Why Podcasts Work Better Than Ads: The Science Behind Storytelling
Did you know that podcasts are remembered four times better than traditional advertising? Where a social media post disappears after 3 seconds and TV ads lose half their viewers in 5 minutes, podcasts hold attention for 30 minutes or more. For hospitality brands, that’s a game changer.
The science of sound and memory
Research shows that audio is processed differently in the brain than visuals. When people listen to a story, multiple areas of the brain activate. Not just the language centers, but also those linked to memory, emotions, and even senses like taste and smell. That means stories told through sound are more likely to stick in long-term memory.
For restaurants, cafés, and bars this is huge: the sounds of your venue - the clinking of glasses, the espresso machine, the murmur of conversations - create mental anchors. Guests don’t just hear your story, they feel it, and they’ll remember that feeling when choosing where to go next time.
Beyond the quick scroll
Compare that to social media. A beautifully shot photo may get likes, but most users swipe past in seconds. TV and online ads? Viewers are trained to skip. Podcasts, however, are an intimate medium: people listen while commuting, cooking, or relaxing, and they often stay with you for the full story.
That’s why 70–80% of podcasts are listened to in full, a retention rate no other medium can match.
Why it matters for hospitality
Hospitality is about more than food or drinks. It’s about atmosphere, generosity, and connection. A podcast allows you to:
Share the why behind your brand, not just the what.
Let future guests feel your vibe before they ever step inside.
Inspire staff and attract new team members who resonate with your values.
Take Eetcafé Edita in Amsterdam as an example: in a six-part branded podcast series, we recorded their journey from renovation chaos to a thriving community hub. Guests told the owner they felt like they already knew the restaurant before visiting: proof of the power of audio storytelling.
Long-term ROI
Unlike an Instagram story that vanishes in 24 hours, podcasts create timeless content. One recording session can deliver:
A full podcast series
Multiple social snippets for Instagram and TikTok
Content for newsletters, websites, and even in-store QR codes
In other words: one investment = months of content.
The takeaway
Hospitality thrives on connection and memory. If you want guests to remember your venue, your values, and your vibe, a podcast is the most powerful tool you can use. It’s not just marketing, it’s storytelling that lasts.
Curious how a podcast could work for your venue? Let’s talk about your story.