In a significant shift in the podcasting landscape, YouTube has emerged as the most popular platform for podcast listeners in the United States. According to the Spring 2024 report by Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights, 31% of weekly podcast consumers now prefer YouTube for their podcast needs. This marks a major milestone for the platform, which has steadily gained ground over traditional podcast apps like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
The Rise of Video Podcasts
One of the key drivers behind YouTube’s success is the growing popularity of video podcasts. Unlike Apple Podcasts, which has been slow to capitalize on video content, YouTube offers a robust platform where users can watch, comment, and engage with podcasts visually. This feature has attracted a younger and more diverse audience, particularly among those who are new to podcasting.
Apple’s Decline and Challenges Ahead
While Apple Podcasts once dominated the space, it now holds only 12% of the market, trailing behind both YouTube and Spotify. Apple’s decline can be attributed to its limited availability on non-Apple devices and its slower adaptation to the video podcast trend. Despite these challenges, Apple continues to innovate, recently adding auto-generated transcripts to its mobile app to enhance accessibility.
