The Infinite Dial, the longest-running survey of digital media consumer behaviour in the U.S., has once again provided a comprehensive look at how Americans engage with digital audio. Conducted by Edison Research and supported by Audacy, Cumulus Media, and SiriusXM Media, the 2025 report highlights a record-breaking year for podcast consumption and online audio engagement.
Now in its 27th year, The Infinite Dial continues to be a trusted benchmark for understanding media consumption trends. Based on a national survey of 5,020 respondents aged 12 and older, this year’s study offers invaluable insights into podcasting, online audio, smart speaker usage, and in-car audio trends.
Online Audio Listening Reaches a New Peak
The report shows that Americans are engaging with online audio at unprecedented levels:
- 79% of Americans listen to online audio, the highest percentage recorded.
- 228 million people in the U.S. engage in monthly online audio listening.
- 210 million Americans listen to online audio every week.
Source: The Infinite Dial® 2025
Source: The Infinite Dial® 2025
This growth is fueled by the increased adoption of smart devices, improved streaming services, and seamless integration with daily routines.
Podcast Consumption Reaches an All-Time High
Podcasting has firmly established itself as a mainstream media format, with record-breaking adoption in 2025.
- 70% of Americans (12+) have listened to a podcast at some point, reflecting increased awareness and accessibility.
- 51% of Americans have watched a podcast, indicating the growing role of video in podcast consumption.
- 73% of Americans (12+) have consumed a podcast in either audio or video format, representing an estimated 210 million people.
- 55% of Americans (12+) now listen to podcasts monthly, showing strong audience retention and growth.
Source: The Infinite Dial® 2025
The Rise of Video in Podcasting
One of the most significant shifts in podcasting is the growing influence of video content.
- 48% of Americans have both listened to and watched a podcast.
- YouTube has become the dominant platform for podcast consumption, with 33% of weekly podcast listeners using it as their primary podcast source.
- Monthly podcast listening is slightly higher among men (57%) than women (52%).
Source: The Infinite Dial® 2025
Smart Devices Driving Audio Consumption
With technology playing a crucial role in how Americans consume media, smart devices continue to shape the digital audio landscape:
- Smartphone ownership has reached 262 million.
- 170 million Americans own Bluetooth-enabled wireless headphones.
- Smart TVs are now in three-quarters of U.S. homes, totalling 216 million.
- Smart speaker ownership has surpassed 101 million.
- 18% of Americans listened to audio through a smart speaker last week, while 22% did so last month.
Source: The Infinite Dial® 2025
Source: The Infinite Dial® 2025
Audiobooks and Digital Audio Formats Gain Popularity
- 104 million Americans listened to an audiobook in the past year.
- Podcast familiarity is at an all-time high, with an estimated 245 million Americans aware of the format.
- 202 million people have listened to a podcast at least once.
Source: The Infinite Dial® 2025
The Infinite Dial 2025 findings reaffirm the massive and growing influence of digital audio in the U.S. From record-breaking podcast consumption to the expanding role of smart devices, how Americans engage with audio continues to evolve. With online audio, video-integrated podcasts, and smart speakers all on the rise, the future of digital audio looks more promising than ever.
As brands, creators, and advertisers navigate this shifting landscape, understanding these trends will be key to staying ahead in the ever-changing digital media space.
Source: The Infinite Dial® 2025, released by Edison Research with support from Audacy, Cumulus Media, and SiriusXM Media.
