As of 2021, there were over 19.1 million podcast listeners in the United Kingdom (UK). The audience is growing steadily as the popularity of podcasts increases, with estimate of over 28 million listeners by 2026.

Podcast listening behavior and UK trends Over the past decade, podcasts have become one of the most popular forms of (audio) entertainment in the UK. While podcast reach and consumption are as high as ever, podcasts are still most widespread among young audiences, with close to 40 percent of UK listeners aged 26 to 35 listening to podcasts on a weekly basis. Correspondingly, a recent survey showed that smartphones are by far the most commonly used device to listen to podcasts. When asked about their podcast listening behavior, a large share of UK audiences stated that they primarily listened to podcasts while driving or traveling.

What is the most popular podcast genre in the UK? Audiences can choose from an ever-expanding catalogue of podcast genres, titles, and formats. Recent surveys indicated that sports and comedy were the most popular podcast genres with male listeners in Great Britain, while comedy and music were the leading genres among female listeners. Overall, News and Weather and Desert Island Discs ranked as most popular radio programs and podcasts in the UK, with 48 and 36 percent of listeners having a positive opinion of these shows in 2020.

According to a survey on podcast consumption in the United Kingdom in 2024, 34 percent of respondents who listened to podcasts at least once a month did so while doing housework. Another 43 percent stated that they consumed podcasts while they were at home relaxing.

This statistic shows the result of a survey on weekly podcast listening in the United Kingdom in the first quarter of 2020, broken down by age. According to the survey, more than one out of three respondents aged between 26 and 35 years said they listened to podcasts on a weekly basis.

The device most commonly used to listen to podcasts in spring 2024 in the United Kingdom (UK) was the smartphone as 78 percent of podcast listening time was via smartphones. Laptops were the second most used device, with 11 percent of podcast listening time. What do people do while listening to podcasts? Podcasts have become extremely popular in the UK in recent years. But what are people doing while they listen? Most people listen to podcasts while driving/travelling, and many also just listen while relaxing or doing nothing in particular.   Podcasts still not the most listened to audio Although podcasts have gained popularity, they’re still not the most listened to audio. Live radio and TV viewing are the most common types of audio that people listen to weekly. The most positively rated radio and podcasts in the UK include Desert Island Discs and Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2.

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Podcast Market Size 2024-2028

The podcast market size is forecast to increase by USD 15.71 billion at a CAGR of 29.08% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing proliferation of podcast platforms and the rising use of data analytics for targeted content and advertising. This trend is fueled by the intense competition among podcast service providers, leading to innovative features and improved user experiences. However, inconsistent user preferences pose a challenge, requiring providers to continually adapt and offer diverse content to cater to a broad audience. These factors contribute to the dynamic and evolving nature of the market.

What will be the Size of the Podcast Market During the Forecast Period?

Request Free SampleThe market continues to experience robust growth, driven by the increasing popularity of on-demand audio content. 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. Publishers and media streaming platforms have responded by producing an expansive library of offerings, catering to diverse interests, including education, teaching, business, entertainment, and niche topics like crime, daily horoscopes, and more. 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 market's reach extends beyond traditional media, with podcasts offering businesses a direct line to their audience and providing educational learning opportunities for users. Overall, the market is poised for continued expansion, driven by the convenience, accessibility, and engaging nature of audio content.

How is this Podcast Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The podcast industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments. TypeInterviewsConversationalSoloPanelsRepurposed contentGenreNews and politicsSociety and cultureComedySportsOthersGeographyNorth AmericaCanadaUSEuropeUKSpainSwedenAPACSouth AmericaMiddle East and Africa

By Type Insights

The interviews segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market is a growing industry that caters to a diverse audience through various formats, with interviews being a popular choice. Podcasts provide access to a vast array of topics, including business, technology, entertainment, and wellness. Interviews offer unique insights, perspectives, and captivating stories through conversations between hosts and guests, who can range from industry experts and celebrities to everyday individuals. This format fosters a sense of connection and authenticity, allowing listeners to engage with a wide range of narratives and expertise. Subscription-based content, premium services, and interactive podcasts are available on various media players, computers, iPods, mobile phones, and streaming platforms.Publishers, advertisers, and content creators leverage advanced technologies like AI, blockchain, transcription, and content recommendation services to optimize content production and reach the right audiences. Podcasting software and IT infrastructure support the cloud segment and advertising services, while podcast hosting platforms and distribution channels facilitate content creation and promotion. Podcast genres span news and politics, society and culture, comedy, sports, interviews, panels, and repurposed content.

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The Interviews segment was valued at USD 631.43 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 52% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The North American the market significantly contributes to the global industry's growth and innovation. With a substantial presence in content creation, consumption trends, advertising, and podcast platforms, North America sets the stage for podcasting's evolution. Influential podcast creators, production companies, and media organizations based In the region have shaped the landscape with high-quality productions, such as The Joe Rogan Experience and Serial. These podcasts have amassed global audiences and set new standards for engagement. Subscription

Young consumers in the United Kingdom are more likely to listen to podcasts, and this trend is growing. In 2024, 56 percent of respondents aged 18 to 34 years old said they listened to podcasts on a monthly basis, while a year earlier this figure stood at 47 percent.

Entertainment was the most popular podcast genre among the 25 to 34 year-olds in the United Kingdom in 2022, with 79 percent of listeners. Additionally, comedy ranked second, with 78 percent of respondents saying that they listened to the genre.

We give you the data, stats, and insights to help you make sense of the podcast industry. The latest insights from the top podcast sources.

According to a study from 2024 on podcast consumption in the United Kingdom, discussion and talk shows were the favorite genre among female respondents, with a share of 76 percent. The second most popular genre was entertainment, with a share of 75 percent of respondents tuning in to each genre.

More adults than ever are turning to podcasts as a source of daily news, a form of entertainment and inspiration to learn new things. Global podcast listeners are expected to reach a new high in 2022 at 424 million consumers worldwide and is estimated to increase further to over 800 million users in 2025, per Statista. With an endless variety of topics and categories, podcasts offer deep dives into the minds of industry thought leaders through interviews. Its broad appeal and strong listener engagement present a truly unique opportunity for brands to engage with consumers.

This website is dedicated to providing guidance and information on the conventions and standards used in podcasting. Its goal is to help podcasters and hosters understand which conventions are being followed in the podcasting community, and to provide ...

This is data from Podnews's server [], showing currently used useragents for our RSS feed, which is used for our podcast. It's updated daily. We use and contribute to OPAWG's RSS useragent list. This page shows all our podcast RSS feeds (we give some ...

According to a study on podcast consumption in the United Kingdom in the first half of 2023, 36 percent of podcast listening hours on Spotify were spent listening to comedy podcasts. Another 20 percent was spent listening to society and culture podcasts.

Significant fluctuations are estimated for all segments over the forecast period for the number of listeners. Overall, the number of listeners appears to follow a positive trend, as there are more increasing values than decreasing values expected in the individual segments until 2029. Among them, the segment Digital Music achieves the relatively highest value throughout the entire period, reaching 55.91 million users. Find other insights concerning similar markets and segments, such as a comparison of countries or regions regarding revenue and a comparison of revenue in the United States. The Statista Market Insights cover a broad range of additional markets.

As of 2019, over half of the podcast listeners were sightseers, at 55 percent. While 40 percent of podcast listeners were interested in low-intensity activites during their holidays, 14 percent preferred high-intensity activities.

Entertainment was the most popular podcast genre among 45 to 54 year-olds in the United Kingdom in 2024, with 76 percent of the respondents naming it as their favorite genre. In addition, podcast within the genre news and current affairs accounted for 72 percent, ranking second.

A survey of podcast listeners in the United Kingdom conducted in May 2024 shows that 31 percent of Gen Z listeners spent up to three hours per week with this medium. The same was true for 43 percent of 35- to 54-year-olds and 49 percent of podcast listeners over the age of 55 years.

According to a study from 2022 on podcast consumption in the United Kingdom, 48 percent of respondents listen to podcasts in order to learn something new or improve understanding of something they already know about. Another 39 percent listen to podcasts to relax.

As of 2019, a share of 31 percent of listeners had a mortgage compared to 24 percent of non-listeners. That same year, 15 percent of podcast listeners used an independent financial adviser (IFA).

News and current affairs was the most popular podcast genre among male listeners in the United Kingdom in 2024, with a share of 77 percent of regular podcast listeners saying that they listened to podcasts from the genre. It was closely followed by entertainment and comedy, to which 76 percent and 74 percent of respondents listened to respectively.