A new report from iHeartPodcasts sheds light on growth and evolving trends within the podcasting landscape in the United States.
According to the data, podcast reach in the US has reached an all-time high in 2023. The report reveals that 43% of individuals aged 25-34, 32% of those aged 35-44, and 30% of people aged 13-24 are tuning into podcasts on a daily basis. One major finding is the significant increase in daily time spent listening to podcasts. Over the past five years, the average daily listening time has doubled, rising from 26 minutes in 2017 to 57 minutes in 2023.
In a noteworthy comparison, the report indicates that the number of weekly podcast listeners in the US has exceeded the number of Netflix subscribers. The report also reveals a remarkable increase in podcast listenership among Black and Hispanic communities. In the past year alone, the number of Black podcast listeners has surged by 26%, while Hispanic listenership has experienced significant growth of 36%. This diversification of the podcast audience highlights the medium’s ability to reach and resonate with a wide range of listeners.
The data indicates that millennials are leveraging podcasts as a tool for productivity, seeking informative and educational content. On the other hand, Generation Z listeners are turning to podcasts for companionship, finding comfort and connection through audio storytelling.
Unlike traditional radio, where a significant portion of listening takes place outside the home, the report reveals that 69% of podcast consumption occurs in the comfort of people’s homes. This insight underscores the intimate and personal nature of podcasts, providing a unique opportunity for content creators to connect with listeners in a relaxed and private environment.
