YouTube Reveals 2025 Trends, Top Podcasts & New Recap Tool

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | 10:42am CT

YouTube

YouTube is closing out its 20th anniversary year with two major end-of-year releases: its annual Trending Lists and the launch of YouTube Recap, a personalized year-in-review feature for users.

The 2025 Trending Lists highlight the creators, songs, cultural moments-and for radio and audio fans, the top podcasts-that shaped viewing and listening habits this year. The rankings are based on in-country activity across views, uploads, fan engagement and other signals, according to YouTube's Culture & Trends team.

YouTube's Top Podcasts list is driven by total U.S. watch time for full-length podcast playlists (excluding clips and Shorts). This year's top 10 reflect a mix of talk, comedy, true crime and political commentary:

1. The Joe Rogan Experience
2. Kill Tony
3. Good Mythical Morning
4. Rotten Mango
5. The MeidasTouch Podcast
6. 48 Hours
7. Shawn Ryan Show
8. Smosh Reads Reddit Stories
9. This Past Weekend w/Theo Von
10. The Diary Of A CEO

Among the top trending topics were Squid Game, user-generated Roblox experiences, KPop Demon Hunters, and the rising popularity of collectible character Labubu. Classic songs like Connie Francis' "Pretty Little Baby" and the Black Eyed Peas' "Rock That Body" also surged in Shorts creations, showing how older tracks can find new life on the platform.

For the first time, YouTube users can access YouTube Recap, a personalized highlight reel summarizing their 2025 watch patterns. Recap includes up to 12 cards showing top channels, interests, watch-time evolution, and even a user "personality type." Music listeners can also explore their top artists, songs, and podcast listening via the YouTube Music app.

Recap is available now on the YouTube homepage or under the You tab across mobile and desktop.

"YouTube remains the ultimate engine for shared pop culture experiences," said Kevin Allocca, Global Director of YouTube Culture & Trends, citing the platform's ability to propel creators, songs and new formats into the mainstream.