13 Key Podcast Facts To Consider In 2024 📈

13 Key Podcast Facts To Consider 2024

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1. Exploring the Vast Landscape of 2.5 Million Shows

“How many podcasts are there?” is maybe one of the most basic and popular queries about podcasts.

Nearly 2.5 million podcasts listed in Apple Podcasts indicate the vast array of content available, spanning various genres and interests, though this number also includes many that are no longer active.

These podcast numbers are entirely consistent with the reality that podcasting is gradually becoming more widespread. In fact, according to estimates, 78% of the American public now knows what a podcast is, increasing from 64%.

2. The Rising Wave of 62% of Americans Tune Into Podcasts

The increased popularity of podcasts has prompted an increase in their number.

The increase to 62% of Americans aged 12 and over who have listened to a podcast in 2022, up from 57% in 2021, demonstrates the growing popularity and mainstream acceptance of podcasts in the U.S.

Aside from the growth in consumers, these podcast listener data reveal that an increasing number of people in the United States are routinely listening to podcasts.

41% of Americans would listen to podcasts at most once a month, up from 37% the previous year.

3. The Most Popular Podcast Listening Device

While some hear podcasts through internet browsers on their laptops, the majority do so through mobile apps. It is most likely why podcast listeners choose portable devices over other sorts of gadgets while tuning in.

In the United States, 65 percent of podcast listeners utilize gadgets such as cell phones and tablets. PCs & laptops, on the other side, are preferred by only 25% of all podcast listeners, which is most likely the group who listens to podcasts through their web browsers.

You could think you’re ready to begin your podcast strategy after reviewing these podcast statistics. Consider your channel before proceeding.

According to podcast data, smartphone app podcast consumers are more likely than web browser podcast listeners to finish a whole podcast episode.

4. Why Do People Download Podcasts?

Podcasts have so much to offer from the consumer’s perspective. Podcast users tune in for a variety of reasons, from learning new things to feeling inspired.

Education is at the top of the list. Roughly 3 out of every 4 podcast listeners in the United States claim they listen to podcasts on a monthly basis to learn new topics. Aside from that, podcasts provide listeners with pleasure as well as news and inspiration.

However, while these podcast data look into why consumers listen to podcasts, it’s also worth looking into why they don’t. This is particularly critical if your intended audience falls within this category.

According to data, 35% of individuals who don’t hear podcasts (despite knowing about them) say it’s because they don’t know where to get them.

Other common reasons include not knowing how to hear a podcast, not understanding where to begin among the many options, and not knowing what a podcast is.

5. 28% Embrace Podcasts Weekly

The fact that 41% of Americans have listened to a podcast in the last month shows regular engagement. It suggests that podcasts are becoming a habitual form of media consumption for many.

The 28% weekly listenership rate underscores the role of podcasts as a consistent and frequent source of entertainment, education, or inspiration for a significant portion of the audience.

The fact that over 80% of listeners spend more than 7 hours per week listening to podcasts highlights the medium’s ability to captivate and retain audience attention over extended periods.

6. Where Do People Listen to Podcasts?

It appears that nothing beats listening to a podcast from the luxury of your own home. In fact, 9 out of 10 podcast consumers in the United States claim they listen at home.

Podcasts are also being heard while on the go, with 64%, 49%, & 37 percent of listeners opting to listen while driving, walking, and commuting, respectively.

Podcasts are appealing to people who prefer simply listening to the content, as well as those who like multitasking. When listening to podcasts, 7 out of 10 people report they don’t do anything else.

Others enjoy multitasking, with 59% listening to podcasts while doing household chores, 52% driving, and 50% cooking or baking.

7. Podcasts Driving brand Discovery

According to data, 54% of podcast consumers are more inclined to contemplate purchasing from a company after hearing an ad on a podcast.

Though figures like these may entice you to begin your own podcast, merely establishing one to raise brand exposure isn’t enough. Promotion is crucial for each new product introduction.

However, you might be interested to learn that the bulk of podcast listeners (43%) find new programs by enquiring around on social networks or in an online community. After that, they talk to others they know who share their interests and look through their podcast app’s directory.

If these podcast stats aren’t enough to persuade you, consider this: podcast consumers are more inclined to follow brands on social media.

8. Ad Revenues from US Podcasts

Another figure illustrates the growing popularity of podcasts. Marketers in the United States are anticipated to spend 1.33 billion dollars on podcast marketing.

If that isn’t enough to persuade you of the expanding popularity & potential of podcasts, consider this: podcast advertising revenues in the United States are predicted to top $2 billion yearly in 2023.

Marketers are projected to spend 2.74 billion dollars in 2025, which is nearly twice the estimate for this year.

Given the possibilities of podcasts and their expanding popularity, it’s no wonder that Spotify, the music streaming service, has invested roughly 900 million dollars in podcast-related investments.

9. Over 80% Spend 7+ Hours with Podcasts Weekly

The fact that more than 80% of listeners spend over 7 hours per week listening to podcasts highlights the medium’s ability to captivate and retain audience attention for extended periods.

Around a fourth of podcast listeners treat them like a part-time job, spending more than 22 hours per week (or more than 3 hours per day) listening to them.

The amount of time spent hearing podcasts is also increasing. About 30% of the online population in the United States who have ever listened to a podcast said they listen to it even more than they did a year ago.

10. The Diversity of 8 Different Weekly Podcasts

The average listener engaging with 8 different podcasts weekly showcases the eclectic tastes and diverse interests of the podcast audience. This variety reflects the wide range of content available, from niche interests to broad topics, ensuring that there’s something for every listener.

The majority of individuals who listen to podcasts in the United States aren’t in a monogamous affair with their favorite programs. Considering what one can discover from podcasts, this is very understandable.

The typical weekly podcast consumer in the United States is quite diverse, subscribing to six programs and listening to seven in a typical week.

More than half of respondents engage in at least 4 distinct shows per week, while only 16% listen to 1 podcast per week.

11. Youth’s Choice as Half of Young Americans Engaged in Podcasts

The engagement of half of young Americans with podcasts signifies the medium’s popularity among the digital-native generation.

This demographic’s embrace of podcasts reflects their preference for on-demand, versatile, and mobile-friendly content.

Podcasts offer a unique blend of entertainment and education that resonates with younger listeners, who often seek out content that can be consumed on the go.

The medium’s appeal to youth also highlights its potential for growth and its role in shaping future media consumption trends as these listeners continue to seek out content that aligns with their values and interests.

12. A Global Voice Podcast in Over 100 Languages

Podcasts’ availability in over 100 languages demonstrates the medium’s global reach and its role in breaking down linguistic and cultural barriers.

This linguistic diversity allows content creators to reach audiences in their native languages, fostering a deeper connection and understanding.

It also provides listeners with access to a wider range of perspectives and stories from around the world, enriching their listening experience.

13. Diving Into the 71 Million+ Podcast Episodes

The staggering figure of over 71 million podcast episodes represents the vast repository of knowledge, entertainment, and insight available at listeners’ fingertips.

This abundance of episodes showcases the depth and breadth of content that podcasting offers, catering to an array of interests and curiosities.

Each episode is a window into a different world, whether it’s exploring complex scientific concepts, diving deep into historical events, or simply sharing personal stories and experiences.