From brainstorming ideas in a four-corner room to hitting the charts off the roof, podcasts in the Philippines are slowly becoming the rising digital-platform fixation of Filipinos.

To name a few, "Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast," "Barangay Love Stories by Papa Dudut," and "The KoolPals" are top-rated podcasts on Spotify and YouTube, and some even air on free-to-air radio channels.

But beyond bringing a fresh face to the digital space, what does the podcast offer the general public that makes it worth obsessing over?

Podcasts Climbing Philippine Pop Culture

For sure, the pandemic lockdown made everyone hooked on social media to kill time and boredom. And podcasts were born, leading the entertainment sector after left-and-right shutdowns of free TV.

Afterward, Filipinos discovered the power of localized online content and began integrating podcasts and other video content into their daily routines.

When washing dishes, they listen to podcasts through their devices. Thrift shops blast Papa Dudut's "Love Stories". Or when someone gets bored and has no one to talk to, multimedia content has your back.

Beyond companionship, people also listen to this type of content because of a deep sense of belonging to the community and the familiar satire and humor Filipinos are used to.

Stress Buddy

In a study by The Pod Network, at least 53% of adults aged 25 and above consume podcasts to cope with work stress. Younger listeners, whom they called "content grazers," make up 47%.

This platform offers a complete package for its audience. For the new generation, listening to podcasts is killing two birds with one stone: trying out of curiosity and escaping boredom. Meanwhile, it's muscle memory for millennials, as it has become a primary medium for emotional relief.

Not to mention, it aligns with what the public wants: barrier-free media, such as podcasts, are free to watch and listen to on several digital platforms. 

And beyond bringing happiness to the house, it's a win-win for entertainment and lifestyle culture in the country. By producing podcasts, it helps build more opportunities for creatives and hosts while honoring the nation.