57 New Podcast Listeners Stats To Know In 2025

The podcasting world has exploded in recent years, with over 500 million people now tuning in globally and more joining every single day. 

In fact, by the end of 2025, that number is expected to climb even higher as podcasts continue to shape how we learn, relax, and stay informed on the go.

But those are just the headlines. The real story lies in the numbers behind how people listen, who’s tuning in, where they’re listening from, and what keeps them coming back. 

In this article, we’re diving deep into the latest podcast listeners stats to reveal just how far this industry has come—and where it’s heading next.

General Podcast Listeners Stats

Podcasting has become one of the fastest-growing forms of media in the world. 

Over 460 million people now listen to podcasts globally, and that number continues to rise each year as more people discover how easy and enjoyable it is to tune in anytime, anywhere. 

Whether for learning, entertainment, or relaxation, podcasts are now a regular part of everyday life.

Here are the general podcast listeners stats you need to know.

1. Global podcast listenership reached 546.7 million in 2024, up from 464.7 million in 2023, marking an 8.6% year-over-year growth.

2. In the United States, 158 million people (55% of those aged 12 and older) are monthly podcast listeners, setting a new record high.

3. Millennials and Gen Z comprise 61.6% of U.S. podcast listeners, highlighting the medium’s strong appeal among younger audiences.

4. The average podcast listener spends approximately 7 hours per week listening to podcasts, indicating deep engagement with the content.

5. About 59% of listeners consume podcasts while doing something else, such as driving, cleaning, or exercising.

6. 40% of listeners discover new podcasts through in-app search functions, with friends, family, and internet searches also being popular methods.

7. There are more than 4.2 million podcasts available worldwide, containing a wide variety of topics and formats to cater to diverse listener interests.

8. Approximately 74% of listeners tune in to podcasts to learn something new, while 71% listen to be entertained.

9. Smartphones are the go-to device for podcast listening, with 73% of Americans using their mobile phones to access podcast content.

10. According to Keywords Everywhere, podcast platforms like Spotify receive approximately 30.8 million organic search visits each month.

Total Podcast Listener Stats

As of 2025, more than 500 million people around the world are listening to podcasts. In the U.S. alone, over 130 million are monthly listeners, and that number keeps climbing. 

These figures show just how far podcasting has come—from a niche hobby to a mainstream media giant reaching every corner of the globe.

Below, we’re sharing the most important total podcast listeners stats.

11. As of 2025, an estimated 158 million people in the United States listened to a podcast in the last month, marking an increase from 135 million monthly podcast listeners in 2024.

12. This means that 55% of Americans aged 12 and older are now monthly podcast listeners, representing an all-time high share to date.

13. Globally, the number of podcast listeners reached 584.1 million in 2025, up from 546.7 million in 2024, indicating a 6.84% year-over-year increase.

14. According to Insider Intelligence, the number of global podcast listeners is expected to reach 619.2 million by 2026, continuing the steady rise seen over the past few years.

15. In the United States, 70% of individuals aged 12+ have listened to a podcast at some point, showcasing the medium’s widespread reach.

16. While the United States and Canada currently lead the podcasting space with the highest listener counts, emerging markets like China and Latin America are quickly catching up — and are predicted to surpass North America in listener numbers between 2025 and 2026.

Podcast Listeners Demographics Stats

Podcast listeners come from all walks of life. Nearly half are between 12 and 34 years old, while around 45% are from non-white backgrounds. 

The gender gap is shrinking too, with more women becoming regular listeners each year. This wide range shows how podcasting is reaching far beyond early adopters and tech fans.

Here are the podcast listeners stats highlighting who is listening and how diverse the audience has become.

17. In the United States, 59% of individuals aged 12–34 listened to a podcast in the past month, making this age group the largest segment of podcast consumers.

18. 55% of U.S. listeners aged 35–54 reported monthly podcast consumption in 2024. Among U.S. listeners over the age of 55, 27% are monthly podcast consumers, indicating growing adoption among older demographics.

19. As of 2024, 51% of U.S. podcast listeners are male, while 49% are female. This shows a near-equal gender split among podcast listeners.

20. In 2024, 48% of Black Americans and 43% of Latino Americans in the U.S. reported listening to podcasts monthly.

21. Podcast audiences tend to be well-educated; over 66% have a college degree, with 28% holding a university degree. Specifically, in the U.S., 49% of monthly podcast listeners are college graduates, compared to 44% of the general population.

22. Affluence correlates with podcast listenership; 56% of monthly podcast listeners in the U.S. have an annual household income exceeding $75,000, compared to 48% of the general U.S. population.

23. 17% of full-time working podcast listeners earn between $100,000 and $150,000 annually.

Podcast Listening Frequency Stats

Listening to podcasts has become a regular habit for many people. Nearly 80% of listeners in the U.S. say they tune in weekly, and the average person listens to more than eight episodes per week. 

Whether daily or several times a week, podcasts have found a steady place in people’s routines.

Here are the podcast listeners stats that show how often people are pressing play and building it into their everyday lives.

24. Approximately 42% of podcast listeners tune in to their favorite shows weekly, while 21% listen daily.

25. On average, podcast listeners consume about 8.3 episodes per week, reflecting the medium’s ability to capture and retain audience attention over multiple sessions.

26. In the United States, 34% of adults listen to podcasts weekly, and 23% spend over 10 hours listening each week.

27. Among U.S. podcast listeners, 41% are considered heavy listeners, having started listening within the past year, while 30% have been listening for 2–3 years, and 29% for over 4 years.

28. In India, podcast consumption peaks on Fridays, with most people listening in the morning and evening during their commutes.

29. According to a survey by YouGov, 14% of dedicated podcast fans say they listen to their favorite shows at least once a day or even more frequently.

30. In the broader entertainment landscape, listening to audio content like podcasts ranks as the sixth most popular activity among U.S. adults, coming right after playing video games.

Podcast Listening Location Stats

Podcasts follow people through their entire day. About 60% of listeners tune in at home, 30% in the car, and another 20% while walking or working out. 

This flexibility makes podcasting different from other forms of media—you can take it anywhere and fit it into whatever you’re doing.

Below are the podcast listening location stats that reveal where people are most likely to tune in.

31. 49% of podcast listening in the United States occurs at home, making it the most common location for consuming podcasts.

32. About 28% of U.S. adults listen to podcasts while driving, stressing the popularity of podcasts as a companion during commutes and travel.

33. In the United States, 73% of podcast listeners use their smartphones to access content.

34. Only 13% of Americans listen to podcasts on a desktop or laptop.

35. Globally, 86.1% of people prefer to listen to podcasts on mobile devices, showing the universal trend towards mobile consumption of audio content.

36. Women are most likely to listen to podcasts while cooking or baking, with 35% saying it’s their preferred time to tune in, while 32% of men say they usually listen while playing sports or working out.

Common Podcast Listening Method Stats

Smartphones are still the top way people listen to podcasts, with nearly 70% using mobile devices and popular apps like Spotify or Apple Podcasts. 

However, more listeners are using smart speakers and car systems, showing how podcast access is expanding across different technologies.

Here are the common podcast listeners stats explaining how people listen and what tools they rely on most.

37. Apple iPhones are the leading podcast listening devices, accounting for 64.9% of usage, followed by Android phones at 22.8%.

38. Apple Podcasts is the number one podcast listening app, capturing 37.5% of the market, with Spotify closely following at 33.2%.

39. As of April 2025, Apple Podcasts leads as the most popular platform for audio-only podcasts with 37.7% of listeners, followed closely by Spotify at 31.4%.

40. When video podcasts are included, YouTube takes the top spot with 31% of users, while Spotify comes next at 21% and Apple drops to 12%.

41. On average, about 70% of people choose to listen to podcasts using their mobile or tablet. Interestingly, this number jumps to 88% among Apple Podcasts users, while it drops to just 54% for those who prefer listening through YouTube.

42. Desktop and laptop usage for podcast listening remains relatively low, with only 12% of listeners using these devices.

Podcast Discovery Source Stats

Finding the right podcast can come from many places. 

Around 30% of people say they rely on recommendations from friends or family, while others find new shows through social media, podcast platforms, and guest appearances on other podcasts. 

Discovery is a key part of how the podcast world keeps growing.

Below are the podcast discovery source stats that show how people find new podcasts and what drives listenership.

43. YouTube has now become the leading platform for podcast discovery, with 48% of listeners finding new podcasts there.

44. Search engines play a big part, with 30% of new podcast listeners using them to find shows. This highlights the importance of SEO in podcast discoverability.

45. Word-of-mouth continues to play a vital role, as 19% of listeners rely on recommendations from friends and family to discover new podcasts.

46. Social media platforms contribute to discovery, with 17% of listeners finding new podcasts through these channels.

47. Host recommendations influence 6% of listeners, indicating that endorsements within podcasts can sway audience choices.

48. Advertisements on other audio programs lead 7% of listeners to new podcasts, showcasing the effectiveness of cross-promotion.

Main Reasons People Listen to Podcasts

People listen to podcasts for more than just entertainment. About 74% of listeners say they want to learn something new, while 71% say they’re in it for fun. Others use podcasts to relax, get inspired, or feel less alone. 

The emotional connection listeners have with podcasts is one of the reasons this format is so powerful.

Here are the main reasons people listen to podcasts and what they hope to get from the experience.

49. A big 74% of podcast listeners tune in to acquire new knowledge or skills.

50. Entertainment remains a primary motivator, with 71% of listeners enjoying podcasts for fun and amusement.

51. 60% of podcast enthusiasts listen to stay informed about current events and trending topics, indicating the medium’s role in news consumption.

52. 51% of listeners use podcasts as a means to unwind and de-stress, showing the therapeutic benefits of audio content.

53. 47% of podcast consumers seek motivation and inspiration through their listening choices.

54. 24% of individuals listen to podcasts to combat loneliness and feel a sense of connection.

55. 30% of listeners engage with podcasts to gain diverse perspectives and insights.

56. 29% of podcast audiences rely on the medium to keep up with the latest news and developments.

57. 24% of listeners use podcasts as a form of escapism, delivering a break from daily routines.

Conclusion

From massive global listenership to daily habits and diverse discovery methods, podcasts are no longer just a trend—they’re a core part of how people consume content today. 

Whether for learning, entertainment, or escape, the demand is growing fast and shows zero signs of slowing down.

It’s clear that podcasting opens the door to deeper connections and untapped opportunities. And as these podcast listeners stats prove, the best time to invest in podcasting is now.