True Crime has solidified its place as one of the most popular podcast genres, captivating audiences and reshaping how listeners engage with criminal justice topics and advocacy according to Edison Research’s True Crime Consumer Report.
The findings come from interviews with more than 5,200 weekly podcast listeners and 3,148 individuals surveyed on True Crime consumption. Data was weighted to reflect the US population regarding age, gender, and ethnicity.
Edison’s Podcast Metrics show True Crime ranks third in weekly podcast genre popularity, behind Comedy and Society & Culture. The study reveals how the genre fuels podcast growth and engages audiences beyond entertainment, with significant implications for listeners, creators, and advertisers.
Podcasts such as Crime Junkie and Serial have introduced millions to the podcasting medium. An estimated 119 million Americans have listened to a True Crime podcast. The genre also encourages binge-listening, with 92% of weekly True Crime listeners reporting that they’ve binged episodes – outpacing nearly all other genres.
This loyalty turns into action for many listeners. Edison found that True Crime podcast consumers are 4.4 times more likely to share case details to promote awareness, 3.3 times more likely to provide tips that could solve a case, and 1.8 times more likely to sign petitions related to criminal cases.
The study highlights that listeners are not just passive consumers. Many have donated to victims or related causes, reflecting how podcast storytelling can translate into real-world advocacy. The alignment between responsible storytelling and victim advocacy also provides opportunities for brands to connect with socially conscious consumers.
Edison also identifies growth opportunities for podcast creators. Many True Crime consumers who prefer TV or YouTube could be converted to podcasts emphasizing local crime stories, high-profile cases, psychological insights into criminal behavior, and investigative reporting.
The findings come in a year where True Crime podcasts are being sought out for more traditional broadcast channels, including satellite radio. In 2024, SiriusXM added dedicated channels for Crime Junkie and Dateline.
