Whether news, true crime or special interest: one in five people regularly listen to podcasts

Result

Almost one in five people in Germany listen to a podcast regularly, i.e. at least once a week, one in three tune in at least once a month and five per cent even listen daily. This leisure activity is particularly popular among the younger generation: almost one in three regularly listen to podcasts at home or while travelling. However, this format is becoming increasingly popular not only among young adults, but also among the middle generation (22%). Among older Germans, around one in ten devote their attention to one of the 2.5 million podcasts currently available worldwide. Compared to 2020, the proportion of listeners increased significantly, with the highest growth rate of 50 per cent among the over 55s.

Reasons

Podcasts are currently one of the most popular media among German citizens. Whether you're in the car, doing sport, cooking, waiting for the bus or going for a walk - podcasts can be listened to at any time and from anywhere. In addition, neither the hands nor usually the full concentration of the listener are required to consume the audio content, which is why they are often listened to alongside another activity.

The variety of programmes on offer is huge. From the currently most popular crime format, to entertainment, learning and information programmes, to celebrity and special interest formats, there is something for everyone. In contrast to other media, such as short news items or social media posts, podcasts also offer the opportunity to gain deeper insights and more detailed information on a specific topic and enjoy a high level of credibility, as experts usually have their say.

Forecast

The popularity of podcasts will continue to grow in the future. More and more companies will use podcasts as a marketing tool to promote their brand and products. Personalisation will also continue to increase, allowing listeners to receive tailored recommendations based on their interests and listening habits. In the future, technologies such as virtual reality and voice assistants will also offer new opportunities for interactive podcast experiences.