Podcast Reports
Insights
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Success in entertainment comes down to one thing more than any other: your audience. No matter the line up, the writing, the production value, or what the critics say about how it all comes together, your success comes down to attracting an audience and cultivating a following.
Luckily, “podcasts” and “audience connection” are almost synonymous. Podcast listeners are finding companionship and community in the medium—and these factors are contributing to everything from audience growth to cross-channel consumption.
To help you better understand the audience, let’s get into the podcast listening insights and trends we’re seeing in 2025. For this one, we’re tapping the annual Podsurvey Podcast User Study from SiriusXM Media. Each year, the audio company surveys its large audience of podcast listeners ages 18 and up.
Here’s what podcasters need to know.
Podcast Listening Behavior
In a word: More. More listeners, more shows, more genres. Now, let’s dig into the data.
Growing Audiences
Over two in three Americans ages 12 and up are monthly podcast listeners—that’s 55% of the US population. But even with significant audience growth in just the last year, 48% of listeners have been tuning into podcasts for 10 years or more. So, though the audience is growing, many listeners are long-time fans who aren’t going anywhere.
Loving Multiple Shows
When it comes to listening, “podcast” is pretty much always a plural noun. Audiences are regularly making time to listen to multiple shows.
- One is never enough. 73% of podcast listeners listen to or watch multiple different podcasts on a given day or week.
- On their schedule. 70% choose to listen to or watch podcasts based on their schedule and what they’re doing.
- Part of the routine. 65% have a routine of listening to or watching the same shows each week.
- Can’t-miss entertainment. 61% never miss an episode of their favorite podcasts.
Genre Hopping
People are nuanced, and so is their listening behavior. Soccer moms who put on a society & culture podcast while running errands may switch over to true crime during a workout. And Gen Z men may tune in to both sports and politics, depending on their mood and mindset.
- Multifaceted listeners. 5.8 is the average number of genres podcast fans listen to.
- Top 5 genres:
- Comedy
- Society & culture
- TV & film
- Politics
- True crime
Listening Together
When it comes to podcast listeners, you may be getting more than you bargained for—and that’s a good thing. Though often thought of as a solo activity, many people who tune in to podcasts have co-listened with friends and family.
- Wider audience. 44% of podcast listeners participate in any co-listening.
- Sharing and caring. 35% listen with a partner, spouse, or significant other.
- Bonding with friends. 14% listen with friends.
- It’s family time. 10% listen with their kids.
Podcast Listening Benefits
Yes, podcasts are a source of entertainment, but they’re more than that for listeners. People who consume podcasts also enjoy the convenience and versatility of the medium. And when it comes to the benefits, listeners cite everything from ease of access to conversation staters.
Companionship and Motivation
Podcasts are accessible and convenient, providing stimulation and inspiration as audiences move throughout their day.
- Constant companion. 71% of podcast listeners say podcasts are easy to access no matter what their day brings.
- Motivation and encouragement. 55% say podcasts improve productivity (e.g. while doing chores, working out, etc.).
Information and Conversation
From clickbait headlines to highly edited interviews, audiences are increasingly wary of traditional media. And they’re turning to podcasts for more thorough reporting and storytelling.
- In-depth conversations. 63% say podcasts provide access to more in-depth conversations and interviews than other media.
- Trusted sources. 45% say they provide access to reliable and factual information.
- Active involvement. 38% say podcasts make them feel like they’re part of the conversation.
Community and Connection
Podcast fans don’t just consume podcasts; they make them a part of their conversations and connections with friends and family in addition to tapping into a larger community through channels like social media.
- Shared values and interests. 52% say podcasts feel like a reflection of their values, interests, and identity.
- Building community and connection. 44% say podcasts connect them to a community of likeminded people.
- Going beyond the show. 41% say podcasts allow them to connect with their favorite creators across different formats (audio, video, social media).
- Up for discussion. 35% say they are easy to share and discuss with friends and family.
Podcast Consumption Habits
Podcast consumption isn’t just growing; it’s evolving. But no matter how audiences are consuming the content, one thing is clear: Podcast fans are ravenous for more.
Listening within 48 Hours
Over eight in 10 podcast listeners download or stream a podcast episode less than 48 hours before consuming it.
- In real time. 61% download or “stream” in the moment when they plan to listen or watch.
- Within 24-48 hours. 22% download an episode 24-48 hours before they plan to listen or watch.
- Saving for later. 17% download an episode more than 48 hours before planning to listen or watch.
Watching is Up, but Listening Wins
Video podcasts are on the rise, and visual platforms like YouTube are increasingly attracting podcast fans. Even so, though 47% of the podcast audience ever watch video podcasts, over half are audio-only podcast consumers.
- Audio only. 53% of the podcast audience only listen to podcasts.
- Mostly listening. 39% mostly listen to audio podcasts but watch some video podcasts.
- Mostly watching. 2% mostly watch video podcasts but listen to some audio podcasts.
- Equal time. 5% listen to and watch podcasts equally (half video, half audio).
A Need for Speed
From how to when audiences consume podcasts, it’s all about convenience and personal choices. And that includes the speed at which fans listen. Listening at faster speeds is on the rise, giving audiences the opportunity to squeeze more content into their routines.
- In no rush. 53% of podcast listeners never listen at faster speeds.
- Picking up the pace. 47% have ever listen to podcasts at faster speeds.
- Speed demons. 21% always or frequently listen to podcasts at faster speeds
Podcast Host Preferences
Now that you have insight into podcast consumption behavior, here’s what you’ve been waiting for. Let’s get into what podcast audiences look for in the podcasters they follow.
Speaking Up and Speaking Out
Podcast hosts have a major impact on podcast consumption—67% of listeners say the host plays a huge role in which podcasts they choose to listen to or watch. Audiences prefer when hosts are authentic and uncensored, valuing their transparency and honesty.
- Unfettered and unfiltered. 75% of podcast listeners say they appreciate it when hosts are authentic and uncensored.
- Open and honest. 68% value the transparency and honesty of their favorite podcast host(s).
- Making a difference. 63% say they appreciate it when hosts use their platform for social good.
- Taking a stand. 51% appreciate it when hosts take a stand on social or political issues.
Big Names and Everyday People (like you)
It’s not all about household names and podcasting legends, nearly six in 10 listeners tune in to podcasts that are hosted by everyday people. And 62% of listeners say they don’t care whether a show is hosted by a celebrity or a person they’re unfamiliar with, as long as the content is entertaining.
Here’s a rundown of the most popular types of hosts that podcast listeners follow:
- 69% listen to comedians
- 58% listen to everyday people
- 55% listen to journalists
- 36% listen to thought leaders/experts (e.g., doctors or scientists)
- 35% listen to film or TV actors
- 35% political analysts
- 32% listen to authors
- 32% listen to celebrities
- 25% listen to social media personalities
- 13% listen to musicians
- 11% listen to athletes
- 9% listen to sports announcers
Finding Connection
If you’ve learned anything by now, it should be that the podcast audience isn’t passive. They’re consuming content on their terms, based on their interests and desires. Given the level of personal choice that goes into the podcast selection process, it’s no surprise that audiences are feeling a personal connection to the hosts.
- Deeper than other media. 49% of listeners say they feel a deeper connection to podcast hosts than to other media personalities.
- Feels like friendship. 48% say the host feels like they could be their friend.
- Two-way communication. 43% of listeners say they appreciate it when hosts incorporate listener feedback into their content.
- Getting personal. 43% say podcasts help them get to know hosts on a more personal level.
Following Fast
The podcast audience isn’t just watching and listening to podcasts, they’re actively seeking out the shows and host they love across channels, following them on an average of 2.4 platforms.
Here’s a break down of the platforms podcast fans use for connecting with hosts:
- 57% use Instagram
- 41% use YouTube
- 26% use Patreon
- 24% use email newsletters
- 18% use Facebook
- 17% use TikTok
- 16% use X/Twitter
- 15% use Substack
- 10% use Discord
- 5% use Twitch
- 1% use Snapchat
Takeaways for Podcasters
Podcast listeners are all in on the medium. They’re ready to make shows like yours a part of their everyday lives. And as the audience gets bigger, long-time fans aren’t going anywhere. For podcasters, that means there are plenty of people ready to be a part of your fandom.
Audiences are turning to podcasts for more than entertainment and distraction—they’re looking for companionship, information, and community. As you build your show, tell your stories, and grow your following, find ways to connect with your audience and spark engagement.
And remember, podcasting is a level playing field. Some of the biggest names in the space today were everyday people just a few short years ago.
Ready to Reach Your Audience?
Now that you have insight into podcast listening behavior and trends, it’s time to launch your podcast (or take it to the next level). Whether you’re new to podcasting or looking for a better platform, Simplecast is here to help you get your show out into the world. And with robust audience analytics, you’ll have the tools you need to grow your fanbase.
Start your podcast today with our free trial. And when you’re ready to go pro (as in monetize/make some money), check out Simplecast Professional.