True crime podcasts aren’t just popular — they’re cultural currency.
From midnight binges to morning commutes, millions of listeners can’t seem to get enough of stories that blend suspense, psychology, and real-world stakes.
But why?
Why are so many people drawn to the darkest corners of human behaviour — and why is audio the medium that holds their attention?
True crime has always had an audience.
Decades ago, readers were already devouring crime novels and investigative journalism.
Television followed with docuseries and courtroom dramas.
But podcasting took it somewhere more intimate — and more explosive.
When Serial premiered in 2014, it ignited a cultural phenomenon.
It wasn’t the first true crime podcast, but it was the first to break through globally.
It set the template: a gripping, serialized story, rich with detail, and powered by a host who was both investigator and narrator.
Since then, the genre has grown exponentially.
Shows like My Favorite Murder, Criminal, Sword and Scale, and Casefile have built cult followings.
True crime became a launchpad for indie podcasters, a safe bet for networks, and a magnet for advertisers.
In the last decade, it has remained one of the most downloaded and monetised categories in podcasting.
And now, in 2025, it’s more diverse — and more influential — than ever.
The recently announced 2025 True Crime Awards highlight just how far the genre has come.
Winners included industry giants like Wondery and Novel, whose Kill List series — hosted by tech journalist Carl Miller — uncovered a real murder-for-hire plot operating through the dark web.
Named Podcast of the Year, it’s a gripping, chilling example of how the genre is evolving from entertainment into real-world investigation.
Community recognition is also growing.
The CrimeCon CLUE Awards and others now spotlight creators who make a difference — not just through storytelling, but by re-examining cold cases, amplifying victim voices, and questioning justice systems.
Podcasts like If That’s Your Daughter, Babe (ITYDB) are a good example.
Described as “true crime with a conscience,” it combines journalistic depth with emotional storytelling — challenging the genre to do more than just retell violent acts.
It asks listeners to care, to think, and sometimes, to act.
There’s no single reason listeners keep coming back.
The appeal is layered, and often deeply personal.
But several recurring themes stand out:
True crime podcasts are, at their best, masterclasses in narrative.
They hook listeners early, build suspense over time, and offer a form of resolution — whether it’s justice, discovery, or simply understanding.
This structure mirrors classic storytelling — the hero’s journey, the mystery arc, the tragic fall.
It’s not fiction, but it often feels like it, which keeps listeners emotionally engaged.
The stakes are real.
The people are real.
And that matters.
Listeners aren’t just drawn to crime — they’re drawn to why crime happens.
What makes someone commit an unthinkable act?
What causes systems to fail?
What turns a neighbour into a suspect?
True crime podcasts often serve as informal psychology sessions — peeking into human behaviour, trauma, and the darker edges of morality.
It’s a way for listeners to safely explore fear, curiosity, and justice from a distance.
True crime fandom has become a global subculture.
From online forums to local meetups, listeners don’t just consume — they discuss, theorise, and sometimes participate.
Many podcasts encourage audience input — sharing listener theories, responding to messages, or even publishing crowd-sourced research.
Shows like Crime Junkie and Morbid thrive in part because they treat listeners like collaborators, not just consumers.
At their best, true crime podcasts teach. Listeners learn about:
– Criminal procedure
– Forensic science
– Legal loopholes
– Institutional failures
– Victim advocacy
This learning often creates a sense of empowerment — especially among women, who make up a large portion of the true crime audience and often cite safety awareness as part of their interest.
With popularity comes responsibility.
And the true crime podcasting world has faced serious criticism.
At its worst, the genre can drift into:
– Sensationalism
– Victim exploitation
– Inaccurate reporting
– Glorification of criminals
This is where ethical storytelling matters.
More podcasters are now working with survivors and families, disclosing sources, fact-checking obsessively, and issuing corrections where needed.
Kill List, for example, worked with cybersecurity experts and legal teams to ensure their reporting didn’t create harm.
ITYDB avoids re-traumatising victims, instead focusing on broader cultural and systemic questions.
For independent podcasters, the challenge is real: how do you tell a gripping story without turning someone’s tragedy into entertainment?
The answer, increasingly, lies in empathy, accuracy, and transparency.
Here at home, South African listeners are also embracing the genre — both globally and locally.
While international hits dominate the charts, local shows like Alibi, True Crime South Africa, and My Only Story have carved out their own space, offering powerful narratives rooted in local context.
These stories aren’t just compelling — they reveal things many would rather keep hidden: police corruption, media failure, silenced victims, unresolved trauma.
At Baird Media, we’ve seen increased interest in documentary-style and true crime-adjacent productions, especially from creators looking to blend storytelling with advocacy.
Our Podumentaries offering was developed partly in response to this — helping creators build high-impact, research-based audio stories with professional support and ethical guidance.
True crime podcasting is maturing.
The production quality is higher.
The storytelling is more layered.
The ethics are under closer scrutiny.
But the audience?
Still as eager as ever.
What’s changing is the format and the function.
– Immersive audio: Sound design is evolving from background ambience to narrative driver.
– Collaborative storytelling: Shows are being co-created with affected families, not just about them.
– Legal impact: Some podcasts have led to reopened cases or legislative pressure.
– Hybrid formats: Many true crime podcasts now blend elements of memoir, social commentary, and even fiction.
Creators like Rabia Chaudry (Undisclosed), Sarah Koenig (Serial), and Paul Holes (The Murder Squad) have expanded their roles — not just telling stories, but helping change outcomes.
This is the future of the genre: not just entertainment, but impact.
Thinking of launching your own true crime podcast? Here’s what we recommend:
Pick your angle: Are you solving a case? Exploring systemic injustice? Telling forgotten stories? Know your lane.
Prioritise accuracy: Research thoroughly. Source carefully. Don’t guess — verify.
Respect your subjects: These are real people. Their pain isn’t content. Always ask: would I be okay with this if it were about me?
Balance pacing with tone: Suspense is powerful — but don’t manufacture drama. Let the story guide you.
Get help where needed: Sound design, scripting, legal vetting — outsource what you can’t do confidently.
Start small, plan big: True crime listeners value consistency. Plan your arc before you publish the first episode.
True crime podcasts shape public perception.
They influence how we think about justice, safety, truth, and fear.
That’s a heavy responsibility.
But it’s also a massive opportunity.
If done well, true crime podcasting doesn’t just inform or entertain — it humanises.
It creates space for forgotten voices, misunderstood issues, and deeper empathy.
At Baird Media, we believe in that kind of storytelling.
Whether you’re building your first true crime series or evolving an existing show, we’re here to help you do it right — with technical precision, narrative power, and ethical integrity.
Explore our Podumentaries offering, or chat to us about building a story-driven, socially conscious podcast from the ground up.
Because these aren’t just stories — they’re lives. And how we tell them matters.
Your voice is your brand. Your podcast should sound like it.
We help creators, coaches, and businesses make shows that stand out – for the right reasons.
Book a free consultation and let’s build something powerful.
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