5 Reasons Why Webinars Are Really Podcasts (And Why It’s Time to Rebrand)

Webinars had their moment during COVID—we all attended countless sessions, from professional trainings to virtual networking events. But now? The excitement has faded, and many of us feel webinar fatigue. Meanwhile, podcasts have been thriving, captivating audiences with storytelling, interviews, and on-demand content. Here are 5 reasons why webinars are really just podcasts in disguise—and why it’s time to rebrand webinars for the modern era:

1. The Rise of Live Podcasting

Webinars have always been about live interaction. But guess what? Podcasts can be live too! Live-streaming podcasts bring in that real-time excitement, just like a webinar. The difference? Podcasts feel more like a conversation and less like a one-way lecture. They offer an authentic connection, which audiences are craving now more than ever.

2. Audience Engagement is Key

Podcasts have proven that audience engagement doesn’t have to be live to be impactful. Webinars rely on real-time Q&A, but podcasts leverage community interaction through comments, social media, and even listener-submitted questions or voice notes. In fact, this on-demand interaction often leads to deeper, more thoughtful conversations than rapid-fire live questions ever could.

3. Flexibility Rules

The success of podcasts is undeniable because they fit into any schedule. People listen during their commute, while exercising, or even doing chores. Webinars, on the other hand, require you to block off time—and if you miss it, you’re stuck waiting for the replay. By rebranding webinars as podcasts, you gain the flexibility of on-demand listening while still offering valuable content.

4. Storytelling Over Slides

Let’s face it: the best podcasts tell great stories. Whether it’s an interview or a deep dive into a topic, it’s the storytelling that keeps listeners coming back. Webinars, burdened with PowerPoint slides and talking points, can easily lose their spark. By embracing the podcast format, you can focus on the conversation and narrative, creating a more engaging experience without the dry slide decks.

5. Webinars Are Just Content—Podcasts Are Brands

The most successful podcasts aren’t just episodes; they’re brands. They have loyal followers, recurring guests, and a distinct vibe. Webinars often end up feeling like one-off events. Rebranding webinars as podcasts allows you to build a consistent, evolving relationship with your audience, turning those one-time viewers into loyal subscribers who are excited about each new “episode.”

Time to Rebrand the Webinar Webinars got tired during COVID. It’s time to generate excitement again by borrowing from the podcast playbook. Whether it’s going live, focusing on flexible content, or creating lasting engagement, the podcast model has all the right ingredients to breathe new life into old webinar formats. Let’s bring the energy back and give audiences what they really want: authentic, engaging content—when and how they want it.

This idea was sparked when I was asked about the difference between a webinar and a podcast during my speaking session at IT Nation: ITNation Speaking Session – “5 Ways Sales, Marketing, and Podcasting Drive Success for MSPs”. If you’re curious to learn more about these concepts, check out my Joey Pinz podcast at www.joeypinz.com.