Many of you have probably heard of podcasts, but do you know what they are? Podcasts are digital audio files made available on the internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device. Typically, they are available as a series, where new installments can be received automatically by subscribers. Podcasts have blown up over the last few years. Podcasts have become a mainstream, accessible, and easily digestible way to engage with stories and ideas. In this blog, we will be discussing all things podcasts. We will talk about why we listen to some of the best podcasts out there.

Statistics

            Within the last three years, podcast listeners have grown 37.5%. 43% of people in the US listen to podcasts, with 75% of Americans being familiar with podcasts. On average, people who listen to podcasts listen to about 6 of them per week. So, who makes up the active listeners of podcasts? 44% of listeners are millennials, while Gen X makes up 33% of listeners, Baby Boomers make up 16%, and Gen Z makes up 7% of listeners. Lastly, males listen to podcasts slightly more than females. Out of all active listeners, 56% are male, and 44% are female.

Why We Listen

            It has become easy to access podcasts daily. The podcast boom’s cause is three things; the ubiquity of smartphones, time spent in transit, and online music services. It is easier to multitask to podcasts than any other medium, bringing a dose of productivity to any part of your daily routine. Podcasts attribute to the brain-stimulating and addictive effects of audio learning. Another reason that podcasts are so popular is that it is unlike radio. Podcasts are listened to as much at home as when out and about. It has become mainstream to listen to while doing household chores, cooking, working out, and many other activities. Lastly, there is a podcast for everything. No matter your interests, you will be able to find a podcast perfect for you.

Popular Podcasts

            I wanted to share with you some of the most popular podcasts and podcast genres. Comedy is the most popular genre, with 2 Dope Queens, The Joe Rogan Experience, and WTF hosted by Marc Maron being the most successful. The next biggest genre is education. The top podcasts in this genre are TED Radio Hour, Freakanomics Radio, and Radiolab. News is a big genre with The Daily, Up First NPR, and Serial leading the way. Then we have my favorite genre, sports! Pardon My Take (my favorite), Fantasy Focus Football, and 30 for 30 ESPN are some of the most popular podcasts out there. Lastly, gaming is a hugely successful genre. Game Scoop, Giant Bombcast, and Fireteam Chat are some of the most well-known in the genre. I could go on and on about podcast genres, but we would be here for days.

What is to Come?

            Podcasts are going to continue growing in popularity. The percentage of people who actively listen to podcasts has increased significantly in the last three years. It hasn’t only been growing with millennials but in people 55+, which increased by 29% last year. Podcasts have become popular on all music streaming platforms. For example, Spotify spent over 400 million dollars on podcasted-related acquisitions. Spotify is only the beginning. As podcasts become more popular, more large purchases will take place. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend you start to listen to them!