Edison Research has revealed results of the Infinite Dial 2025 and while podcasting was the report’s shiny star, AM/FM radio continued its consistent – and ubiquitous – performance as streaming and digital audio usage is ingrained into daily life.
The study, based on a survey of over 5,000 respondents, provides a comprehensive look at how Americans engage with audio, social media, and digital media.
Radio remains a dominant force in audio consumption, particularly in vehicles. 74% of Americans still regularly listen to AM/FM in the car, making it the most-used in-car media source. However, online audio continues to gain traction, with 55% of drivers now streaming digital content in their vehicles, marking a significant shift in how audiences access audio. Podcast consumption in the car has also climbed to 31%, solidifying its role in in-car entertainment.
The rapid adoption of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, now integrated into 40% of vehicles, is accelerating this transition.
Outside of the car, smart speaker adoption has slowed but remains an important gateway to digital audio. 34% of Americans own a smart speaker, with 22% using them for audio content monthly and 18% using them weekly. Smart TV ownership, now at 75%, is also influencing audio consumption habits, as more Americans stream music and podcasts through television-connected devices.
Overall, online audio listening has reached an all-time high, with 79% of Americans tuning in monthly and 73% listening weekly. The growth is particularly pronounced among older demographics, demonstrating that streaming audio is no longer limited to younger listeners. Digital radio platforms, streaming music services, and on-demand content continue to reshape the way audiences interact with audio.
Podcasting has hit a new milestone, with 55% of Americans now consuming podcasts monthly – marking the first time that a majority of the US population is regularly engaging with the format. Weekly podcast listenership has also risen to 40% of Americans, or 115 million people. The study also reflects the increasing impact of video-based podcasting, as 51% of Americans say they have watched a podcast, leading to an overall reach of 73% who have either listened to or watched a podcast.
YouTube has emerged as the top platform for podcast consumption, overtaking both Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 33% of weekly podcast listeners aged 13 and older say YouTube is their primary podcast platform, underscoring the growing intersection of audio and video content. While traditional audio-only podcasts continue to see growth, the increasing prevalence of video content suggests a shift in audience engagement.
Beyond audio, social media usage has remained stable, with 86% of Americans using at least one platform. Facebook remains the most widely used at 66%, followed by Instagram at 48% and TikTok at 34%. Meanwhile, newer platforms such as Threads and BlueSky have gained recognition, though adoption remains limited.
The full findings from The Infinite Dial 2025 are available via Edison Research.
Radio was, remains and will remain the strongest, effective and leading media !
Podcasts did not work and will not work, a waste of time,
The guaranteed exposure, the greatest, strongest, and most repeated exposure is on the radio….
Social media is not worth the investment, the exposure does not exist, a waste of time and money. Social media might help only if it’s free, only social media owners make money…
There is nothing easier, more convenient and more effective than pushing the play button on the radio and enjoying ease and comfort
Radio was, remains and will remain the strongest and leading media !
Podcasts did not work and will not work, a waste of time, the guaranteed exposure, the greatest, strongest, and most repeated exposure is on the radio….
Social media is not worth the investment, the exposure does not exist, a waste of time and money.
There is nothing easier, more convenient and more effective than pressing the play button on the radio and enjoying ease and comfort