The Word 'Podcast' Is Meaningless. Here's What That Means For Your Gift List

I read a report recently that claimed Seth Meyers’ "A Closer Look"—a segment from a literal network television show—was the top "podcast" on YouTube for many users in 2025. A few years ago, I would have rolled my eyes so hard it hurt. I would have argued that a TV clip is not a podcast. I would have told you that words have definitions for a reason.

But honestly? I’m waving the white flag. The battle is over.

With nearly every major audio show now featuring a dedicated video feed, and TV shows dumping their audio onto Spotify, the line between "watching a show" and "listening to a podcast" has completely dissolved. If you’re shopping for a media junkie this holiday season, you can’t just buy them a pair of earbuds and call it a day anymore. The way we consume this stuff has changed, and the gear we use needs to catch up.

Here is how to navigate the confusing new landscape of content consumption and pick gifts that actually fit how people are living (and watching) in 2025.

Stop Buying Audio-Only Gear for Video Fans

If the "podcast" fan in your life is actually consuming 80% of their content on YouTube, those budget earbuds aren't going to cut it. The experience has shifted from passive listening while doing the dishes to active viewing.

For the person who watches their podcasts on a commute or at a coffee shop, the screen is just as important as the sound. I’ve tested enough flimsy plastic phone stands to know that stability matters.

The Fix: Look for high-quality magnetic mounting systems. If they are an iPhone user, a heavy-duty MagSafe stand is a fantastic, practical stocking stuffer. I’m still a huge fan of MOFT’s folding stands—they are invisible when you don’t need them and sturdy when you do. For a more substantial gift, consider a dedicated tablet for "consumption mode." The iPad Air remains the sweet spot between price and performance for people who just want to watch Armchair Expert without squinting at a phone.

Dialogue Clarity is the New Bass

When we were just listening to music, we obsessed over bass response and soundstage. But with modern "podcasts" being largely conversational, the priority has shifted. You want to hear voices clearly, distinct from background noise, without cranking the volume to dangerous levels.

I have tested almost every major noise-canceling headphone on the market, and for spoken word content, aggressive noise cancellation is non-negotiable. You aren't trying to drown out the subway with heavy metal; you’re trying to hear a nuanced conversation between two people mumbling into microphones.

The Recommendation: The Sony WH-1000XM5 (or its latest iteration) continues to be the gold standard for this. Their noise cancellation creates a terrifyingly quiet vacuum that makes dialogue pop. If you are buying for someone who prefers earbuds, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are the only in-ears I’ve found that actually silence a busy cafe enough to follow a fast-paced conversation without strain.

For the Friend Who Wants to Start Their Own "Show"

Since the definition of podcast is now "anything anyone records," you probably have a friend or family member threatening to start their own. In 2025, they can’t just buy a USB microphone and hide in a closet. Because podcasts are now visual, they have to look good, too.

This is where a lot of gift-givers go wrong. They buy a cheap ring light that reflects in the user's glasses and washes out their skin. Don't do that.

The Better Choice: Lighting is everything. A small, diffusable panel light like the ones from Lume Cube or Elgato will do more for their production value than a new camera ever will. If you really want to impress them, get them a microphone that looks as good as it sounds. The Shure MV7+ is still the king of the hill here. It has that classic broadcast look that signals "I know what I'm doing" to viewers, and it has USB connectivity so they don't need a complicated audio interface to get started.

The Verdict

It feels strange to say, but the era of the audio-only purist is fading. We are visual creatures, and the tech giants have successfully pivoted "podcasting" into just another form of television.

When you are looking for gifts this year, think about the environment the person is in. Are they watching on a train? They need ANC headphones. Are they watching in the kitchen? Maybe a smart display like the Echo Show or Google Nest Hub is actually the best "podcast player" you can buy them.

Just don’t get hung up on the terminology. Whether it’s Seth Meyers or a couple of friends in a basement, content is content. Buy the gear that makes consuming it a pleasure, not a chore.