YouTube Leads Podcast Platforms in Edison Study

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 11:36am CT

Edison Research at SSRS

YouTube continues to lead as the platform used most often by U.S. weekly podcast consumers, according to new Q3 2026 data from Edison Research at SSRS.

The latest Edison Podcast Metrics findings show YouTube has the highest percentage of weekly podcast consumers who identify it as the platform they use most often to listen to or watch podcasts. Edison said the growth of podcast content on YouTube has significantly changed the podcast ecosystem as the video platform continues to gain ground as a destination for podcast consumption.

Spotify ranks second, with 17% of weekly podcast consumers saying it is the platform they use most often. Apple Podcasts ranks third at 9%, remaining ahead of numerous other podcast platforms but representing a smaller share of consumers than in the past.

Edison also highlighted Netflix's emerging role in podcast consumption. The streaming service ranks seventh, with 3% of U.S. weekly podcast consumers saying Netflix is the platform they use most often to listen to or watch podcasts.

While that share remains relatively small, Edison noted that the figure represents only consumers who identify Netflix as their most-used podcast platform and does not reflect all podcast consumption occurring through the service.

The research firm said the latest results demonstrate the continuing shifts in how audiences access podcast content, with individual platforms gaining and losing share over time.

Edison Podcast Metrics tracks podcast listening and viewing behavior among U.S. weekly podcast consumers, with updated platform data available to subscribers each quarter.