Every day, half a billion people tune into podcasts.
The podcast industry has grown into a $31 billion market, with platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple capturing 64% of all listening. This article breaks down the numbers that matter: listener growth trends, platform market share, and advertising revenue projections reaching $4 billion in 2024.
For business leaders and decision-makers, our analysis covers four key areas: Global Market Growth, Listener Demographics, Platform Distribution, and Listening Behavior Trends. These insights will help you spot opportunities in the rapidly evolving podcast landscape.
Top 6 Podcast Market Size Statistics (Editor’s Picks)
We’ve handpicked 20+ of the latest podcast market size statistics, facts, and trends. Here are 6 that we believe will blow you away.
| 1 | The podcasting market surpassed $31.26 billion |
| 2 | The number of podcast listeners worldwide is expected to reach 651.7 million by 2027 |
| 3 | U.S. podcast ad spending is expected to hit $2.56 billion |
| 4 | Podcast ad spending worldwide is set to reach $4.02 billion |
| 5 | 33% of U.S. monthly podcast listeners prefer YouTube for podcasts |
| 6 | 70% of U.S. podcast listeners use their smartphones to tune in |
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Podcast Market Size Statistics
The number of podcast listeners worldwide reached 546.7 million (Notta)
Podcast audiences continue to grow as more people turn to on-demand audio for entertainment and education. With streaming platforms expanding their podcast offerings, listener numbers are expected to rise even further.
An estimated 135 million people in the U.S. listened to a podcast in the last month (2024) (Backlinko)
Podcasting continues to be a popular form of entertainment and information, with millions tuning in regularly. As platforms invest in exclusive content and user-friendly experiences, monthly listener numbers keep climbing.
The number of podcast listeners worldwide is expected to reach 651.7 million by 2027 (Demandsage)
Podcast audiences continue to grow as streaming platforms expand their offerings and new content creators enter the space. With more listeners discovering podcasts across different genres, global adoption is set to rise.
| Year | Podcast Listeners Worldwide |
| 2023 | 506.9 million |
| 2024 | 546.7 million |
| 2025 | 584.1 million |
| 2026 | 619.2 million |
| 2027 | 651.7 million |
U.S. podcast ad spending is expected to hit $2.56 billion in 2024 (Notta)
Podcast advertising continues to grow, with brands projected to spend $2.56 billion this year. As listener numbers rise and engagement stays strong, advertisers are investing more in this fast-growing medium.
Podcast ad spending worldwide is set to reach $4.02 billion in 2024 (Meetanshi Technologies)
Brands around the world are increasing their investment in podcast ads, pushing global spending past $4 billion. The rise of on-demand audio and highly targeted ads makes podcasts a valuable space for marketers.
The podcasting market surpassed $31.26 billion in 2024 (Research Nester)
Podcasting has grown into a massive industry, reaching a market size of over $31 billion this year. With more listeners, ad revenue, and platform investments, the industry shows no signs of slowing down.
Here’s a quick view at monthly podcast listeners in the US since 2008:
| Year | Share of Monthly Podcast Listeners (US Population 12+) |
| 2008 | 9% |
| 2009 | 11% |
| 2010 | 12% |
| 2011 | 12% |
| 2012 | 14% |
| 2013 | 12% |
| 2014 | 15% |
| 2015 | 17% |
| 2016 | 21% |
| 2017 | 24% |
| 2018 | 26% |
| 2019 | 32% |
| 2020 | 37% |
| 2021 | 41% |
| 2022 | 38% |
| 2023 | 42% |
| 2024 | 47% |
Podcast ad spending is expected to hit $5.03 billion globally by 2027 (Podsqueeze)
The podcast advertising market keeps growing, with spending projected to exceed $5 billion in just a few years. As listener numbers rise and ad formats evolve, brands continue to invest in this highly engaging medium.
Popular Podcast Platforms
YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts make up 64% of weekly podcast listening in the U.S. (Meetanshi Technologies)
These three platforms dominate the podcast space, capturing the majority of weekly listeners. With YouTube’s visual edge, Spotify’s music-podcast mix, and Apple’s long-standing presence, they continue to shape how people consume audio content.
33% of U.S. monthly podcast listeners prefer YouTube for podcasts (EMARKETER )
More than a third of podcast listeners in the U.S. choose YouTube as their go-to platform. With its video format and easy accessibility, YouTube continues to blur the line between audio and visual content.
24% of U.S. podcast listeners prefer Spotify for their podcasts (Exploding Topics)
Nearly a quarter of podcast listeners in the U.S. say Spotify is their go-to platform. With exclusive shows, personalized recommendations, and seamless music-podcast integration, Spotify continues to be a major player in the space.
Here’s a complete list of preferred podcast platforms in the US:
| Podcast Platform | Share of Monthly Podcast Consumer |
| Youtube | 33% |
| Spotify | 24% |
| Apple Podcasts | 12% |
| Pandora | 7% |
| Amazon Music | 6% |
| iHeartRadio | 6% |
| SiriusXM | 4% |
| Stitcher | 1% |
| Other | 4% |
| None of the above | 4% |
Spotify hosts over 6.5 million podcast titles (Spotify)
With a massive library of over 6.5 million podcasts, Spotify offers something for every listener. From niche topics to mainstream hits, its growing collection keeps users engaged and coming back for more.
Podcast Listening Behavior Trends
70% of U.S. podcast listeners use their smartphones to tune in (Backlinko)
For most podcast fans, the smartphone is the device of choice, with 70% using it to listen. Its convenience, on-the-go accessibility, and seamless app integration make it the easiest way to stay connected to favorite shows.
Only 12% of U.S. podcast listeners use a laptop or desktop (RiversideFM)
Podcast listening is overwhelmingly mobile, with just a small percentage—12%—using laptops or desktops. With convenience and portability driving listening habits, mobile-first platforms continue to dominate.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most used devices for podcast consumption:
| Device Most Used | Share of Weekly Podcast Listeners |
| Mobile Phone | 70% |
| Computer/Laptop | 12% |
| TV | 7% |
| Tablet | 5% |
| Smart Speaker | 5% |
36% of weekly podcast listeners stick to audio-only podcasts (AdTonos)
Even as video podcasts gain traction, audio remains a strong preference for many listeners. Without the need for a screen, audio-only content allows for easier listening on the go.
33% of podcast listeners prefer watching video podcasts (Lower Street)
One in three podcast listeners say they actively watch video podcasts instead of just listening. With platforms like YouTube making video content more accessible, podcasts are evolving beyond audio-only experiences.
31% of podcast listeners prefer playing video podcasts in the background (EMARKETER)
Nearly a third of podcast consumers like having the video running while they listen, even if they’re not actively watching. This mix of audio and visual content gives them flexibility while using their devices.
Comedy is the top podcast genre worldwide, accounting for 30% of listening time (RiversideFM)
With millions tuning in for laughs, comedy podcasts have the biggest share of total listening hours. Lighthearted content and engaging hosts make comedy a go-to choice for listeners across the globe.
Podcast Listeners Demographics
62% of Americans aged 12 and older have listened to a podcast (Exploding Topics)
Nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population, aged 12 and up, have tuned into a podcast at least once. As podcasts continue to grow in popularity, they are becoming a mainstream part of everyday media consumption.
47% of the U.S. population aged 12 and older are monthly podcast listeners—an all-time high (Statista)
Podcasting has reached record levels of popularity, with nearly half of Americans tuning in every month. As more listeners make podcasts part of their routine, the industry continues to grow across all age groups.
47% of podcast listeners are between the ages of 12 and 34 (Loopex Digital)
Nearly half of all podcast listeners fall within the 12-34 age group, making younger audiences the biggest segment. With engaging content across entertainment, education, and pop culture, podcasts continue to attract a new generation of listeners.
Here’s the recent data for share of US podcast listeners by age:
| Year | Age 12-34 | Age 35-54 | Age 55+ | Average |
| 2019 | 42% | 36% | 17% | 32% |
| 2020 | 49% | 40% | 22% | 37% |
| 2021 | 56% | 39% | 26% | 40% |
| 2022 | 50% | 43% | 22% | 38% |
| 4-Year Average | 49% | 40% | 22% | 37% |
Conclusion
From advertising and audience growth to platform innovation, podcasting’s trajectory points upward. Consider this: a $31 billion market size, 651.7 million projected listeners by 2027, and ad spending approaching $5 billion globally. These aren’t just numbers – they represent a fundamental shift in how people consume content. The future of audio is on-demand, and podcasting leads the way.
FAQ
How big is the podcasting market?
The podcast market is worth $31.26 billion in 2024. Over 546.7 million people worldwide listen to podcasts.
How many Americans listen to podcasts?
135 million Americans listened to podcasts in the last month, representing 47% of the U.S. population aged 12 and older.
Which podcast platforms are most popular?
YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts dominate with 64% of weekly podcast listening in the U.S. YouTube leads with 33% of listeners, followed by Spotify at 24%.
How do most people listen to podcasts?
70% of podcast listeners use their smartphones to tune in. Only 12% use laptops or desktop computers.
What’s the most popular podcast genre?
Comedy is the top podcast genre worldwide, accounting for 30% of total listening time.
