The Latest Podcast Statistics And What They Mean For Creators

Nov 21st

As you know, we’re obsessed with all things podcasting. The same goes for podcasting stats. This article looks at some of the latest podcast statistics from MIDAS’ (Measurement of Internet Delivered Audio Services) Summer Survey 2022. Better yet, we’re exploring what they mean for audio creators and how you can use them to your advantage.

Podcasting stats in 2022

A new high of 19% of adults are listening to podcasts every week

That’s right. Podcast listeners have reached an all-time high as 10.5m Brits listen to podcasts weekly for a total of 69m hours. Based on these statistics, the average listener consumes 6.5 hours of podcasts each week. 

This is excellent news for creators as podcasts grow in popularity. With more people consuming podcasts, your potential audience share increases. Of course, you’ll still want to ensure you’re doing everything possible to get in front of your potential audience, so be sure to read our top tips on SEO optimising your podcast.

UK podcast listening is 58% male

The survey found that men make up 58% of listeners in the UK, a similar stat in the US. If this comes as a surprise to you, it offers some food for thought. How well do you know your audience? Who is your podcast for, and what are you doing to appeal to them? 

To organisations and brands keen to tap into the male audience, have you considered podcasting as a marketing tool? Not only is it an excellent way to foster connection, but it’s also a cost-effective channel to reach a super-engaged audience.

The peak time for podcast listening is around 9 am

According to the survey, 93% of people listen to podcasts alone and, most commonly, when working or studying (33%). The second most common time for tuning in is when listeners were driving or travelling (22%). 

We know that listeners value consistency. So, if you need to be more consistent with your release schedule, you should be. If listeners can expect your episode before 9 am on release day, they’ll be able to slot it into their daily routine to enjoy it as they’re working, studying, or commuting.

68% of podcast listeners listen to the whole episode

The survey found that 68% of listeners consume the whole episode. How does your podcast compare? You can use this statistic as a ballpark to review your listener behaviour and adjust your format. 

For example, if you’ve found that most listeners are dropping off before the midway point, you may want to consider shorter episodes. But, on the flip side, if you have a high percentage of listeners sticking around for the entire episode, this is an excellent selling point for brand partnerships.

70% listen to mostly all the podcast episodes they downloaded

Simply put, if your podcast is in someone’s library, they’re likely to listen. Have you included a solid call to action in your episodes? The best calls to action are always specific and straightforward. So, ensure you’re telling listeners to subscribe to your show. 

It’s always helpful to keep up to date with industry stats, so you can understand where you’re at in comparison. Doing so will allow you to identify your strengths and where there’s room for improvement.  

2022 has been an excellent year for podcasting, and we’re excited to see how 2023 and beyond play out.  If you’re ready to take your podcasting to the next level with the support of the Content is Queen community, click here to explore our membership options. There’s never been a more exciting time in the audio space!