Whether you’re commuting to work, taking a walk, or tackling chores around the house, podcasts have become a go-to source for entertainment, learning, and inspiration.
International Podcast Day on Sept. 30 is a chance to celebrate a medium that has grown from a niche hobby into a global industry. The term “podcast” was first coined in 2004 by journalist Ben Hammersley, who combined the words “iPod” and “broadcast” to describe audio programs distributed online.
Today, podcasts cover nearly every topic imaginable, from business and history to sports, science, and pop culture. Many shows now feature video versions, allowing audiences to watch conversations as well as listen to them.
Podcasts by the numbers
Check out these fun facts about podcasts:
- 64% of people give podcasts their full attention, compared with 49% for music streaming and 44% for radio.
- Podcast ads receive 10.6 seconds of active attention, compared with 6.1 seconds for online videos, 4.0 seconds for social media, and 1.4 seconds for display ads.
- 69% of listeners discover new brands through podcasts.
- 41% of listeners have purchased a product after hearing a podcast ad.
- In 2025, it’s estimated that around 198,000 new podcasts were published—and the total number of active shows was a record high of 605,000.
- Podcast advertising delivers an average of 4.2x ROI, outperforming social media, display, video, and search advertising.
Clearly the format’s unique conversational style creates a strong connection between hosts, advertisers and listeners—which is likely why they’ve exploded in popularity.
Ideas for your next listen from the TDS team
The Mel Robbins Podcast :Practical advice and motivation focused on personal growth, confidence, and building better habits.
Las Culturistas with Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers: A humorous and energetic take on pop culture, entertainment, and life from comedians Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers.
Giggly Squad: Hosts Paige DeSorbo and Hannah Berner mix pop culture, fashion trends, television, horoscopes, with humor and relatable stories about modern life.
Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce: Join Kylie each week on Not Gonna Lie, as she shares her personal story beyond being just a “football wife,” setting the record straight on gossip and speaking her truths on topics like modern parenting, social media trends, women in sports, and more.
SmartLess: Actors Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett bring humor and surprise guests to unscripted conversations each week.
You Must Remember This: A deep dive into the culture and personalities that shaped late-1960s Los Angeles, offering historical context around one of the nation’s most infamous crimes.
The Ringer Fantasy Football Podcast: A fun mix of fantasy football analysis, sports commentary, and entertaining banter between hosts who don’t take themselves too seriously.
World War II with Tom Hanks: Tom Hanks explores the real-life heroes, stories and pivotal moments that shaped World War II in this compelling History Channel podcast series.
The Rest is History: Historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook bring major moments from world history to life through engaging storytelling and expert analysis. Named Apple Podcasts’ Global Show of the Year in 2025.
Science Vs.: Each episode tackles popular myths, trends, and controversial topics by examining scientific research and expert insights to separate fact from fiction.
Sidedoor: Go behind the scenes at the Smithsonian to uncover surprising stories and hidden treasures.
International Podcast Day is the perfect opportunity to explore a new show, revisit an old favorite, or share a recommendation with a friend.
