The podcast landscape is shifting. A new report from Triton Digital reveals a decline in the popularity of both Apple Podcasts and Spotify, while YouTube is experiencing a surge in listenership. The 2025 U.S. Podcast Report, released on February 19, 2026, indicates a significant trend away from the platforms that once dominated the audio space, signaling a potential disruption in how people consume podcasts.
Apple Podcasts, a long-time leader in the podcasting world, has seen a steady erosion of its user base. In 2022, 15.7% of monthly podcast listeners favored Apple Podcasts. By 2025, that number had fallen to 11.3%, continuing a yearly decline that saw usage drop to 14.3% in 2023 and 12.2% in 2024. Spotify’s trajectory has been more volatile, with 25.2% of listeners preferring the platform in 2022, a dip to 23.4% in 2023, a rise to 26.6% in 2024, and ultimately a decrease to 24.6% in 2025. Meanwhile, YouTube has steadily gained ground, increasing from 28.1% in 2022 to 37.7% in 2025, establishing itself as the most popular platform for podcast consumption.
Demographic Shifts in Podcast Listening
The shift in platform preference isn’t uniform across all demographics. Triton Digital’s data highlights distinct audience segments for each platform. Spotify continues to resonate strongly with younger listeners, attracting 49% of those aged 18-34. YouTube appeals to a predominantly male audience, while Apple Podcasts draws users with higher incomes. Specifically, Apple Podcasts maintains a strong hold on the 35-54 age group, with 42% of listeners in that demographic choosing it as their preferred platform, compared to 39% for Spotify and 37% for YouTube. For those 55 and older, YouTube is the platform of choice for 27%, followed by Apple Podcasts at 22% and Spotify at 12%.
The Rise of Video Podcasts
A key factor driving YouTube’s growth appears to be the increasing popularity of video podcasts. The report also reveals a growing preference for “watch-only” podcast consumption, particularly among younger and older demographics. 35% of listeners aged 18-34 and 55+ identify as “watch-only,” while 29% of those between 35-54 share the same preference. This trend is further underscored by the fact that 37% of the 35-54 demographic prefer to listen only, while that number dips to 36% for those 55+, and 27% for the 18-34 age group.
Apple Podcasts is responding to this trend with a new feature that allows podcasters to seamlessly integrate video content directly into their audio episodes, eliminating the demand for separate video feeds. As reported by James Cridland on February 17, 2026, this update, currently in developer preview with iOS 26.4, allows for proper video playback within the Apple Podcasts app and crucially, allows podcasters to maintain control of their ad revenue through dynamic ad insertion. This feature is currently available through integrations with Acast, ART19, Simplecast, and Omny Studio. This move is seen as a way for Apple to regain ground in the podcasting space, potentially putting pressure on both Spotify and YouTube, which currently lack similar integrated video capabilities.
Implications for the Podcast Industry
The data suggests a broader shift in how people are consuming audio content. The convenience and visual appeal of platforms like YouTube, combined with the growing demand for video podcasts, are reshaping the industry. The ability to watch podcasts, rather than simply listen, offers a different engagement experience, and the numbers suggest a significant portion of the audience is embracing it. The competition between these platforms is likely to intensify as they adapt to these changing consumer preferences.
The full 2025 U.S. Podcast Report from Triton Digital is available for review here.
Looking ahead, the industry will be closely watching how Spotify and Apple Podcasts respond to YouTube’s growing dominance. The integration of video content, as Apple Podcasts is pioneering, will likely become a standard feature across all major platforms. The next few months will be critical in determining whether these platforms can adapt to the evolving needs of podcast listeners and maintain their position in the increasingly competitive audio landscape.
What do you perceive about these changes in podcast listening habits? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
