A New Era of Growth
Podcasting is experiencing an exciting renaissance in 2025, with data from Listen Notes revealing compelling trends for both creators and listeners.
A Surge in Active Podcasts
In a remarkable turnaround, the number of active podcasts has more than doubled compared to last year, now reaching 533,943 shows that have released new episodes since the beginning of 2025. This growth far surpasses the 259,371 active shows recorded in 2024. If the current trajectory holds, 2025 could see the highest number of episodes released in podcast history.
A Record Number of Episode Releases
This year has shown unprecedented activity, with creators already publishing more episodes than in the past two years combined. In the first half of 2025 alone, 13.2 million episodes were released, slightly trailing behind the previous year’s figures, when 27.3 million episodes were recorded for the entire year. However, with the months ahead promising more activity, we might see this gap close before year-end.
New Podcast Launches
A remarkable 101,957 new podcasts debuted in the first half of 2025. Typically, we observe a surge in new launches during the year’s beginning, followed by a slowdown as summer approaches. June saw a decline with 13,786 new podcasts launching. That’s a 17% drop from May. January remains the standout month for new shows, tallying 19,551 debuts.
Decline in “Dead Shows”
Interestingly, while active shows are booming, the number of so-called “dead shows” is dwindling. Listen Notes reported that 39,398 shows ceased operations last year, marking the lowest number since 2016. In 2025, only 13,372 shows have been classified as inactive, a trend that suggests many creators are sticking with their projects longer than before.
Global Podcast Demographics
Despite the impressive growth, the podcasting ecosystem remains predominantly American, with nearly two-thirds of shows originating from the U.S. Brazil follows with a 6% share, further highlighting the global nature of this medium.
English continues to dominate podcasting content, accounting for 61% of all podcasts, but Spanish (11%) and Portuguese (6%) shows are also on the rise, propelled by Brazil’s growing content creation.
Popular Podcast Genres
The podcasting sphere has diversified into numerous genres. In 2024, the leading genre was Society & Culture at 14%, followed closely by Education (12.7%) and Business (9.5%). Other significant genres include Arts, Comedy, Health & Fitness, and Technology, highlighting the broad range of interests among podcast audiences.
The Podcast Hosting Landscape
On the platform side, Spotify’s Anchor FM has firmly established itself as the most popular podcast hosting service, comprising 55% of all podcasts. Buzzsprout follows at a distant 7%, with SoundCloud, Spreaker, and Podbean each capturing 4% of the market.
How Do We Use This Information about the State of Podcasting in 2025?
As we progress through 2025, the podcasting industry is poised for unparalleled growth and innovation. With record numbers of new shows, a vibrant global community, and a diverse array of content, there has never been a better time to dive into podcasting. Whether you are a seasoned creator or just starting, the podcasting wave is one you won’t want to miss.
For insights specifically tailored to enhance your podcasting journey, stay tuned for more tips and trends from your trusted podcasting consultant!
