The podcast industry has reached a watershed moment as consumption hits an all-time high, with 73% of Americans now engaging with podcasts in either audio or video format.
This groundbreaking shift represents approximately 210 million Americans, which is supported by the landmark Infinite Dial® 2025 study.
The expansion into video formats has dramatically broadened podcast reach, with YouTube being the most popular platform for podcast consumption, utilized by 33% of weekly listeners.
This evolution creates unprecedented opportunities for content creators to expand their audience, engage with a wider demographic, and diversify their content delivery .
The Infinite Dial® 2025, released by Edison Research with support from Audacy, Cumulus Media, and SiriusXM Media, reveals that podcast consumption has reached unprecedented levels.
The Key Points:
73% of Americans age 12+ have consumed podcasts in either audio or video format, representing an estimated 210 million people
Monthly podcast consumers have reached 55% of Americans age 12+, with consumption higher among men (57%) than women (52%)
48% of Americans have both listened to and watched podcasts, demonstrating strong cross-format engagement
YouTube has emerged as the dominant podcast platform, used by 33% of weekly podcast listeners
Car audio continues its digital transformation with 40% of drivers having Apple CarPlay or Android Auto systems
Why It Matters
The transformation of podcasting from a purely audio medium to a multimedia experience represents a fundamental shift in how content is consumed, offering audiences a more engaging and interactive listening experience.
This evolution means podcasters must adapt their strategies to capitalize on both listening and viewing audiences by creating content that appeals to both auditory and visual senses.
With YouTube now the leading platform for podcast consumption, creators who develop complementary visual components for their content can tap into significantly larger audiences and enhance viewer engagement. This shift doesn't diminish the value of audio-only content but rather creates additional pathways for audience growth and engagement in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.