audio Numbers and Facts About Audio Content in 2021

[Radiotest.me]

A couple of facts outlining the growth of audio content trends in 2021. Entire article can be found here, and main highlights go below:

How much listening is there?​

• 68% of the US 12+ population listens on a monthly basis in 2021
• US adults spent with digital audio 1 hour, 29 minutes per day.

Who is doing all this listening?​

• Age 12 to 34: 86%
• Age 35 to 54: 72%
• Age 55+: 46%

Podcasts, audio’s blockbuster star​

• Podcasting is a familiar term to around 222 million or 78% of the population in the United States
• The weekly podcast audience includes around 80 million people or 28% of the total U.S. population over 12.
• On average, weekly podcast audiences listen to eight podcasts or 5.1 podcast shows

Age of monthly podcast listeners:

• Age 12 to 34: 56%
• Age 35 to 54: 39%
• Age 55+: 26%

Audiobooks still going strong​

An estimated 131 million people listened to an audiobook in 2021, which is about 46% of the total 12+ U.S. population

Audio articles are surging​

• Three-quarters or 75% of all Americans listen to spoken word audio each month while 43% listen daily.
• Those who listen to spoken word audio daily average two hours per day listening, nearly half or 48% of their daily listening time.
• Morning hours between 7 and 10, as well as evening sessions between 17 and 20 registered the highest spikes in listening times.

Radio is still on the radar​

• 63% of those in the U.S. age 18+ are reached by radio every day.
• 41% of all daily audio time in the U.S. is spent with radio.

How listeners perceive audio​

• Audio is the most immersive media format that triggers memorability, trust, and connection, beating out the ad-based video on demand, digital video, linear TV, and social media.
• Audio platforms are trusted more than other media sources, while local content and host trust are the most influential drivers for listening.
• In addition to the convenience and multitasking benefits long recognized for spoken word listening, other strong motivators for increased listening are personal growth, better content, and spoken word’s ability to improve mental health.

Are you an active audio listener? If so, what are your reasons to listen to the spoken word content?