The State of Podcasting in the US: Podcast Listener Numbers in 2024

Podcasting in the U.S. continues to surge in 2024, solidifying its place as one of the most popular and impactful forms of media. With an ever-growing listener base, podcasts have become a vital channel for entertainment, education, and business communication alike. As more Americans tune in, the podcasting landscape is evolving, shaped by trends in listener habits, platform developments, and advertising opportunities.

This article explores the latest podcast listener numbers for 2024, shedding light on the state of podcasting in the U.S. and what it means for creators, marketers, and brands.

Podcast Listener Numbers in 2024

Globally, podcast listeners number over 464 million, and this figure is anticipated to grow to 504.9 million by 2024.

On average, a podcast enthusiast dedicates an impressive 7 hours per week to their preferred shows.

Episodes lasting between 20 and 40 minutes are the most popular, fitting well into the hectic schedules and attention spans of listeners.

Podcast audiences are diverse, with women slightly outnumbering men at 48% compared to 43%. This medium's appeal extends beyond the United States, with Sweden and Norway having the highest percentages of monthly listeners among internet users.

The trend of video podcasts is gaining traction, adding a visual element to the traditional audio experience.

Spotify and Apple Podcasts are the dominant platforms, competing fiercely for the top spot in global audio streaming.

Listeners primarily tune in during the morning, with the majority using mobile devices to enjoy their favorite episodes.

Podmuse can help you deliver your message to your niche target audience directly.

According to Busylike, Podcast enthusiasts find new content through multiple avenues, with 40% of listeners discovering new shows by using the search bars within their podcast apps.

Key Listener Statistics in 2024

How big is the podcasting industry worldwide? As of 2023, it's a massive $23 billion industry. This impressive growth is expected to surge, reaching over $100 billion by 2030.

To grasp why podcasts have surged in popularity, it's insightful to examine when and how people listen. Notably, 59% of listeners engage in other activities simultaneously. Among them, 32% listen while driving or traveling, and 59% enjoy podcasts at home.

Understanding your podcast audience is crucial if you're planning to start one. Here's a breakdown of who is listening to podcasts:

Podcast Listener Demographics By Age:

Aged 12-34: In the United States, 66% of podcast listeners fall within this age range. According to a 2022 Edison Research study, half of these listeners had tuned into a podcast in the last 30 days.

Aged 35-54: 43% of listeners in this age group had listened to a podcast in the past month, making them the fastest-growing demographic.

Aged 55 and over: Over 25% of American listeners in this age group engage with podcasts monthly, with 28% of those aged 65 and older tuning in regularly.

Podcast Listener Demographics By Gender:

United States: 56% of podcast listeners are male, while 44% are female.

United Kingdom: 53% of listeners are male and 47% are female.

Australia: The listener base is 56% male and 44% female.

Canada: 54% of listeners are male and 46% are female.

In addition to the podcast listener demographics

Average Podcast Downloads

On average, podcasts that have been live for 30 days receive around 141 downloads in their first month. While this number might seem modest, the competition for downloads is intense given the vast number of podcasts available. However, podcasters aim not only for downloads but also for listens.

Download numbers can vary significantly by niche, with more specialized podcasts often receiving fewer downloads compared to those covering broader topics.

Impact of Podcast Rank on Downloads

A podcast's rank significantly influences its download numbers. The top 1% of podcasts achieve nearly 4,000 downloads within the first 7 days of release. This stark contrast highlights the importance of rank in attracting listeners and boosting download numbers.

The Growth of Podcast Listeners

The podcast industry is on a rapid upward trajectory, and the numbers speak for themselves. What's even more astounding is the forecast that the podcast market will hit $4 billion by 2024. This underscores the immense value and potential of the industry.

If you've been considering getting involved in podcasting, now is the perfect time. Major platforms like Spotify and YouTube are heavily investing in this space, so it's wise to join the podcasting wave before it reaches full momentum.

What Equipment Do Podcasters Use?

In 2020, top podcast microphone brands included Rode, Blue, and Shure, with the Blue Yeti leading the pack—17% of podcasters reported using this microphone. Additionally, 74% of podcasters wear headphones during recording and post-production, which means 26% risk missing potential audio issues by going without.

What Software Do Podcasters Use?

A majority of podcasters—67%—use software to record their shows on computers.

Why does this matter? Tools like Riverside make it easy to capture high-quality audio (and video) remotely, ensuring that your podcast sounds great no matter where you are.

Average Podcast Length

While the average podcast episode runs between 25 to 30 minutes, lengths can vary widely depending on the genre. If you're just starting out, keeping episodes short and to the point is often best. Once you've built a dedicated audience, you can experiment with longer episodes. Just remember, it's crucial to grab your listeners' attention early—podcasts typically lose between 20% to 35% of listeners within the first five minutes.

Average Podcast Frequency & Schedule

Buzzsprout's global data shows that 35% of podcasts release new episodes every 3 to 7 days, while 40% do so every 8 to 14 days. Establishing a consistent schedule is key to maintaining listener engagement. Regular content keeps your audience coming back for more.

Podcast Revenue: Key Insights for Monetizing Podcasts

Podcasting can be a lucrative venture, with income streams from brand sponsorships, ads, and membership platforms. For example, the horror-comedy podcast Last Podcast on the Left generates over $50,000 per month through Patreon.

Almost 90% of podcast listeners surveyed by Discover Pods believe podcast ads are effective, with over 55% having made a purchase based on an ad. However, another study found that 58% of listeners skip podcast ads.

Why does this matter? Use these statistics, along with our monetization guide, to strategically target ads and sponsorships that align with your listener profile.

Do You Need a Podcast Agency?

Partnering with an agency specialized in podcasting can bring a wealth of benefits to your podcast. We are the leading Los Angeles podcast agency and your expert partner for podcast production, marketing, interview booking and ad spot planning.