According to a forecast from August 2023 on global podcast consumption, the number of podcast listeners worldwide has steadily increased and is predicted to rise even further. In 2023, the number of podcast listeners worldwide amounted to over *** million internet users, while this number was predicted to grow to more than *** million in 2027.

Introduction

Podcast Statistics: The popularity of podcasts is growing quickly around the world. By the end of 2024, it's expected that over 504.9 million people worldwide will listen to podcasts. On average, people spend about seven hours a week listening to their favorite podcasts. Popular platforms like Apple and Spotify draw millions of listeners each day.

By 2025, Apple is likely to have 29.2 million listeners, while Spotify is expected to reach 42.4 million. Let's take a closer look at more interesting Podcast Statistics and numbers about podcasts and how they are used around the world and in the United States.

Podcasts have become a popular way for people to learn, entertain themselves, and stay updated on various topics. More people listen to podcasts every year, and the industry is growing fast. With millions of episodes available, podcasts cover almost every subject, from news and education to health and storytelling.

This article explores key podcast statistics, including the number of people who listen, their favorite topics, and how podcast trends are changing. It also examines the growth of the podcast industry and how creators make money from their content. Understanding these statistics helps businesses, advertisers, and creators see how podcasts are shaping the way people consume information and entertainment in today’s digital world.

The number of monthly podcast consumers in the United States has been growing steadily. According to estimates, around *** million people consumed podcasts of any format in the month prior to the survey. This marked an increase of around ** million Americans. For the first time, these estimates included both audio and video podcasts, compared to previous years, when the data only covered audio consumption.

Introduction

Podcast Statistics: Podcasts have become a significant medium for information and entertainment, revolutionizing content consumption globally. In 2024, the global podcast market reached USD 30.03 billion.

A podcast is an audio program available on the internet, typically released in episodes, allowing users to download and listen on demand, enhancing accessibility. In the United States, 67% of individuals aged 12 and older have listened to a podcast, with 47% engaging monthly and 34% weekly. Globally, podcast listenership is projected to reach 504.9 million by 2024, indicating a steady upward trend.

Demographically, 59% of U.S. individuals aged 12-34 are monthly podcast listeners, followed by 55% aged 35-54, and 27% aged 55 and above. The medium's appeal is further evidenced by 46% of weekly podcast listeners reporting product or service purchases based on podcast advertisements. Additionally, 23% of weekly listeners spend 10 hours or more engaging with podcasts each week. These statistics underscore podcasts' expansive reach and influential role in modern media consumption.​

In 2024, a survey on podcast consumption revealed that ** percent of U.S. adults had either listened to or watched a podcast within the last month, a figure which has more than tripled over the past decade. Weekly podcast consumption has also sharply increased, and some of the world’s leading podcast publishers achieve millions of unique streams and downloads per month. Podcast consumption in the U.S. Once a niche format, podcasts have now become part of the mainstream media landscape. Between 2011 and 2025, the share of Americans who had ever consumed a podcast almost tripled, growing from ** to ** percent. As podcasts have grown in popularity, so has the variety of content available in the format. Some of the more popular podcast genres are music and comedy, but tens of millions of U.S. households have fans of sports, science, news and arts podcasts too. Podcasts are often also used as part of marketing strategies or to generate engagement between bloggers, news publications, or even different departments within a company. Like most forms of modern media, podcasts frequently include ads, and podcast ad revenue reached over *** billion U.S. dollars in the United States in 2023. By 2024, it is expected that advertising revenue in this sector will grow by around *** million each year and will exceed *** billion U.S. dollars in 2026. For U.S. consumers, podcasts are not just a source of inspiration or a way to escape from daily life but also an opportunity to educate themselves. In a survey held in early 2019, the majority of respondents said that their main reason for listening to podcasts was to learn new things. There are podcasts on philosophy, history, travel, and business, as well as much more including content aimed solely at educating children.

According to a survey held in early 2025 in the United States, ** percent of respondents aged 12 to 34 years old had listened to a podcast within the preceding month, compared to ** percent of those aged 55 or above. Adults in the latter age category have been increasing their podcast listening consistently for years, to a point where respondents aged 35-54 almost caught up on the younger age category. Podcasts are gaining popularity This increased monthly podcast consumption shows the growing prevalence of the format in the United States. A survey on podcast consumption found that in 2012 only ** percent of U.S. respondents had ever listened to an audio podcast, but this figure increased annually and reached ** percent in 2025, by then also including video podcast consumption. Although this rise in popularity is significant, it might also reflect the generational gap in podcast consumption, with younger consumers tuning in more regularly than their older counterparts. In 2021, the share of Millennial podcast consumers in Canada and the U.S. amounted to ** percent, with Boomers only making up ** percent. Video podcasts The recently rising popularity of video podcasts also led to changes in platform usage among podcast consumers. YouTube has taken over the lead from Spotify as the main platform used to access podcasts in the United States as of April 2024, when the streaming platform attracted ** percent of podcast consumers, compared to ** percent for the Swedish competitor. YouTube's newly achieved competitive position in podcasting becomes even more obvious, when considering that almost two in three weekly podcast consumers associated the platform the most with watching and listening to podcasts. Only ** percent said the same about Spotify.

It was estimated that in 2024 there will be *** million podcast listeners in Latin America, which will put the region almost on par with North America that year and set it up to surpass it by the end of 2027. Interestingly, China is expected to see similar numbers to Latin America in 2027, albeit starting much lower in 2023 - at *** million podcast listeners.

The global podcast market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach a substantial size. While the exact CAGR is unavailable, considering the rapid expansion of digital audio content consumption and increasing podcast listener engagement, a conservative estimate of 15% annual growth from 2025 to 2033 seems reasonable. This would translate to significant market expansion. Given a 2025 market size of $4097.2 million, this growth trajectory points to a considerable increase in market value by 2033. Several factors fuel this growth. The increasing accessibility of podcasts through various platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) and devices (mobile, desktop) contributes significantly. Moreover, the diverse range of podcast formats, including interviews, conversations, and storytelling, caters to a wide audience with varied preferences. The continuous evolution of podcasting technology and the emergence of innovative monetization strategies further contribute to market expansion. However, challenges remain. Competition among podcast platforms is intense, and listener acquisition and retention necessitate consistent high-quality content creation. Furthermore, effective monetization strategies beyond advertising remain crucial for podcast creators' financial sustainability. The market segmentation reveals that interview and conversational podcasts are prominent, underscoring the listener preference for interactive and engaging content. Geographical distribution demonstrates that North America and Europe represent key markets currently, though the Asia-Pacific region shows substantial growth potential as internet penetration and smartphone usage rise. The competitive landscape is dominated by established players and emerging platforms, constantly striving for audience engagement and market share.

The global podcast market, currently valued at $2.461 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.9% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. The increasing accessibility of podcasting through diverse platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and others fosters broader listener adoption. The rise of smart speakers and mobile devices has significantly enhanced consumption convenience, while diverse podcast formats (e.g., interviews, news, comedy) cater to a broad spectrum of interests. Furthermore, the monetization strategies employed by podcasters, including advertising, sponsorships, and subscriptions, are proving increasingly successful, driving investment and market expansion. The development of sophisticated analytics tools allows for better audience targeting and content optimization, further accelerating the sector's growth. However, challenges remain, including ensuring consistent high-quality content creation, managing copyright issues, and competing for listener attention in an increasingly crowded media landscape. Competition within the podcasting industry is intensifying. Established players like Spotify and Apple Podcasts maintain significant market share through their established user bases and integrated platforms. However, newer entrants and independent podcasters constantly challenge the market leaders. Technological advancements will play a crucial role in shaping future growth. The integration of AI and machine learning for personalized recommendations and content creation, alongside advancements in audio technology offering superior sound quality, will be pivotal factors in determining market leadership in the coming years. The successful navigation of these challenges and the exploitation of emerging opportunities will be critical for sustained growth and profitability in the podcast market.

According to data from February 2022, 32.5 million people in the United States were said to listen to podcasts on Spotify that year, while Apple had 28.5 million podcast listeners. Spotify's and Apple's figures were projected to add up to 42.4 million and 29.2 million by 2025, respectively.

According to a study from August 2022 on podcast consumption worldwide, 40.8 percent of internet users in North America listened to a podcast at least once a month. In comparison, podcast consumption in Western Europe was slightly lower with 28.1 percent during the same period. Overall, the share of podcasts consumers among internet users is to increase further until 2026.

Snapshot img

Podcast Market Size 2025-2029

The podcast market size is forecast to increase by USD 33.44 billion at a CAGR of 39.9% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, fueled by the increasing proliferation of podcast platforms and the rising use of data analytics for targeted content and advertising. This dynamic market is characterized by intense competition among podcast service providers, as they strive to cater to the diverse and inconsistent user preferences. Advertisements have emerged as a significant revenue stream, with advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies enabling targeted advertising and transcription technology enhancing accessibility. The availability of a wide range of podcast genres and topics, coupled with advanced analytics capabilities, enables providers to deliver personalized content and targeted advertising, enhancing user experience and engagement.
However, this competitive landscape poses challenges for companies seeking to differentiate themselves and maintain a loyal user base. Effective strategies for content creation, user engagement, and data-driven marketing will be essential for companies looking to capitalize on the opportunities presented by this evolving market. With the proliferation of subscription-based services and playback devices, such as media players, computers, IPods, and mobile phones, podcast listeners have unprecedented access to a wide range of content.

What will be the Size of the Podcast Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
Request Free Sample

In the dynamic market, reach and impact continue to soar, with podcast partnerships and sponsorship opportunities driving growth. Podcast advertising networks optimize ad formats, including pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll, to maximize ROI for advertisers. Audio mastering ensures high-quality sound, while podcast content repurposing and syndication expand reach across various platforms. Podcast downloads and plays remain key engagement metrics, with podcast charts and ratings shaping listener preferences.
Podcast collaboration, sound design, and cross-promotion foster community and innovation. Podcast apps provide convenience, while podcast video content adds visual appeal. Podcast ad rates vary based on audience size and demographics, making it essential for businesses to assess potential returns before investing. Media players, computers, iPods, mobile phones, and smartphones enable easy access to audio learning resources and podcast directories.

How is this Podcast Industry segmented?

The podcast industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Type

  Interviews
  Conversational
  Solo
  Panels
  Repurposed content


Genre

  News and politics
  Society and culture
  Comedy
  Sports
  Others


Platform

  Streaming services
  Dedicated podcast apps
  Web-based platforms
  Smart speaker integration


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada
    Mexico


  Europe

    Italy
    Spain
    Sweden
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The interviews segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market is experiencing significant growth and innovation, with interview-led shows playing a pivotal role in audience engagement. Podcasts cater to diverse consumer interests, from business and technology to entertainment and wellness. Interviews feature dynamic conversations between hosts and a range of guests, including experts, industry leaders, celebrities, and everyday individuals with captivating experiences. This format fosters authenticity and connection, enabling listeners to explore various narratives and gain valuable expertise. Podcast production software, technology, and editing tools facilitate seamless content creation and distribution. Consumption habits continue to evolve, with listeners embracing shorter and longer episodes.

Content marketing, sponsorships, and transcription services enhance podcast monetization strategies. Ethical considerations, branding, and community building are essential components of podcast business models. Hosting platforms, licensing, and distribution networks ensure widespread access to diverse podcast content. Innovation in podcast technology, transcription, and monetization continues to shape the industry landscape. Furthermore, blockchain technologies have also entered the podcasting space, providing secure and decentralized distribution channels for podcasts.

Download Free Sample Report

The Intervie

A survey conducted in the United States in 2023 revealed that younger generations are more likely to be daily or weekly podcast listeners. On top of that, 35 percent of Millennials stated to listen to podcasts daily. Only ten percent of the baby boomer generation stated the same. A similar picture drew itself concerning weekly listenership, with Millennials being the leading podcast listening generation.

According to a January 2024 survey of users in the United States, one-third of respondents reported they enjoyed their podcasts as audio content. In comparison, 25 percent of respondents reported they preferred video podcasts. Approximately 30 percent of respondents among U.S. consumers reported their choice depended on the content they were consuming.

The number of podcast listeners in China was estimated to surpass 150 million with a 12.4 percent of year-over-year growth rate in 2025. Storytelling and conversational podcasts were the most popular content types among Chinese podcast audience.

The global podcast market is experiencing explosive growth, projected to reach a value of $6.08 billion in 2025 and maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 29.08% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. The increasing accessibility of podcasting technology, coupled with the rising popularity of on-demand audio content, has broadened the market's reach significantly. Diverse podcast genres, catering to a wide range of interests from news and politics to comedy and sports, attract a large and diverse listener base. Moreover, the monetization strategies employed by podcasting platforms, including advertising, subscriptions, and sponsorships, are proving effective, further fueling market growth. The strategic partnerships between podcasting platforms and established media companies are also contributing to market expansion, facilitating wider distribution and content creation. The market is segmented by podcast type (interviews, conversational, solo, panels, repurposed content) and genre, reflecting the diverse landscape of audio content available. Major players like Spotify, Amazon, and iHeartMedia are aggressively pursuing market share, utilizing a range of competitive strategies including exclusive content deals and technological advancements to improve the listener experience. Despite the significant growth, the podcast market faces some challenges. Competition among podcasting platforms is intense, necessitating continuous innovation and investment in technology and content. Furthermore, maintaining consistent audience engagement and monetizing content effectively remain key hurdles for smaller podcast creators. The fluctuating economic conditions might also influence advertising revenue, affecting the financial sustainability of some players. However, the overall outlook remains positive, with the podcast market predicted to continue its robust growth trajectory in the coming years, propelled by advancements in audio technology, increasing smartphone penetration, and evolving consumption habits of digital media. Geographical expansion into emerging markets also represents a significant opportunity for future growth. North America and Europe currently hold significant market share, yet the APAC region shows strong potential for future development.

In Italy, the podcasts audience has significantly increased over the last years, going from 10.3 listeners in 2018 to 17.2 million listeners in 2024. In the recent years the number of podcast enthusiasts has grown by roughly one million per year.

Nearly half of American teenagers listened to a podcast in 2020, a recent survey found. Children aged 13 to 17 were the most likely to have listened to a podcast, with 48 percent of respondents in the age group having done so. However, younger children were also likely to use this media form, with one in five kids aged six to eight reporting listening to podcasts.

In recent years, monthly podcast consumption in the United States has gained in popularity, both with male and female consumers. The most recent data gathered in 2025 also showed both audio podcast and video podcast consumption combined. Just as in previous years as well, men were more likely to consume podcasts every month than women in 2025, reaching a share of 57 percent, compared to 52 percent among women.

According to a 2023 survey, 52 percent of 18 to 24 year-olds and 40 percent of 25 to 34 year-olds in the United States said they enjoyed streaming music and podcast content. The age group which enjoyed the audio content the least was 55 years and older, with 31 percent of U.S. respondents saying they enjoyed listening to online music or podcasts.