YouTube surpasses 1B monthly podcast viewers

Feb 26, 2025

YouTube hits 1B monthly podcast viewers, challenging Spotify and Apple.

YouTube surpasses 1B monthly podcast viewers

: YouTube has reached over 1 billion monthly podcast viewers, emphasizing its influence in the podcast industry. An announcement revealed a strong user preference for video-first formats, as evidenced by more than 400 million hours of podcast content watched on TVs last year. Spotify, feeling the competition, is also investing in video podcasts, planning changes by November 2024. YouTube will enhance mid-roll ads starting May 12 to improve viewer experience and boost creator revenue.

YouTube continues to strengthen its position in the podcasting scene, now boasting over 1 billion monthly podcast viewers. This significant number underscores YouTube's role in pushing forward consumer attraction towards video-first podcast formats, shown by the 400 million hours of podcast content watched through living room TVs in the previous year.

Facing a powerful competitor, Spotify has turned its gaze towards video content to lure both hosts and users into its fold. With plans to financially incentivize prominent video hosts starting November 2024, it stands as an effort to rival YouTube's existing practice of sharing billions in ad revenue with content creators.

In another strategic move, YouTube plans to refine mid-roll ad placements effective May 12. By positioning ads at logical breaks like pauses and transitions, the platform aims to enhance the viewing experience while potentially increasing earning opportunities for content creators.