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Triton Digital has unveiled its 2025 U.S. Podcast Report, and the data shows slipping usage for Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and an increase for YouTube.
In 2022, 15.7% of monthly podcast listeners labeled Apple Podcasts as their preferred platform. In 2025, that figure had fallen to 11.3%. Usage for Apple Podcasts has fallen every year, dropping to 14.3% in 2023, and 12.2% in 2024.
Meanwhile, Spotify’s usage rates have been more sporadic. In 2022, 25.2% of monthly podcast listeners called it their preferred platform. That figure fell to 23.4% in 2023, before rising to 26.6% in 2024. However, that dropped to 24.6% in 2025.
YouTube has seen a steady increase during the four years the study has been conducted. 28.1% of users called it their favorite platform. After increases in 2023 and 2024, that number reached 37.7%.
While YouTube sees the highest preferred usage, the data from Triton Digital shows that Spotify attracts a younger audience, YouTube attracts a more male audience, and Apple Podcasts features users with higher incomes.
Spotify is the preferred platform for users in the 18-34 demographic, with 49% labeling it the top platform. YouTube and Apple Podcasts were tied at 36%. Apple’s podcast platform rises to 42% in the Ages 35-54 demographic. Spotify is at 39% and YouTube is at 37%. 27% of those in the ages 55+ claimed YouTube as the preferred platform, with Apple Podcasts at 22% and Spotify at 12%.
Also included in the report is a breakdown of how many monthly podcast listeners describe themselves as listen-only and watch-only. 35% of those aged 18-34 and 55+ called themselves watch-only, while 29% of those between 35-54 responded similarly.
The 35-54 demographic was more apt to be listen-only, with 37% responding that it’s their preferred method of consumption. The number falls slightly to 36% in the 55+ demo, and to 27% in the 18-34 sector.
For the full 2025 U.S. Podcast Report from Triton Digital, click here.
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