Report: Online Audio, Podcast Use Hit New Highs

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 12:32pm CT

Edison Research at SSRS

Online audio and podcast consumption in the U.S. reached record levels in 2026, according to new data from Edison Research's annual "The Infinite Dial" study conducted with SSRS and supported by SiriusXM Media.

The report found that 81% of Americans age 12 and older - an estimated 233 million people - listened to online audio in the last month, while 76% listened in the last week. Edison Research said weekly engagement among monthly online audio listeners has climbed steadily over the past two decades, rising from 57% in 2006 to 94% in 2026.

Older Americans drove much of the recent growth. Monthly online audio listening among adults 55 and older increased from 52% in 2024 to 70% in 2026.

Podcast consumption also reached new highs. The study found 80% of Americans age 12 and older have listened to or watched a podcast, while 58% consumed a podcast in the last month and 45% in the last week.

Among adults ages 35-54, 68% reported consuming a podcast in the last month, reinforcing podcasting's value to advertisers targeting that demographic. The report also found that 57% of Americans have both listened to and watched a podcast.

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

For the first time, the study also tracked adoption of generative artificial intelligence tools. According to the survey, 93% of Americans are familiar with at least one generative AI brand, while 57% have used a generative AI assistant.

The report found AI users tend to be heavier digital media consumers than non-users. Among AI users, 87% listened to online audio weekly, compared with 61% of non-users. More than half of AI users also consumed podcasts weekly.

Other findings showed YouTube remains widely used, with 84% of Americans using the platform monthly and 78% weekly. Social media preferences varied by age group, with TikTok leading among users ages 12-34 and Facebook remaining dominant among adults 55 and older.

"The Infinite Dial remains one of the most trusted, enduring studies of audio and media behavior," said Keri Degroote, Senior Vice President of Sales Research and Analytics at SiriusXM Media.