Isabella Avila and Sophie Best.
Podcasting has become the new frontier for influencers, giving them a space to connect with audiences beyond curated Instagram posts and 60-second TikToks. But as some influencers quickly learn, navigating the podcast world isn’t as easy as hitting “record” and talking for an hour.
Two recent examples—Alix Earle, who was dropped from her podcast platform, and Kylie Kelce, who has unexpectedly expanded her audience—show just how unpredictable influencer-driven podcasts can be. So, what lessons can up-and-coming creators take from their experiences? Let’s break it down.
Alix Earle: A Podcast Gone Wrong?
Alix Earle skyrocketed to fame on TikTok, known for her relatable “Get Ready with Me” videos and unfiltered personality. So naturally, a podcast seemed like the perfect next step. She launched “Hot Mess”, bringing the same candid energy her fans loved. Her podcast gives fans a closer look into her life in long-form, conversational ways. She has also begun a vlog aspect to her podcast, posting the content on her YouTube channels. Alix has guests like her boyfriend Braxton on the podcast, as well as her several siblings, and fellow influencers. In recent days, she has been dropped from her podcasting network, The Unwell Network, owned by Alex Cooper, host and creator of Call Her Daddy.
Kylie Kelce: Reaching a Whole New Audience
Kylie Kelce has aimed to remain a less public person than her husband, especially since one of her top priorities has remained her family—but she’s quickly becoming a podcast favorite. As the wife of NFL star Jason Kelce, she’s been making waves with guest appearances, including on “New Heights”, the podcast hosted by Jason and his brother, Travis Kelce.
- Strategic Guest Appearances: Kylie has been making well-timed appearances on established podcasts, tapping into a built-in audience. Some of these appearances have become podcasts’ most viewed clips!
- Authenticity Sells: Listeners love Kylie’s genuine, down-to-earth energy. She’s not trying too hard—she’s just being unapologetically herself, which is a huge factor in why people connect with her.
- Expanding Her Brand: While she was previously known mainly as “Jason Kelce’s wife,” podcasting has given her a voice of her own, allowing her to carve out her own identity in the media space. She now has her own podcast called “Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce” where she shares stories and advice with a broad range of audiences.
The Changing Landscape of Influencer Podcasts
The podcasting world is booming, but it’s also evolving. Influencers who once dominated social media platforms are quickly realizing that podcasting is a completely different game. Unlike short-form content, podcasts require deeper storytelling, structured discussions, and strong listener retention strategies. Some influencers successfully make the transition, while others struggle to keep their audiences engaged beyond the initial hype.
For example, some influencers who launch a podcast expect their massive social media following to translate into instant success—but that’s not always the case. Podcasting requires consistency, high-quality production, and a unique voice to stand out in an oversaturated market.
Some major influencer podcasts making waves right now:
- BFFs with Josh Richards and Bri Chickenfry
- Call Her Daddy with Alex Cooper
- TheraPuss with Jake Shane
- The Colin and Samir Show
- The BossBabe Podcasts
- Pretty Basic with Alisha Marie and Remie Cruz
What Influencers Can Learn from These Podcasting Journeys
If you’re an influencer thinking about launching a podcast, here’s what to keep in mind:
Have a Plan: A podcast isn’t just a longer version of your TikToks. Structure, themes, and consistency are key to keeping listeners engaged.
Know Your Platform: Whether you’re signing with a network or going independent, understand who controls your content and what the terms are.
Engage With the Right Audience: Not everyone who follows you on social media will listen to your podcast. Be strategic about how you promote and where you show up.
Authenticity Wins—But So Does Strategy: Being yourself is great, but it takes more than that to build a successful podcast. Balancing personality with professionalism is what makes podcasts truly thrive.
Track Your Metrics: Don’t just launch and hope for the best. Keep an eye on listener retention, episode downloads, and audience feedback to continuously refine your content.
Be Open to Change: If your podcast isn’t gaining traction, consider adjusting your format, targeting a new niche, or even making guest appearances instead of hosting your own show.
As influencer podcasts continue to dominate, the stories of Alix Earle and Kylie Kelce remind us that success comes with consistency. While some influencers struggle to translate their online presence into a podcasting career, others find unexpected ways to thrive. Whether through strategic guest appearances, well-planned content, or a mix of both, the key to podcasting success is more than just a big following—it’s about knowing how to keep listeners coming back for more.
