According to RAJAR’s Q2 2024 results, podcast listening is at an all-time high with 12.3 million people aged 15+ in the UK now listening to podcasts each.
This new record reflects evolving listener habits, with an increased appetite for podcasts and on-demand content, as digital audience figures continue to grow.
Michael Mosley’s Just One Thing (Radio 4) was the second most listened to podcast on BBC Sounds in Q2 2024. His final interview on How to Live a Good Life live from the Hay Festival was the top performing episode of the series.
There were some big new speech titles on BBC Sounds, including Miss Me? with Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver, which has been a hit with younger audiences, plus the return of the hugely popular Radio 4 To Catch A Scorpion (the latest series from the Intrigue strand) which dominated headlines, and History’s Secret Heroes, narrated by Helena Bonham Carter.
Listeners continue to come to BBC Sounds for podcasts and on demand programmes. BBC Radio 4 speech content continues to dominate the BBC Sounds top ten podcasts with 8 out of 10 titles coming from the station, including comedy such as It’s a Fair Cop, drama strand Limelight, and popular returning titles including, History’s Secret Heroes and Uncanny.
The BBC has received 34 nominations at the British Podcast Awards with a breadth of genres receiving recognition, demonstrating the content available to audiences on BBC Sounds.
BBC Sounds figures remain strong in Q2 with 608 million plays of all content across radio, podcasts and music mixes, an increase of almost 5% from the same period last year.
Data shows there was a weekly audience average of 4.88 million with a peak of 5 million weekly users.
Jonathan Wall, director of BBC Sounds said: “BBC Sounds has peaked at 5 million listeners again this quarter and continues to delight audiences with a vast range of top-class content, whether that’s live, or our brilliant podcast offer.
“I want to pay special tribute to two of our podcast stars who we have sadly lost over this period. Rob Burrow and the team at Radio Leeds created a truly special interview series and Rob’s bravery in the face of adversity has been inspiring.
“Michael Mosley was one of our kings of podcasting, and together with the team at Radio 4, has created a legacy of programmes that listeners can continue to enjoy. We miss you Michael and Rob and have your friends and families in our hearts and thoughts.”
