Welcome to the 2024 Podcast Trends Tour, an interactive exploration of the latest trends in podcasting—no VIP ticket required.

2024 Podcast __Trends Tour__

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Explore the __trends__

Podcast __Era__

Taylor Swift not only blew up the music scene with her Eras Tour, she also dominated podcast conversations—and people couldn’t get enough. 

Take a look at the Taylor Swift effect and other cultural moments that trended in podcasts on Spotify in the US:

Sound __Investment__ 

As more Gen Zs explore becoming creators, they’re turning to podcasts to learn how to build businesses and brands: Globally, Business & Technology is one of Gen Z’s fastest-growing categories, increasing +34% YoY.⁷

Here’s what categories trended in podcasts on Spotify globally and in the US:

Sound __Investment__

Pod__fluencers__

Podcast hosts build trust with their audience, and they’ve become highly influential in purchasing decisions. Sixty-three percent of people asked said they trust their favorite podcast host more than their favorite social media influencer.¹³ Just call them podcast influencers. 

Totally __Sketch__

After STEM-focused schooling, Gen Zs globally are feeling artsy: Collectively, they increased their streams in the Arts category (content related to art, drawing, film, theater, anime, and more) by +31% YoY—a trend unique to this demo.²⁰

Here's how else Gen Z are streaming podcasts in the US and across the globe:

Now Streaming: __Results__

Podcast ads have grown in popularity and become a proven, effective format to drive business results. Sixty-two percent of study respondents took an action after hearing an ad during a podcast show, like searching for the product, purchasing the product, or simply talking about it.²⁶

Here's how podcast ads are trending across the globe:

Breaking __Borders__

Passport, please: Gen Z are using podcasts to expand their horizons. In the US, 47% of podcast streams by users aged 18-24 and 45% of podcast streams by users aged 13-17 came from shows originating in another country.³⁰

Stream to __Screen__

Podcasts aren’t just for listening anymore. Globally, there’s been a +39% increase in average daily streams of video podcasts.³⁴

Growth __Spurt__

In the US, the number of podcast shows streamed per person has increased +15% YoY³⁷, showing growing interest in new content.

Survey Says: __Success__

There’s been a +21% global increase in creators leveraging polls in their shows in 2024 compared to 2023⁴⁰, as podcasters use interactive tools to connect with their audience—and fans come to expect an avenue for expressing opinions, showing some love, and providing input on future episodes.

Zen __Zone__

Ssshh: Global searches for "meditation" podcast content are up +15% since Q4 2023, reflecting a continued desire to focus on mental health and embrace overall well-being.⁴⁵

Other popular global search terms in podcasts are:

Front-row __Fandom__

Fueled by fervent and deeply engaged fan bases, podcasts are now expanding into the realm of live events. Eighty-eight percent of ticketed Ringer events have sold out, the record being 12 minutes.⁵¹

Multiverse __Magic__

Thanks to Spotify’s broad ecosystem of content, fans are driving consumption across both music and podcasts as they seek out content they love from—and about—their favorite creators.

2024 Podcast Trends Tour

Explore the trends

Podcast Era

Totally Sketch

Stream to Screen

Zen Zone

Sound Investment

Now Streaming: Results

Growth Spurt

Front-row Fandom

Podfluencers

Breaking Borders

Survey Says: Success

Multiverse Magic

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