Here at LRB, the B2B podcasting experts, we have noticed first-hand the growth in the popularity of podcasts – but what does the data show?
In this article, we reveal the key stats and trends showing the growth of the industry in 2025.
Podcast growth statistics
The number of active podcasts continues to grow steadily in 2025.
According to Listen Notes, there are 605,122 active podcasts. These are shows that have published at least one episode this year.
Data from ThePodcasting indicates this represents a modest but meaningful increase of about 2.5% since August 2025, reflecting consistent and organic industry growth rather than the explosive spikes seen during earlier years.
Notably, the current figure also surpasses the previous high of approximately 595,514 active shows recorded in 2020, a year marked by a surge in new podcast creation during the Covid-19 pandemic boom.
This demonstrates that the podcast ecosystem is not only expanding but doing so in a healthier, more sustained way.
In contrast to the growth in active podcasts, the number of inactive shows has dropped significantly.
Only 18,714 podcasts were marked as inactive in 2025, meaning their RSS feeds were deleted or the show was formally marked as complete.
This is less than half of the 42,289 inactive shows recorded in 2024, and dramatically lower than the roughly 157,000 shows that became inactive during 2020–2021, when many pandemic-era podcasts fizzled out quickly.
This decline in inactive shows suggests a maturing, stabilising industry in which creators are more committed and sustaining their shows longer, indicating improved planning, production quality, and long-term engagement.
Further data from Digital Silk reports that there are around 3.55 million podcasts globally in 2025, with over 175 million episodes published.
Global podcast figures
The latest data from Venue Labs, shows that the global podcast audience is about 584.1 million in 2025, up 6.84% from 546.7 million in 2024.
This has resulted in Coherent Market Insights estimating that the global podcasting market is valued at around $32.54 billion (£24.83 billion) in 2025.
Another forecast from Mordor Intelligence says the market will grow to $114.48 billion (£87.34 billion) by 2030.
UK-specific growth statistics
In the UK, podcasting has gone from strength to strength – and LRB has been in the heart of it for the last few years.
According to The UK Podcast Consumer 2025 report from Edison Research, 51% of the UK population over the age of 16 have listened to or watched a podcast in the past month.
Furthermore, 71% of adults have ever listened or watched a podcast. This further supports the feeling that podcasting is now very mainstream in the UK.
Overall, there is a 6-7% year-over-year increase in listeners.
Partner with a fast-growing B2B podcasting company
If you are looking to get involved in the world of podcasting, then why not partner with a UK-based expert in the industry.
At LRB, our clients have experienced the impact of our knowledge within the B2B podcasting world.
Call 07741 487245 to speak with our CEO, Luke, or email hello@lrb-media.co.uk to learn more.
