Podcasts have become a go-to source of entertainment and information for millions of people, covering everything from true crime to business insights, comedy, and technology. With so many options out there, some shows rise above the rest, consistently drawing in massive audiences. But what makes a podcast truly stand out? In this article, we’re taking a closer look at the most listened-to podcasts in 2025! 🚀
The Growth of Podcasting in 2025
Podcast listenership continues to rise at an impressive rate. According to Edison Research’s The Infinite Dial 2024, more people than ever are making podcasts part of their daily routine:
- 55% of Americans aged 12+ listened to a podcast in the past month, up from 51% in 2024.
- 41% of listeners now consume podcasts weekly, showing stronger engagement across all age groups.
- The most popular podcast genres include news, true crime, comedy, business, and technology.
With the podcasting landscape evolving rapidly, keeping track of which podcasts are trending is essential for both listeners and creators.
The Most Listened-To Podcasts in the World in 2025
Here are the podcasts currently dominating the charts:
1. The Joe Rogan Experience
Curious, controversial, and endlessly entertaining. Joe Rogan sits down with some of the world’s most fascinating people—comedians, scientists, athletes, and intellectuals—for unfiltered, long-form conversations. Whether he’s debating cutting-edge science, discussing fitness, or exploring conspiracy theories, his podcast is always unpredictable and thought-provoking.
- Spotify Rating : 4.7
- User reviews : 917K
2. The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
Real stories from the world’s top entrepreneurs. Steven Bartlett goes beyond business success stories to explore the personal struggles, mindset shifts, and hard lessons that shape high-achieving individuals. His raw and honest conversations with industry leaders make this podcast a powerful source of motivation.
- Spotify Rating : 4.8
- User reviews : 68.1K
3. This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
Comedy, nostalgia, and real talk. Theo Von blends humor and introspection in a way only he can. Whether reminiscing about childhood, sharing listener stories, or chatting with guests, he brings warmth, wit, and unexpected wisdom to every episode.
- Spotify Rating : 4.8
- User reviews : 61.9K
4. Good Hang with Amy Poehler
Relaxed conversations and unexpected laughs. Amy Poehler welcomes a wide range of guests to talk about their lives, passions, and shared experiences. With its light tone and spontaneous energy, this podcast is about connection, curiosity, and the joy of hanging out.
- Spotify Rating: 4.9
- User reviews: 6.1K
5. The Jefferson Fisher Podcast
Practical advice for better communication. Jefferson Fisher shares simple, actionable tools to help navigate everyday conversations with more clarity and calm. Each episode offers thoughtful insights into how we speak, listen, and connect with others.
- Spotify Rating: 5
- User reviews: 5.9K
6. Your World Within Podcast by Eddie Pinero
A motivational boost for everyday life. Eddie Pinero combines personal stories, reflections, and spoken-word inspiration to encourage growth and resilience. The podcast invites listeners to pause, reflect, and take ownership of their mindset.
Spotify Rating: 4.9
User reviews: 3,9K
7. SubwayTakes with Kareem Rahma
Opinions from the underground. What started on social media becomes something more in this audio format. Kareem Rahma dives into pop culture, social commentary, and human behavior with quick, candid exchanges and offbeat energy.
Spotify Rating: 4.8
User reviews: 52
8. Call Her Daddy
Honest conversations with a personal edge. Hosted by Alex Cooper, this podcast covers topics around relationships, identity, and mental health. With interviews and solo episodes, it balances humor with moments of reflection.
Spotify Rating: 4
User reviews: 119K
9. The Daily
One story, every weekday. Produced by The New York Times, this podcast takes a closer look at a single news topic through in-depth reporting and interviews. It’s a quick, accessible way to stay informed about what matters most.
Spotify Rating: 4.5
User reviews: 49.6K
10. Crime Junkie
True crime stories that keep you hooked. Hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat, this podcast explores criminal cases with clear storytelling and emotional depth. Each episode delivers a mix of facts, suspense, and narrative flow.
Spotify Rating: 4.8
User reviews: 108.2K
How Podcast Rankings Work
Ever wondered how podcasts make it to the top? Platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts use different ranking methods, but key factors include:
- Unique Listeners: The number of distinct users tuning in.
- Subscriber Count: More followers mean a podcast is likely to rank higher.
- Engagement Metrics: Completion rates, shares, and reviews influence rankings.
- Recent Growth: Rapid spikes in listens can push a podcast up the charts.
Tracking these trends is essential for understanding which podcasts are resonating with audiences.
Why These Podcasts Dominate the Charts in 2025
Every year, new podcasts emerge and capture listeners’attention. But what sets the most listened-to shows apart from those that struggle to break through? In 2025, several key trends explain why some podcasts consistently top the charts.
The Rise of Video Podcasts: A Powerful Visibility Boost
While audio remains at the heart of podcasting, many of the top-performing podcasts in 2025 have invested in video. Platforms like YouTube have become essential discovery tools, and more creators are now releasing video versions of their episodes. This shift allows them to reach wider audiences, increase engagement, and expand their influence beyond traditional audio platforms. Shows like The Diary of a CEO and The Joe Rogan Experience have successfully leveraged video to strengthen their audience connection and grow their following.
AI-Driven Personalization is Changing Podcast Discovery
Artificial intelligence is transforming how listeners find and engage with podcasts. In 2025, platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts use advanced algorithms to recommend highly personalized content based on listening habits. This shift benefits podcasts with strong engagement—the more a show is played to completion and shared, the more likely it is to be featured in recommendations, pushing it up the rankings.
Authentic Conversations: What Listeners Are Looking For
The most successful podcasts in 2025 have one thing in common: they captivate audiences with natural, immersive conversations. Highly scripted formats are giving way to raw, unscripted discussions, where guests share personal stories and candid insights. Shows like The Mel Robbins Podcast and Shawn Ryan Show thrive on this authenticity, building a strong emotional connection with their listeners.
The Power of Engaged Communities
Top podcasts in 2025 go beyond great content—they create communities. Whether through social media groups, live events, or direct listener interactions, successful podcasters foster engagement and dialogue. Rotten Mango, for example, has built a loyal fanbase by integrating audience feedback and offering interactive experiences. Shows that nurture active communities tend to see higher retention and organic growth.
Track Your Podcast with Ausha Charts
While other ranking systems provide a general view of top-performing shows, Ausha Charts offers deeper insights into podcast rankings with real-time data and trends across multiple sources. With Ausha Charts, you can:
- Track real-time podcast rankings for top shows and episodes.
- Explore categories and subcategories to spot emerging trends.
- Filter by country for localized insights.
- Access exclusive Spotify data you won’t find anywhere else.
Start tracking your podcast today with Ausha Charts and gain valuable insights into your show’s performance across multiple platforms!
🔍 FAQ – Most Listened-To Podcasts in 2025
What are the most popular podcast genres in 2025?
In 2025, the most popular genres include comedy, society & culture and . These categories consistently attract large and engaged audiences.
How are podcast rankings determined?
Podcast rankings are based on several factors: unique listeners, engagement (like completion rates and shares), follower growth, and recent spikes in audience numbers.
Why do some podcasts perform better than others?
Top-performing podcasts in 2025 combine authentic conversations, video formats for visibility, strong community engagement, and strategic use of platforms like YouTube and Spotify.
How can I check where my podcast ranks?
You can use tools like Ausha Charts to track your podcast’s real-time performance, compare it with top shows, and access exclusive Spotify ranking data.
Conclusion
Podcasting keeps growing, and the most listened-to podcasts in the U.S. show just how diverse and dynamic the space has become. Whether you’re into true crime, deep conversations, business insights, or just a good laugh, there’s something for everyone.
For podcasters, standing out isn’t just about hitting the charts—it’s about understanding what resonates with your audience and adapting your strategy over time. That’s where Ausha Charts comes in. Instead of guessing what’s working, you can track real trends, see where your show stands, and make data-driven decisions to grow your audience.
👉 Want to take your podcast to the next level? Start tracking with Ausha Charts today!
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