Americans now listen to podcasts more often than talk radio, study shows | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Amanda Silberling

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Podcasts have surpassed AM/FM talk radio as the most popular medium for spoken-word audio in the U.S., according to Edison Research’s latest Share of Ear survey. For the first time, podcasts accounted for 40% of listening time, compared to 39% for radio. This shift comes after a decade of steady growth for podcasts, while radio listenership has gradually declined. The rise of podcasting is particularly notable given the longevity and enduring appeal of traditional radio. The study highlights the growing influence of video podcasts, which are increasingly popular on platforms like Spotify and YouTube. While audio-only podcasts remain dominant for certain genres—such as science, history, art, fiction, and true crime—the integration of video content has expanded podcasting’s reach. For example, music, sports, comedy, and news podcasts often lean into visual formats. This trend is further supported by data showing that 80% of listeners consume both audio and video podcasts, with only 13% preferring audio-only and 7% favoring video-only. The rise of video podcasts aligns with broader trends in media consumption. Platforms like Netflix are even entering the podcast space, offering them as a modern alternative to traditional daytime talk shows. YouTube reported that its users watched 70

Verticals

techstartups

Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/25/2026