In a surprising turn of events, Joe Rogan’s long-standing reign as Spotify’s top podcaster has been interrupted.
The new king of the platform? None other than Shawn Ryan, a former guest on Rogan’s show.
Here’s how he pushed past every obstacle to claim the top spot.
Who is Shawn Ryan?
Shawn Ryan is a former U.S. Navy SEAL who has transitioned into the world of podcasting with his show “The Shawn Ryan Show.” His military experience and no-nonsense approach to interviewing have quickly gained him a dedicated following.
Ryan’s podcast covers a wide range of topics, focusing on “untold stories of war, loss, and redemption”. His unique perspective and ability to draw out compelling stories from his guests have contributed to his rapid rise in popularity.
It’s worth noting that Ryan was a guest on Joe Rogan’s podcast, which may have played a role in his increased visibility.
The Spotify Podcast Charts: A Closer Look
To understand the significance of this dethroning, it’s important to grasp how Spotify’s podcast ranking system works.
Spotify uses a combination of factors to determine podcast rankings, including:
- Number of listeners
- Frequency of new episodes
- User engagement (likes, shares, comments)
- Overall popularity trends
Joe Rogan has consistently dominated these charts since signing an exclusive deal with Spotify in 2020.
The Dethroning Event: What Happened?
On October 2, 2024, Shawn Ryan’s podcast surpassed Joe Rogan’s in Spotify’s US podcast chart rankings.
This unexpected shift caught many by surprise, given Rogan’s long-standing dominance. Ryan’s most recent episode, released on September 30, featured a retired US Army Green Beret and author who focuses on helping veterans after retirement.
It’s clear that Ryan’s content struck a chord with listeners. The fact that he managed to overtake Rogan, even temporarily, is noteworthy and speaks to the dynamic nature of podcast popularity.
Joe Rogan’s Current Standing
Despite being dethroned, Joe Rogan’s influence in the podcasting world remains substantial. His show continues to attract millions of listeners across various platforms.
In fact, Rogan signed a new contract with Spotify in early 2024 (ref) that allows him to publish his podcast on other platforms simultaneously, including YouTube and Apple Podcasts.
This multi-platform approach may have led to a redistribution of Rogan’s listeners across different platforms, potentially affecting his Spotify rankings. However, his overall reach and influence likely remain strong.
Analyzing Shawn Ryan’s Rise
Shawn Ryan’s ascent to the top of Spotify’s podcast charts didn’t happen overnight. His content strategy appears to focus on:
- In-depth interviews with compelling guests
- Sharing unique insights from his military background
- Addressing current events and controversial topics
Ryan’s straightforward communication style and ability to connect with his audience have likely contributed to his growing popularity. His YouTube channel has millions of subscribers, indicating a strong cross-platform presence.
Interestingly, Ryan’s recent appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, which garnered over 2 million views on YouTube alone, may have boosted his own show’s visibility. This guest-to-host transition demonstrates the interconnected nature of the podcasting world.
The Current Podcast Landscape
As of October 2024, the top five most popular Spotify podcasts in the US are:
- The Shawn Ryan Show
- The Joe Rogan Experience
- Candace
- The Tucker Carlson Show
- Talk Tuah by Haliey Welch
It’s worth noting that Haliey Welch’s podcast, which launched on September 10, quickly rose to prominence with the help of influencer Jake Paul.
The Shifting Tides of Podcast Popularity
The dethroning of Joe Rogan by Shawn Ryan on Spotify’s podcast charts marks a significant milestone in the ever-evolving world of digital content. It demonstrates that even the most established names can face competition from emerging talents.
As the industry continues to grow and change, one thing remains clear: engaging, authentic content will always find an audience. Whether you’re a fan of Joe Rogan, Shawn Ryan, or exploring new voices, the podcasting world has never been more exciting and diverse.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.