Podcasting isn’t just a trend anymore—it’s a global movement. With millions of shows and billions of streams, podcasts have become a go-to source of entertainment, education, and connection for people around the world.

In this report, we break down the most exciting podcast statistics for 2025, covering both sides of the mic. Whether you're a listener curious about who’s tuning in and why, or a creator exploring growth, production, and monetization trends, you’ll find the latest insights here. From audience behavior and top genres to active podcast counts and creator challenges—this is your all-in-one guide to the state of podcasting today.

We update this content every quarter to keep it fresh and relevant—what you're reading now is the Q2 2025 edition.

Latest Podcast Statistics and Trends for 2024/2025

• Over 4.52 million podcasts exist globally, in 2025.
• The market is currently valued at $23.56 billion.
• Around 1 in 4 internet users listen to podcasts.
• 66% of consumers today prefer podcasts over TV.‍
• Joe Rogan is widely accepted as the most popular podcaster.

Global Podcast Listeners Statistics

• By 2023, there were over 464 million podcast listeners worldwide, projected to reach 651 million by 2027.
• In 2025, the number of podcast listeners is estimated at 584 million.

Podcast Listeners by Country

Podcasts have captured hearts worldwide, yet some countries indulge more than others. 

Country with the Largest Podcast Audience

• In 2006, only 22% of the adult population in the United States was aware of podcasting. 
• Starting from a modest 12% of Americans ages 12 and older listening to podcasts in the past month in 2013, this number rose to 42% in 2023. 
• Weekly podcast listenership also increased from 7% in 2013 to 31% in 2023.

Podcast Audience & Demographics

In this section, we will dive into some interesting statistics about listeners' demographics.

Listener Statistics by Age Group

• Based on the age of podcast listeners worldwide in 2023, 48% are 12-34, 35% are 35-54, and 18% are over 55.
• Based on the age of podcast listeners in the US in 2023, 36% are 12-34, 30% are 35-54, and 34% are over 55 years old.
• Gen Z Discovers Podcasts twice as fast as other age groups. Younger groups of podcast listeners are also more likely than their elders to engage with podcasts in different ways, such as by following the podcast or its host(s) on social media or by trying something (like a movie or a lifestyle change) because of something they heard on a podcast.
• 47% of Gen Z are monthly podcast listeners, 28% listen to podcasts nearly every day, 21% listen to podcasts for more than 10 hours a week, and 83% have ever recommended podcasts to their friends or family.
• Mental health is at the top of Gen Z's mind, and podcasts provide this outlet.
• Gen Z takes action and engages with brands after hearing podcast ads.

Kids as Podcast Listeners

• 63% of kids aged 6-12 are aware of podcasts.
• 46% of kids aged 6-12 have ever listened to podcasts.
• 74% agree that podcasts make family car rides more fun.
• 94% of kids aged 6-12 who listened to a podcast in the last month say they learn new things from podcasts.

Listener Statistics by Gender

• In recent years, men have tended to listen to podcasts slightly more frequently than women. 
• In 2023, the number of women podcast listeners has grown. 
• However, overall, both genders contribute to a significant number of podcast listeners, resulting in a relatively balanced listenership between men and women. 

Podcast Listener Behavior

Here we will explore what gadgets are used by listeners, when they prefer to listen to podcasts, and what main reasons are behind it.

How Do People Listen To Podcasts

• People tune into podcasts using a variety of gadgets: tablets, digital music players, and voice-activated speakers.
• Smartphones are the top pick for listening to podcasts, with 75% of people choosing them. 
• Laptops and desktops are less popular, with only 13% of listeners using them. 
• Regarding how we listen, 71% choose the privacy of headphones, while 29% enjoy listening through speakers with others.

When Do People Listen to Podcasts

• 49% listen to podcasts while doing household chores (e.g., cleaning, tidying up, doing the dishes).
• 42% listen to podcasts while commuting to/from work (e.g., driving yourself or using public transport).
• 29% listen to podcasts while working out/doing sports.
• 25% listen to podcasts while being out for a walk.
• 21% listen to podcasts before going to sleep/while sleeping.
• 15% listen to podcasts at work.
• 14% listen to podcasts while eating.
• 11% listen to podcasts while waiting in line (in the store, post office, coffee shop).

Why Do People Listen to Podcasts in the US

According to research conducted in 2022, these are the main reasons for podcast listening.

• For encouragement and inspiration - 27%
• To hear other people's opinions - 30%
• While doing something else - 52%
• For entertainment - 60%
• To learn - 55%

Podcast Listening Platforms & Apps

• Spotify is the biggest podcast platform, with a 33.7% share (32.5 million listeners in the United States). It hosts over 5 million podcasts. This huge number indicates the significant role of audio content beyond music​​.
• Following closely behind, Apple Podcasts commands a substantial 27.6% share (28.5 million podcast listeners). Apple Podcasts has 2,757,012 active podcasts listed on the platform.
• Other significant players in the podcast streaming space include iHeartRadio with a 6.2% share, Google Podcasts with 3.6%, Amazon Music with 2.7%, and CastBox with 1.5%.

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Podcast Creators Global Statistics

Podcasting has never been simpler, and millions are stepping behind the mic. Advances in recording equipment, editing software, and AI-enabled platforms have lowered the barrier to entry to make it simpler than ever to begin and host a podcast.

Podcast Content Trends

As podcasting matures, creators are experimenting with new formats and styles to keep listeners engaged. Short-form episodes (under 15 minutes) are becoming more common, especially in daily news, self-help, and quick-tip genres. Narrative-driven podcasts and scripted fiction series are also seeing a resurgence, blending storytelling and sound design in ways that feel cinematic. There is a new trend of interactive podcasts, where listeners can participate through polls, voice messages, or follow-up questions, strengthening the creator-audience relationship.

Podcast Creation and Production Trends

More people are starting podcasts than ever, but there's also a shift toward quality over quantity. Creators are investing in better sound equipment, professional editing, and branded intros/outros to stand out in a crowded space. Collaboration is rising too—co-hosted podcasts and guest-heavy formats help cross-promote and grow audiences. There’s also an increase in multi-format production, where episodes are published in both audio and video, maximizing reach across platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok. AI tools are now a regular part of the creation workflow, helping with scripting, transcriptions, and even generating cover art.

Podcast Creation Growth Trends

The quantity of new podcasts is on the rise. In 2024 alone, over 300,000 new podcasts were put out. This shows that creators are still extremely interested in entering the market, especially in niche and localized genres with less competition.

Popular Podcast Genres Statistics in the US

Podcasts cover various genres, catering to diverse interests and preferences. From true crime and storytelling to comedy, education, and business, there's something for everyone in the podcasting world. 

Comedy is the most favored, with 22% of US podcast listeners interested in tuning in for laughs. Following closely behind are news, true crime, and sports, demonstrating the varied preferences among audiences.

Fastest-Growing Podcast Categories

Some categories are growing faster than others. Podcasts related to mental health, self-improvement, finance, and tech have seen a surge in both production and audience size. Mental health podcasts, in particular, have doubled in number over the last two years.

Top Podcasts and Shows

With millions of shows to choose from, certain podcasts continue to dominate due to loyal audiences and strong storytelling. These include global hits like The Joe Rogan Experience and er Daddy, along with niche favorites that build dedicated fan bases. Podcasts hosted by celebrities or based on popular books and films also consistently chart high.

Joe Rogan Experience Is The #1 Podcast In The World

Over its 14-year existence, The Joe Rogan Experience has amassed 2,355 episodes. This impressive count encompasses various editions such as the regular JRE podcasts, JRE MMA Shows, Fight Companions, and Fight Recaps/Breakdowns, as well as podcasts recorded on a Plane, in a Car, in Paradise, or in a Hotel Room, alongside specials like Joe Rogan Questions Everything, among others.

• JRE #1530 with Duncan Trussell is the longest JRE podcast of all time. It was released on August 31, 2020, and is 5 hours and 19 minutes long.
• The top 10 most-watched episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast on YouTube account for around 368 million views.

You know that famous clip where Elon Musk smoked a joint? It occurred during one of Joe Rogan's podcasts and became a pretty memorable moment, turning into a meme as well.

The Midnight Gospel podcast show

• On March 11, 2024, The Midnight Gospel ranked the #1029 most popular show online and the #185 most popular TV show on Netflix. 
• This eight-episode animated sci-fi show, created by Adventure Time's Pendleton Ward, is an adaptation of Duncan Trussell's Family Hour podcast. Comedian and writer Duncan Trussell's podcast delved into spirituality, religion, and philosophy.
• Released on Netflix on April 20, 2020, it is the first animated production from Ward for Netflix. 
• It sets actual podcast interviews between Trussell and various guests into surrealistic adventures, typically telling a story alongside the real podcast audio through the environment and extra voice work by Trussell and the guests of the original podcast.

Total Number of Podcasts vs. Active Podcasts

Even though there are over 4.5 million podcasts, not all of them are active. Only around 450,000–500,000 podcasts are actively producing new content as of 2025. Many shows stop updating after fewer than 10 episodes, a phenomenon often referred to as “podfade.”

Average Podcast Episode Count

The average podcast publishes approximately 21 episodes before becoming inactive. For having an active and successful podcast you need a standard release schedule, which sustains and grows the audience.

Release Frequency & Schedules

Most active podcasts release one episode per week, which aligns well with audience preferences. Weekly releases balance consistency with production time and help maintain listener interest. Daily podcasts are more common in news and current events categories.

Most Popular Podcast Release Times

Monday and Tuesday mornings are the most popular times for releasing episodes. Releasing early in the week increases the chances of listener engagement throughout the week, especially during commutes and work breaks.

Podcasting Software and Tools

Top tools for podcast creation include Podcastle, Audacity, GarageBand, Descript, and Adobe Audition for recording and editing. Buzzsprout, Podbean, and Anchor are popular hosting platforms. AI tools like ChatGPT and Whisper are also widely used for scripting, transcription, and editing support.

Statistics on the Top Podcasts' Download Numbers

1. Spotify: Leads with 39,577,771 downloads, accounting for 36.6% of all downloads.
2. Apple Podcasts: Follows closely with 36,496,629 downloads, representing 33.8% of the total downloads.
3. Web Browser: Records 6,289,202 downloads, making up 5.8%.
4. Apple iTunes: Has 2,516,976 downloads, constituting 2.3% of the overall downloads.
5. Google Podcasts: Achieved 2,127,987 downloads, approximately 2.0% of the total downloads.
6. Buzzsprout Embed Player: Total 2,033,049 downloads, or 1.9% of all downloads.
7. Castbox: Amasses 1,880,608 downloads, around 1.7% of the total.
8. Pocket Casts: Gathers 1,261,687 downloads, about 1.2% of the total.
9. Overcast: Notches 1,226,207 downloads, just over 1.1% of the total.
10. Your Buzzsprout Site: Hosts 999,272 downloads, nearly 0.9% of the total downloads.

Podcaster Challenges & Success Metrics

Common challenges include growing an audience, maintaining consistency, monetization, and podcast discoverability. Metrics like downloads per episode, listener retention, and social shares are used to track success. A steady increase in loyal listeners often indicates a podcast is on the right track.

Podcast Discoverability Challenges

With so many shows around, it's more difficult than ever to be found. Bad SEO optimization, bad titles/descriptions, and not posting on social media are great roadblocks. More and more podcasters are taking the time to conduct keyword research and cross-promotion to be heard more.

Video and Cross-Media Podcasting

In recent years, video podcasts or vodcasts have gained popularity because they are able to provide an interface of audio and video content suitable for a wide range of people. 

Big players like Spotify and Apple have embraced video podcasting features, which indicates strong market demand for this platforms.

Here are noteworthy statistics regarding video podcasts:

• A survey conducted by podcast hosts found that only 17% of podcast hosts incorporate video recording alongside their audio episodes.
• The survey revealed that a mere 10% of podcasters opt for live broadcasts.
• The escalating number of video podcasts is evident. In November 2022, the Podcast Index listed 39,194 video podcasts, which surged to over 50,800 in May 2023.

Animated Series Podcasts Overview

The majority of podcasters are constantly searching for new and exciting methods of expanding their listener base. Converting audio into cartoon is not only entertaining but also very interesting.

• Growing Interest: Podcasts of animated series are becoming more popular, reflecting the increasing interest in animated content.
• Diverse Content: Various content is present in these podcasts, ranging from reviews to behind-the-scenes, to cater to various interests of the audience.
• Audience Engagement: Fans actively participate in discussions and provide feedback, often using social media platforms to interact with hosts.
• Variety of Platforms: Animated series podcasts can be found on major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Netflix, as well as specialized ones like Stitcher and Podbean.

Podcast Monetization & Ad Effectiveness

Studies and researches by Loopex Digital prove that podcast ads stick in people's minds better than digital ads, leading to higher conversion rates. With customizable ad formats like host-read ads and branded podcasts, ads feel natural and less disruptive.

In 2024, the global ad revenue hit $2.8 billion, and it’s projected to reach $3.5 billion by the end of 2025. Host-read ads still lead in effectiveness, followed by dynamically inserted ads that target users by demographics or behavior.

Statistics on Podcast Monetization Strategies

• Podcast ads grab people's attention: 64% of listeners focus entirely on them, and 95% take action afterward. 
• Ad options vary from quick 15 to 60-second spots to more tailored segments and even full episode sponsorships. 
• 46% of listeners say that, compared to other formats, podcast ads are "not intrusive at all."

Also, when companies add podcasts to their marketing strategies, they often see better results across the board, proving that podcast ads work well alongside other types of advertising.

Statistics on Podcasts' Cultural Impact and Industries

• The release of the "Barbie" film triggered a 967% increase in related podcast streams on Spotify, demonstrating podcasts' power to amplify cultural events.
• 58% of Gen Z listeners view podcasts as their primary connection to modern culture, underscoring the medium's relevance to younger demographics.
• During the Eurovision Song Contest, related podcast streams surged by 492%, showing podcasts' ability to engage audiences with current events.
• Advertisements in podcasts benefit from the medium's intimate nature. 58% of listeners' engagement with a podcast translates to the ad experience. Additionally, 1 in 10 listeners who visit an advertiser's site after a podcast ad make a purchase.

Impact of Podcasts on Purchasing Decisions

Studies have shown that podcast listeners are more likely to consider and purchase products or services advertised during podcasts, highlighting the significant impact of this medium on consumer behavior.

• Podcasters are more influential than social media influencers.
• 79% of listeners say podcasts motivate them to be better versions of themselves.
• 86% of heavy listeners agree that podcasts motivate them to be better versions of themselves.
• 68% say they have a deep connection with their favorite podcasters.
• 77% say they have made wiser decisions because of what they have heard in a podcast.

Podcast Trust, Engagement, and Authority 

Podcast marketing is a fantastic way to build trust and expertise in advertising. Podcasts create a special connection with listeners, making them feel like a personal conversation. For creators, they're a chance to share knowledge and stories, establishing themselves as leaders in their field.

• Podcasts are becoming trusted sources of news and information. 
• On average, fans listen to 9 weekly episodes, with about 19% tuning into 11 or more shows. 
• A 2022 survey shows that 68% of listeners stick around for the episode.
• In 2021, global podcast listeners surpassed 1.7 billion, showcasing the medium's growing popularity. 
• A survey found that 62% of podcast listeners will likely buy a product or service advertised during a podcast. 
• A podcast receives about 130 downloads per episode in the first 30 days.

AI in Podcasting

Recently, podcasting has been changing, especially with the rise of AI narration. This tech makes creating content easier and cheaper, as it can produce high-quality audio. Podcasters can use AI voices to read their scripts, giving their podcasts a professional sound even on a tight budget.

• In 2021, AI technology enabled 80% of marketers to dedicate more time to creative tasks within podcasting.
• Over 70% of B2B marketers intend to boost their utilization of AI tools for podcast marketing in 2021.
• Approximately 60% of advertisers are contemplating the adoption of AI for personalized podcast ad experiences.
• More than half of Spotify users discover new podcasts through its AI-driven recommendation engine.
• Nearly half (49%) of podcasters use AI to generate topic ideas.
• The most popular tools among podcasters include Whisper, Chat GPT, Descript, and podcastmarketing.ai.
• Around 40% of podcasters use AI tools to improve their podcasts, especially in tasks like episode transcription and personalized content creation.
• About 57% of podcast listeners have tried AI-powered features like personalized recommendations or voice controls, which enhance the listening experience and keep audiences engaged.

The Benefits of Using AI For Podcasts

One key benefit of using AI in podcasting is cost savings. AI can cut podcasting costs by up to 50% by automating transcription, editing, and audience analysis tasks.

• AI voice synthesis aids those with visual impairments by converting written text into spoken words, facilitating easier access to audio content.
• AI voice synthesis swiftly creates diverse audio content, eliminating the need for human voice actors and enabling multilingual podcasts.
• AI voice synthesis cuts costs for podcasters by removing expenses related to voice actors, recording equipment, and post-production editing.

What are the Negative Impacts of AI on Podcasts

• Technology has become so advanced that it can produce audio files indistinguishable from human voices. This raises concerns about the spread of false information or propaganda using AI-generated content, which could harm society.
• Advancements in technology allow for replacing human voice actors with AI-generated voices, potentially leading to job losses in the voice-over industry.
• AI voice synthesis sometimes needs more authenticity and emotional depth of a human voice, resulting in robotic-sounding content lacking the warmth and personal touch that human voices provide. Though technology has improved significantly, there's still a noticeable gap.
• AI voice synthesis enables the creation of audio recordings using people's voices without their consent, raising privacy concerns.

Podcast Statistics: Main Questions Answered

How many podcasts are there in 2025?

As of 2025, there are over 4.52 million podcasts available globally. However, only around 450,000 to 500,000 are actively publishing new episodes.

How many episodes does the average podcast last?

The average podcast publishes about 21 episodes before going inactive. Successful podcasts often continue well beyond that, especially those with consistent release schedules.

How many people listen to podcasts?

In 2025, an estimated 584 million people worldwide listen to podcasts. This number is projected to grow to 651 million by 2027, showing the medium’s continued popularity.

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