Latest listening trends
The UK podcast market is experiencing a period of remarkable growth, firmly establishing itself as a major force within the wider media landscape. Recent data from late 2025 to early 2026 highlights just how deeply podcasting has embedded itself into everyday listening habits across the country. Approximately 19 per cent of UK adults now listen to podcasts on a weekly basis, equating to more than 10 million regular listeners. This represents a significant increase on previous years and signals a continued shift in how audiences consume audio content.
One of the most striking aspects of this growth is its strength among younger demographics, particularly those aged between 18 and 34. This age group continues to drive much of the momentum behind podcast adoption, although overall penetration is also expanding steadily across older audiences. In fact, podcast awareness and trial have reached unprecedented levels, with an estimated 69 per cent of the UK population having listened to at least one podcast at some point. This widespread exposure suggests that podcasting has moved beyond being a niche medium and is now firmly part of the mainstream.
Engagement levels further underline the medium’s appeal. UK podcast listeners typically spend between five and seven hours per week listening, indicating not only casual sampling but sustained and habitual use. Smartphones remain the dominant listening device, reflecting the on-demand, portable nature of podcast consumption and its alignment with modern lifestyles. In terms of content, entertainment, news and comedy continue to be the most popular genres, offering listeners both escapism and information. However, audience feedback also points to a growing sensitivity around advertising, with some listeners expressing frustration at shows perceived to be overly ad-heavy. This highlights an important challenge for creators and publishers as the market matures: balancing monetisation with listener experience.
Overall, the figures paint a clear picture of a vibrant and expanding podcast ecosystem in the UK. With strong audience growth, high engagement and increasing mainstream acceptance, podcasting is no longer an emerging trend but an established and influential medium, one that continues to evolve as listener expectations and consumption habits develop.