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.
In a word: More. More listeners, more shows, more genres. Now, let’s dig into the data.
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.
When it comes to listening, “podcast” is pretty much always a plural noun. Audiences are regularly making time to listen to multiple shows.
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.
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.
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.
Podcasts are accessible and convenient, providing stimulation and inspiration as audiences move throughout their day.
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.
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.
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.
Over eight in 10 podcast listeners download or stream a podcast episode less than 48 hours before consuming it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.