Podcast listening continues to grow in the UK, with younger adults driving demand and digital audio advertising increasing, according to Ofcom’s latest Media Nations report.
The regulator’s annual review of the UK’s media landscape shows that 27% of UK adults now listen to podcasts every week, while speech audio reaches 53% of adults.
Among people aged 25 to 34, speech audio is particularly strong, with 65% listening each week.
News and current affairs remains the most listened to podcast genre, chosen by 47% of weekly podcast listeners.
The report also highlights broader changes in audio consumption, with podcast listening more than doubling since 2019 when measured on a monthly basis, rising from 18% to 39%. When video podcasts are included, monthly reach increases to 43%.
Ofcom says the wider availability of connected devices continues to create opportunities for new audio formats, including video podcasts, audio summaries and personalised audio bulletins.
It notes that online and on demand media now feature more prominently in people’s daily habits while traditional platforms continue to evolve.
The commercial outlook for podcasting also strengthened during 2025. Digital audio advertising across streaming services and podcasts reached £317 million, up from £287 million the previous year.
Commercial radio revenues also increased, reflecting continued growth in digital advertising alongside subscription income.
Despite the growth in podcasts, radio remains a core part of UK listening habits. Just under nine in ten adults listen to radio each week, with in vehicle listening accounting for 26% of all radio listening hours, up from 21% in 2022.
The report also finds that podcasting is becoming a more established part of everyday media use. Among adults aged 16 to 24, podcasts are now one of the ten most common monthly media activities, reaching 48% of that age group.
Across the wider media landscape, Ofcom concludes that audiences increasingly combine traditional and digital services, with podcasts continuing to strengthen their place alongside broadcast radio and streamed music.
