New data shows there were 460 million plays of podcasts and on demand radio programmes on BBC Sounds in the UK in 2020, with a 21% increase in podcast listening since the start of the year.
From January to November this year, there were 1.1 billion UK plays of radio, music and podcasts on BBC Sounds, compared to 630 million plays from February to November 2019.
The most popular podcasts of 2020 in the UK (based on BBC Sounds plays between January and November) were:
- That Peter Crouch Podcast – the most listened to episode this year was when Prince William joined Peter, Chris and Tom
- Newscast – the most popular episode was ‘Lockdown 2.0’
- You’re Dead To Me – most indulged in episode was the History of Chocolate
- Grounded with Louis Theroux – Louis’ conversation with Jon Ronson proved the most popular
- Fortunately… with Fi and Jane – ‘Everything is Elasticated with Jonathan Freedland’ was the most listened to
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- The Lovecraft Investigations: the latest instalment The Shadow Over Innsmouth followed The Case of Charles Dexter Ward and The Whisperer in Darkness
- Manhunt: Finding Kevin Parle
- Evil Genius with Russell Kane
- The Missing Cryptoqueen
Controller of BBC Sounds, Jonathan Wall, said: “In such a difficult year it’s no surprise that people have listened to this mix of audio on BBC Sounds. Many turned to Newscast for in-depth but accessible information, Austen featured in efforts to educate youngsters, and the music team helped people hold at-home Glastonbury festivals and sound tracked outdoor exercising with mixes like Pace Setter.
“During a time of isolation for many, listeners enjoyed the company of Peter Crouch, Fi and Jane, and Louis Theroux, and the escapism of the Lovecraft dramas full of the occult and secret government operations.
“With an unusual Christmas around the corner, BBC Sounds hopes to bring listeners some joy and festive cheer with podcast specials, new sci fi drama The Cipher, boxsets to indulge in and brilliant Christmas music.”
The BBC says that many of its podcasts particularly appeal to younger audiences and those with the largest proportion of under-35 listeners this year were Alhan’s World, The YUNGBLUD Podcast and 6 Degrees from Jamie and Spencer.
Among BBC podcasts that won awards this year are Brown Girls Do It Too, which won podcast of the year at the British Podcast Awards; and Have You Heard George’s Podcast? was the first podcast outside of the United States to win a Peabody Award.
