • We work with you to craft something that truly represents you and your brand, and hits your listeners ears in a personal and intimate way.
  • Learning and Growth.
    • You need to make sure you know your audience, understand what they’re looking for and research the competition too. It’s a great way to keep on top of trends and developments within your industry.
  • Developing skills.
    • Whether that’s public speaking, guest negotiation or marketing – there’s always something to learn in the ever-changing podcast sphere.
How many listeners do I need to have to make a ‘good’ podcast?
  • If you have more than 26 downloads, you’re in the top 50% of podcasts.
  • If you have more than 72 downloads, you’re in the top 25% of podcasts.
  • If you have more than 231 downloads, you’re in the top 10% of podcasts.
  • If you have more than 539 downloads, you’re in the top 5% of podcasts.
  • If you have more than 3062 downloads, you’re in the top 1% of podcasts.
What does a producer do?

Your producer will be your guide and critical friend throughout the production process; from coming up with or honing your concept, to guest booking, planning and writing the script for each episode, recording, editing and mixing the audio, getting it to Apple, Spotify and everywhere else you’d expect to listen – and helping you get the word out there via social assets, strategy and QR codes.

Do you offer consultancy as well as full-service production?Do you offer consultancy as well as full-service production?

We love helping with consultancy! Podcasters can book an hour – or a block of hours – of virtual sessions with us and we’ll answer all their questions, help with tech and brainstorm ideas and solutions on all things podcasting.

hat makes a podcast successful?

Tenacity and consistency will always go a long way in the audio world (and life!) – and research shows that successful podcasters are much more likely to be active in their marketing as well as having high-quality production values. Having a plan, a script and a direction for the listener to follow your audio journey in, also makes a huge difference to podcasting success.

How many episodes do I need to produce?

A podcast series is typically a minimum of 6-10 episodes long – and 74% of higher-income podcasters have published more than 100 episodes.

How long should each episode be?

Research shows that 22 minutes is the optimum listening time for a podcast – but they range from 10-minute ‘bite-sized’ coffee break podcasts, to 90-minute in-depth conversations which listeners might listen to in chunks.

We favour a mixed approach at Pineapple – with 20-30 minutes as the aim but offer listeners a shorter episode in addition to a longer one if we’re looking at more like 60-90 minutes.

What do I need to get started?

An idea! Just the gem of an idea is enough to get the ball rolling; something you’re passionate about – and something you want to talk about to guests, listeners and your social following. Plus, an enthusiasm to really throw yourself into making something exciting.

What does a producer do?

Your producer will be your guide and critical friend throughout the production process; from coming up with or honing your concept, to guest booking, planning and writing the script for each episode, recording, editing and mixing the audio, getting it to Apple, Spotify and everywhere else you’d expect to listen – and helping you get the word out there via social assets, strategy and QR codes.

Do you offer consultancy as well as full-service production?

We love helping with consultancy! Podcasters can book an hour – or a block of hours – of virtual sessions with us and we’ll answer all their questions, help with tech and brainstorm ideas and solutions on all things podcasting

What makes a podcast successful?

Tenacity and consistency will always go a long way in the audio world (and life!) – and research shows that successful podcasters are much more likely to be active in their marketing as well as having high-quality production values. Having a plan, a script and a direction for the listener to follow your audio journey in, also makes a huge difference to podcasting success.

How many episodes do I need to produce?

A podcast series is typically a minimum of 6-10 episodes long – and 74% of higher-income podcasters have published more than 100 episodes.

How long should each episode be?

Research shows that 22 minutes is the optimum listening time for a podcast – but they range from 10-minute ‘bite-sized’ coffee break podcasts, to 90-minute in-depth conversations which listeners might listen to in chunks.

We favour a mixed approach at Pineapple – with 20-30 minutes as the aim but offer listeners a shorter episode in addition to a longer one if we’re looking at more like 60-90 minutes.

What do I need to get started?

An idea! Just the gem of an idea is enough to get the ball rolling; something you’re passionate about – and something you want to talk about to guests, listeners and your social following. Plus, an enthusiasm to really throw yourself into making something exciting.

What services does Pineapple offer?

Pineapple offers podcast production services; from concept, to headphones.

We help clients hone their podcast concept, book guests, outline a script, provide the right tech and prepare for recording. We record the podcast (remotely or in a studio), edit and mix it – and make sure it gets to all the podcast platforms your listener will expect it to be on. We’ll help you promote it via social media, assets and QR codes.

We also offer podcast consultancy for those who just want a few hours of virtual time to ask questions, check they’re on the right track and get to the next level.

What sets Pineapple apart?

Pineapple is a bespoke podcast production company. We take time to make sure we’re working on projects we really believe in, and have a highly qualified production team working across guest booking, prep, content, studio production, audio production and socials. We’re a female led team with a commercial radio production background, producing radio quality across podcasts.

How does Pineapple help boost your business and create brand awareness?

Pineapple helps you get your message heard, in a long-form audio way. No 30-second ads here! You can really share your brand ethos across 30-60 minutes of audio time and offer your listeners value, as well as a sales pitch.