The State of Podcasting in 2025
In 2025, one question continues to dominate industry discussions: Is podcasting still growing?
After explosive growth in the early 2020s, many wondered whether the medium would plateau or evolve into something entirely new.
The short answer is yes, podcasting is still growing, just not in the same way it did before. What once was a niche medium for hobbyists and tech enthusiasts has now become a global communications channel, influencing everything from media and marketing to education and public policy.
But growth today is more sophisticated. Rather than counting just the number of new podcasts or downloads, the focus has shifted toward listener quality, engagement, monetization, and trust.
Let’s break down the numbers and trends that show how podcasting continues to thrive in 2025 and what that means for brands, creators, and professionals.
The Big Picture: Global Listener Growth
According to the latest data, global podcast listenership surpassed 570 million in 2025, representing a 12% year-over-year increase from 2024. This growth, while slightly slower than the boom of 2020–2022, shows steady, sustainable expansion.
In the United States, podcasts remain mainstream, with 64% of adults saying they have listened to a podcast at least once, and 45% reporting that they listen monthly. Weekly listenership has grown to 32%, an all-time high.
What’s fueling this continued growth? Accessibility and diversity. Podcasts are now integrated into smart devices, streaming apps, and car dashboards.
Listeners can consume content on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube without friction.
Globally, markets such as India, Brazil, and Southeast Asia have seen double-digit listener growth rates.
These regions are catching up fast due to improved mobile data access and a growing appetite for locally produced content in native languages.
The Market Is Expanding, But Maturing
Podcasting is no longer the “wild west” of audio. It has matured into a structured, data-driven industry with measurable ROI and predictable audience behavior.
The Shift from Quantity to Quality
There are now over 4.2 million active podcasts worldwide, but the number of new shows being launched annually has stabilized.
While fewer new podcasts are debuting, existing shows are becoming more consistent, producing higher-quality content, and maintaining loyal audiences.
This maturity means the space is less about “launching a show” and more about building authority and nurturing communities.
Advertisers Are Spending More Than Ever
Podcast advertising revenue continues to surge, surpassing $5 billion globally in 2025.
According to IAB, brands have realized that podcast audiences deliver some of the highest engagement and conversion rates among digital media formats.
Podcast ads are effective because listeners trust hosts. In fact, 72% of listeners say they would consider buying from a brand mentioned in a podcast they follow.
This trust factor continues to make podcasting an essential part of brand marketing strategies.
Audience Behavior: More Loyal, More Intentional
In 2025, podcast listeners are not casual scrollers, they are intentional consumers.
The typical listener subscribes to an average of 7 shows and listens to about 8 episodes per week, spending roughly 7 hours weekly on podcast content.
This indicates a shift from passive entertainment to purposeful engagement.
Listening Habits Are Evolving
- Time of day: Most listening still happens during commutes and workouts, but there has been an increase in evening listening through smart TVs and home speakers.
- Device usage: 63% of listeners now consume podcasts through mobile apps, while 22% use desktop or smart speakers.
- Video podcasts: Over 40% of listeners prefer podcasts with a video component, further validating the hybrid content trend.
This evolution highlights a critical point: podcasting is no longer just audio, it’s a multimedia experience.
Platform Power Shifts: YouTube Takes Center Stage
The rise of YouTube as the dominant podcast platform has transformed the ecosystem. In 2025, YouTube holds about 38% of global podcast consumption, outpacing Spotify (24%) and Apple Podcasts (16%).
Why is this happening? The answer lies in discoverability. YouTube’s algorithm and visual search capabilities make it easier for users to stumble upon new shows.
Moreover, younger audiences especially Gen Z, prefer the visual storytelling and short-form clip potential that YouTube provides.
This trend has encouraged creators and agencies to adopt a “video-first” mindset. For brands, the implication is clear: repurpose your podcast for both audio and visual audiences to maximize reach.
Monetization and ROI: Stronger Than Ever
The question “Is podcasting profitable?” is now answered with a resounding yes.
In 2025, more than 60% of podcasters report generating income directly from their shows, whether through sponsorships, brand collaborations, or premium subscriptions. Monetization models have become more diversified, including:
- Dynamic ad insertion: Advertisers can target specific listener segments based on demographics and interests.
- Listener-supported models: Patreon and subscription platforms are thriving, with fans funding exclusive episodes and bonus content.
- Affiliate and performance marketing: Podcasters are seeing better conversions from integrated recommendations compared to traditional ads.
Brands, too, are benefiting. Podcast ad campaigns consistently outperform digital banners or social media ads in recall and engagement metrics.
The Role of Trust and Authenticity
Podcasting remains one of the most trusted media formats in 2025. According to multiple studies, 68% of listeners trust podcast hosts more than traditional media personalities.
This level of credibility gives podcasts a unique advantage in an era of misinformation and skepticism toward mainstream outlets.
Listeners view podcasts as authentic, transparent, and personal. Hosts often share real experiences, making them feel like friends rather than advertisers. For thought leaders, authors, and CEOs, this trust translates into long-term brand authority.
For more on how trust in podcasts compares to other media, see our related article How Podcast Trust Compares to Other Media in 2025.
The Global Expansion of Podcasting
The international podcast market is growing faster than ever.
- India: Now ranks among the top three countries in total podcast listeners, driven by mobile-first users.
- Latin America: Brazil and Mexico have seen a surge in Spanish and Portuguese-language podcasts with cultural and educational themes.
- Europe: Countries like Germany and Sweden continue to lead in monetization, with strong ad ecosystems.
Global brands are localizing podcasts to reach multilingual audiences.
This cross-border expansion reinforces the staying power of podcasts as an adaptable and scalable communication medium.
What Slower Growth Really Means
Yes, podcast growth rates have slowed compared to the explosive years of 2020–2022. But this isn’t a sign of decline, it’s a sign of maturity.
The market has stabilized, and listener engagement has deepened. Fewer new shows are launching, but those that do are higher quality and more intentional.
Ad budgets have shifted from experimentation to long-term investment.
Think of it this way: the industry has moved from adolescence to adulthood. It’s no longer about “how many” podcasts exist but “how well” they connect with audiences.
Why Brands Should Still Invest in Podcasting
For professionals, business owners, and advocates, podcasting remains one of the most effective platforms for visibility and trust-building.
Here’s why:
- Podcasts build authority: Regular guest appearances or hosting your own show positions you as an expert in your field.
- Podcast audiences convert: Listeners are more likely to take action based on recommendations from hosts they trust.
- Podcasts are evergreen: Episodes continue to attract new listeners long after publishing.
Even as newer media formats like AI-generated content and immersive audio emerge, podcasting continues to hold a unique place rooted in authenticity and human connection.
The Future of Podcast Growth
Looking ahead, the future of podcasting will be shaped by three forces:
- AI and personalization: Smart algorithms will curate episodes based on mood, interest, and context.
- Interactive formats: Expect polls, Q&A sessions, and live listener integration to grow.
- Branded storytelling: More companies will launch their own podcasts as thought leadership channels.
These trends point to a more interactive, personalized, and global future for the medium.
Podcasting’s Growth Has Evolved, Not Ended
So, is podcasting still growing in 2025? Absolutely. But growth now looks different, it’s smarter, more sustainable, and built on audience loyalty and authenticity.
At Command Your Brand, we believe that the power of podcasting lies in its ability to shape narratives, build trust, and amplify voices that matter. The data proves it’s not just alive, it’s thriving.
If you want to reach an audience that listens, trusts, and takes action, podcasting is still one of the best platforms to do it.
Ready to get your message heard? Book a call with Command Your Brand and discover how we can help you grow your influence through podcast guesting and strategy.
And for a deeper look into the data behind the industry, read Podcast Statistics 2025 and Why It Matters for Professionals, Business Owners & Advocates.
