Podcast Predictions for 2025
Podcasting shows no signs of slowing down as we approach 2025. With an ever-expanding audience and platforms continuing to innovate, podcasting is firmly established as a vital medium for communication, entertainment, and education. But what’s next for this dynamic industry? Here are our predictions for where podcasting is headed in 2025, supported by the latest stats and trends.
Podcast Growth: The Stats Speak for Themselves
The growth of podcasting in recent years has been staggering. As of 2024, there are over 5 million podcasts and more than 70 million episodes available worldwide. Monthly podcast listening in the U.S. reached 42% of the population in 2023, according to Edison Research. Globally, the market is projected to grow at a 27.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), with revenues from podcast advertising expected to surpass $4 billion in 2024. With podcast listeners becoming more diverse and platforms expanding into international markets, the trajectory points to even greater adoption in 2025.
Video Podcasts: A Double-Edged Sword
One of the most notable trends of recent years has been the rise of video podcasts. Platforms like YouTube and Spotify have heavily leaned into video, enticing creators with monetization options and audience reach. However, the appeal of video podcasts comes with challenges. Video production demands higher budgets, technical expertise, and significantly more time compared to audio-only content.
While video podcasts will continue to grow in popularity in 2025, we predict a significant resurgence in the appeal of traditional audio podcasts. Platforms like Apple Podcasts, which remain staunchly audio-only, could benefit from this shift. For many creators, audio podcasts represent a simpler, more cost-effective way to connect with their audiences. As listeners increasingly crave content that fits seamlessly into their daily routines—whether during commutes, workouts, or chores—audio’s flexibility and accessibility make it a timeless choice.
What Defines a Podcast? The Debate Rages On
As video podcasts gain traction, the very definition of “podcasting” will come under scrutiny in 2025. Are YouTube-first productions, essentially video shows uploaded to podcast platforms, true podcasts? Traditionally, podcasts have been associated with serialized, downloadable audio content. However, the inclusion of video complicates this definition.
This debate matters because it influences listener expectations and platform guidelines. Audio-first platforms may double down on their roots, while video-centric platforms blur the lines. Creators and consumers alike will need to grapple with the implications of this evolving medium. Will we see separate categories for “audio podcasts” and “video podcasts”? Only time will tell.
Branded Content: Entertainment as Marketing
The trend of brands creating entertainment is not slowing down. In fact, the past few years saw major brands producing blockbuster hits that blurred the lines between advertising and art, such as the Barbie movie and Flamin’ Hot biopic. This trend has extended into podcasting, with branded shows from companies like Ben & Jerry’s, Morgan Stanley, Trader Joe’s, and Marriott thriving.
Branded podcasts succeed because they provide value to listeners while reinforcing the brand’s message. For example, Ben & Jerry’s podcast, Into the Mix, tackles important social issues, aligning with the company’s progressive values. As brands continue to invest in high-quality storytelling, we expect more companies to explore this space in 2025, creating podcasts that are as entertaining as they are impactful.
Serialized Content: The Next Big Push
Serialized podcast content—think true crime series or narrative fiction—has always been popular, but its growth has been hindered by platform design. Many podcast apps are optimized for episodic, stand-alone shows, making it difficult for listeners to discover and enjoy serialized content.
In 2025, we predict platforms will improve their user experience (UX) to support serialized content better. Expect features like curated playlists, “start from episode 1” buttons, and advanced recommendation algorithms tailored to serialized shows. These changes could drive a renaissance in long-form storytelling and expand the podcasting audience even further.
Podcast Consumption: Still Room to Grow
Although podcasting is now mainstream, there’s still untapped potential. Many people are only now discovering podcasts for the first time, thanks to easier access through platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, and smart devices. In 2025, podcast consumption will continue to grow as more people integrate this medium into their daily lives. Podcasts have proven to be a versatile format, offering everything from news and education to comedy and escapism—making them appealing to a wide range of listeners.
Another factor driving growth is the expansion of podcasts into emerging markets. Countries like India, Brazil, and Indonesia are experiencing a boom in podcast production and consumption, fueled by increased internet penetration and mobile device usage. Platforms catering to non-English content will play a crucial role in this global expansion.
The Role of AI in Podcasting
AI will have an increasingly significant impact on podcasting in 2025. From automating editing workflows to generating transcripts and show notes, AI tools are streamlining podcast production like never before. More advanced AI could also assist in content discovery, creating personalized playlists based on listener behavior. Additionally, AI-driven voice synthesis could open up new possibilities for audio storytelling, including fully synthetic hosts or characters.
However, the adoption of AI in podcasting will also raise ethical questions about authenticity and creativity. Will listeners embrace AI-produced content, or will there be a backlash against the perceived loss of human touch? This will be a fascinating trend to watch unfold.
The Advertising Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges
Podcast advertising will remain a lucrative and evolving space in 2025. Dynamic ad insertion technology, which allows ads to be updated in real time, has already revolutionized the industry. By 2025, we expect even greater personalization in podcast ads, with AI tailoring messages to individual listeners based on their preferences and behavior.
Yet, this hyper-targeted approach could spark concerns over privacy and data security. Creators and platforms will need to balance personalization with ethical considerations, ensuring transparency and consent.
Conclusion
Podcasting in 2025 will be a landscape of growth, innovation, and transformation. From the resurgence of audio-first content to the rise of branded storytelling and the integration of AI, the industry is poised for exciting developments. As listeners, creators, and brands continue to shape the medium, one thing remains certain: podcasts will remain a powerful way to connect, inform, and inspire.
Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just getting started, now is the time to embrace the opportunities ahead. The future of podcasting is bright, and 2025 is set to be a landmark year for this ever-evolving medium.
by Mitch Bluestein
CEO | Modry Media