BBC Sounds has reported a record-breaking 696 million plays across radio, podcasts and music mixes between April and June 2025, which is a 14.5% increase year-on-year.
The latest audience listening figures show that the platform saw its biggest spike on the week of 31 March, when 4.9 million listeners tuned in for major news stories including Donald Trump’s tariff announcement, which boosted the performance of Newscast and Americast, the top two podcasts this quarter.
On-demand radio and podcast listening accounted for 257 million plays, while weekly usage across devices averaged 4.8 million.
Rajar’s Q2 data confirms podcast listening is now at an all-time high, with 16.3 million people in the UK aged 15+ listening each week.
Flagship podcasts dominated again: The Tooney and Russo Show, which returned for the UEFA Women’s EUROs, was a hit with younger listeners and ranked third for under-35s. New Radio 4 entry What’s Up Docs?, from twin doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken, launched at number four overall.
Diddy on Trial, the true crime podcast about the Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs case, was the second most listened to podcast among under-35s, and ninth overall. BBC acquisitions also paid off: Sherlock Holmes Short Stories placed third, and Noiser’s Short History Of… reached number six.
Radio 4’s drama strand Limelight, featuring Central Intelligence with Kim Cattrall and Ed Harris, was the fifth most popular podcast. Eight of the top ten most listened-to on-demand shows were also from Radio 4, including The Archers and Desert Island Discs.
Globally, BBC podcasts were downloaded 219 million times, with Global News Podcast leading the way. Music mixes, including the ever-popular Sleeping Forecast, reached three million plays in the UK alone.
Jonathan Wall, Director of BBC Sounds, says: “It’s been another standout quarter for BBC Sounds, with record plays driven by a mix of trusted news coverage and trending moments.
“As listening habits continue to evolve, we’re witnessing the increased growth of BBC Sounds with a record 696 million plays of all content this quarter, a significant 14.5% increase on last year.
“We’ve also seen once again how audio can build excitement in the lead up to key moments in the sporting and cultural calendar, like Glastonbury and the Women’s Euros, and the Radio 5 Sports extra streams have got off to a strong start, providing a choice of listeners amongst a busy summer of sporting action.
“BBC Sounds remains the go-to destination for listeners to access the very best of our on-demand content and podcasts.”
