Podcasting continues to grow, and staying ahead of the latest trends and data is crucial for creators, advertisers, and industry professionals. At Blubrry, we’ve examined these trends for you, analyzing the most important podcast statistics shaping the industry in 2025. We trust Edison Research and Pew Research Center data, and this is what we found:
Podcast Popularity and Listener Demographics
According to Edison Research’s Infinite Dial 2025, approximately 104 million Americans (36% of the U.S. population age 12+) are weekly podcast listeners. This marks a significant increase from previous years, demonstrating podcasting’s continued growth as a mainstream media channel.
Breaking down podcast listening by age groups, Edison Research reports that 56% of listeners are between 12-34 years old, 43% are between 35-54 years old, and 22% are 55+. The youngest demographic (12-34) continues to show the strongest engagement with podcasting, though growth is occurring across all age ranges.
How Listeners Engage With Podcasts
When asked why they listen to podcasts:
- 74% of podcast listeners say they listen to be entertained
- 71% listen to learn new things and stay informed about topics they’re interested in
- 61% say they listen to podcasts to stay up to date with the latest news
- 51% tune in to podcasts to relax or unwind
- 47% listen to feel connected to people with similar interests
According to Edison Research’s latest data, podcast listeners show strong engagement with their favorite shows, with the average listener consuming 5-6 podcast episodes per week. This represents a significant investment of time and attention, demonstrating the medium’s ability to create deep, lasting connections with audiences.
The State of Podcast Production
A Pew Research Center’s 2024 Digital News Study found the podcast ecosystem continues to show remarkable growth. The study reveals that as of early 2024, 42% of Americans aged 12 and older have listened to a podcast in the past month, with 28% reporting weekly listening habits. This represents a steady increase from previous years.
The research also indicates a significant shift in podcast discovery patterns. Social media now plays a crucial role, with 38% of podcast listeners finding new shows through social platforms.
Additionally, 45% of listeners report discovering podcasts through recommendations from friends and family, highlighting the importance of word-of-mouth marketing in podcast growth.
Key Trends in Podcasting for 2025
- Retention Over Downloads – Podcasters are shifting focus from raw download numbers to audience retention. Keeping listeners engaged is more valuable than simply attracting new ones.
- Rise of Video Podcasts – YouTube and other platforms are investing heavily in video podcasting. More creators are recording visual content to expand their reach and engagement.
- Growth of Local Podcast Communities – More podcasters are fostering real-world connections through live events, meetups, and collaborations, strengthening listener loyalty.
Podcast Advertising and Revenue Growth
Podcast advertising revenue is expected to surpass $2.3 billion in 2025, according to Edison Research, representing a 25% year-over-year growth. This surge in revenue reflects advertisers’ growing confidence in podcasting as a premium marketing channel.
The study also found that 76% of podcast listeners say they’ve taken action after hearing a podcast advertisement, whether by visiting a website, making a purchase, or seeking more information about the advertised product or service. Additionally, 69% of listeners report that podcast ads feel more authentic and personal compared to other advertising formats.
Dynamic ad insertion (DAI) continues to dominate the podcast advertising landscape, accounting for approximately 84% of ad placements. This technology allows for more targeted and timely advertising, benefiting both advertisers and podcast creators.
How Blubrry Helps Podcasters Succeed
Success in podcasting isn’t just about great content—it’s about understanding your audience. Blubrry’s IAB-certified podcast Statistics give you accurate, trustworthy insights to help you grow and monetize your show.
Why Podcasters Trust Blubrry’s Stats:
- IAB Tech Lab Certified – Ensure advertisers and sponsors get verifiable, industry-standard data.
- Audience Demographics – Know where your listeners are tuning in from and what devices they’re using.
- Download & Streaming Trends – Track episode performance and optimize release strategies.
- Custom Reports & Insights – Get deeper analytics tailored to your podcast’s growth.
Whether you’re just starting out or managing a podcast network, having precise, reliable data can help you make smarter decisions and attract advertisers.
Ready to make an impact with your podcast? Visit Blubrry.com and start today.