Podcasts have evolved from traditional audio formats to highly engaging video content, and YouTube is leading the way. According to recent data reported by Variety, over 1 billion users worldwide tune in to watch video podcasts on YouTube every month. In 2024 alone, viewers spent more than 400 million hours per month consuming podcast content on the platform.
The Rise of Video Podcasts
Originally, podcasts were strictly audio-based, but as content creators began recording their sessions on video, YouTube became the go-to platform for podcast consumption. The company has acknowledged that its investments in the podcasting space are yielding success, stating that video podcasts are more than just a trend.
YouTube Dominates the Podcast Market
The growing popularity of video podcasts coincides with Google’s shutdown of its standalone Podcasts service in mid-2024. As a result, YouTube now holds a 31% share of podcast viewers in the U.S., surpassing Spotify (27%) and Apple Podcasts (15%).
Record-Breaking Podcast Viewership
One of the most-watched podcasts on YouTube in 2024 was Joe Rogan’s interview with Donald Trump, which amassed over 56 million views, highlighting the platform’s powerful reach in the podcasting industry.
With video podcasts gaining massive traction, it’s clear that YouTube is shaping the future of podcast consumption worldwide.