Podcast, Online Audio Use Hit New Highs in U.S.

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 2:40pm CT

Edison Research at SSRS

Podcast and online audio consumption in the U.S. have reached record levels, according to The Infinite Dial 2026 study released by Edison Research at SSRS with support from SiriusXM Media.

The annual report, presented by Edison Research Vice President Megan Lazovick alongside Podnews editor James Cridland, tracks digital media behaviors among Americans and this year also examines the rapid adoption of generative artificial intelligence.

The study found that 81% of Americans age 12 and older -- about 233 million people -- listened to online audio in the past month, while 76% (219 million) listened in the last week, both all-time highs. The most recent growth has been driven largely by older listeners, with monthly online audio use among those 55 and older jumping from 52% in 2024 to 70% in 2026.

Podcast consumption also set new records. Eighty percent of Americans age 12+ -- roughly 230 million people -- have listened to or watched a podcast, the highest level ever recorded. Monthly podcast consumption reached 58% (167 million people), while 45% (130 million) reported listening in the last week.

Among the key demographics for advertisers, 68% of adults ages 35-54 said they consumed a podcast in the last month. The study also found that 57% of Americans age 12+ have both listened to and watched a podcast.

"Video isn't replacing podcast audio. It's expanding the tent," Lazovick said. "Whatever your feelings on video podcasts, the data is clear: this is a dual-format medium now."

The report also highlights the rapid adoption of generative AI tools. Ninety-three percent of Americans age 12 are now familiar with at least one generative AI brand, while 57% have used a generative AI assistant. According to the study, AI users are significantly more engaged with digital media: 87% listened to online audio in the past week compared with 61% of non-users, and more than half of AI users report consuming podcasts weekly.

To track the fast-moving AI landscape, Edison Research at SSRS has introduced a new subscription product, AI User Metrics, which surveys Americans twice monthly. Early findings show awareness of Claude AI from Anthropic increased 58% between early February and mid-March 2026.

The study also found notable differences in social media platform preferences by age group. TikTok is now the most-used social media platform among Americans ages 12-34, preferred by 29% of that group. Facebook remains the most-used platform overall, with 40% of social media users citing it as their primary platform and dominating among users 55 and older. X skews male and toward users ages 35-54, while Snapchat's audience is largely under 35.

In addition, nine in ten Americans age 12+ have used YouTube, with 84% using the platform monthly and 78% weekly.

"The Infinite Dial remains one of the most trusted, enduring studies of audio and media behavior," said Keri Degroote, SVP of Sales Research & Analytics at SiriusXM Media. "The long-running dataset delivers invaluable insight into how audiences evolve over time, and we're proud for SiriusXM Media to support research that helps shape the future of audio."