Remote Work and Reduced Commuting Reshaped Podcast Listening Habits

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Welcome back to Podcast Insider, today we’re discuss how podcast consumption has changed in the post-pandemic world—especially as more people continue to work from home.

The days of relying on commute-time listening are fading. With data from Edison Research and Jacobs Media, we’re exploring where podcast listening is happening now, how habits are shifting, and what it all means for creators looking to stay relevant.

Whether you’re publishing weekly or still finding your audience, this episode will help you understand today’s podcast listener and how to meet them where they are—likely at home.

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie Bennett

Part of the changes that have come to podcast creation, listening and watching has been from the major shift to working from home. There’s clear data on some of these changes that we’ll go over with you all today.

The pandemic triggered a massive shift in work culture—and podcast consumption patterns followed suit. As more people work from home and spend less time commuting, the where, when, and how of podcast listening have changed significantly.

Here’s what current data reveals, and what podcasters need to know to stay relevant in this new environment.

🏡 Home is Now the Primary Listening Environment

Before the pandemic, podcasting was strongly associated with commuting. Today, that’s no longer the case.

According to Edison Research’s Share of Ear, more podcast listening now occurs at home than anywhere else. As of their latest data:

More than half of podcast listening happens at home.
Only 11% of podcast listening occurs in the car, a major drop from pre-pandemic levels.
16% happens at work—reflecting that many remote workers now blend podcasts into their daily home routine.

This marks a fundamental shift: home has replaced the commute as podcasting’s top listening location.

🚗 The Decline of Commute-Time Listening

Fred Jacobs of Jacobs Media has observed a significant shift in audio habits during commuting:

A RAIN News article cites Jacobs Media’s TechSurvey, revealing that in‑car broadcast radio listening dropped from about 62% in 2018 to just 56% in 2022, marking it as an “all‑time low” for drive‑time audio, learn more here. Jacobs emphasizes:

“In‑car listening—while rebounding—is still well below pre‑pandemic levels.”

Despite some commuters returning to offices, the rise of remote and hybrid schedules has disrupted consistent “drive‑time” spikes. With erratic commuting habits, podcast creators and broadcasters can no longer count on the traditional “drive time” bump to deliver peak listenership.

📈 Overall Podcast Listening Is Still Growing

Despite the shift in listening environments, podcasting as a medium continues to thrive.

Edison’s Infinite Dial 2025 reports that:

55% of Americans (12+) listen to podcasts monthly—up from 42% in 2020.
The total U.S. audience is now estimated at 210 million people.

So while the “when” and “where” may be changing, the “how many” is still moving upward.

🖥️ Key Behavioral Shifts for Podcasters to Consider

Given these changes, here’s how podcast creators can adapt:

1. Reimagine When You Release

Consider scheduling episodes around midday or early evening, when listeners are more likely to engage from home.

2. Create for Multitasking Moments

At-home listeners are often cooking, working out, or doing household chores.
Podcasts that feel conversational or companion-like may perform better.

3. Offer Video Options Where Possible

Platforms like YouTube and Spotify are driving hybrid podcast/video consumption.
Video adds a visual dimension and can increase discoverability.

4. Promote Across Multiple Channels

No commute = less routine = more need for reminders.
Email, social media, and smart speaker integrations can help reinforce new listening habits.

🔄 What This Means for Podcast Growth Strategy

While some old norms are fading, new opportunities are emerging. The rise in home listening offers flexibility in format, deeper engagement, and space for experimentation with content length and delivery.

Podcasters who understand and adapt to these behavior shifts will continue to thrive—even as the car becomes a less dominant player in the podcasting experience.

📚 Sources & Further Reading:

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