Libsyn

Is podcasting still growing in 2026? The numbers speak for themselves. 📊🎙️
We pulled together recent data from Edison Research, Podcast Index, IAB, and Libsyn first-party hosting metrics to map out where the industry stands today:
➡️ 167 Million: Americans consuming podcasts monthly (an all-time high 58% of the population)
➡️ 10%: The portion of the global podcast catalog actively publishing episodes within a 90-day window
➡️ 53%: Weekly podcast consumers who actively watch video podcasts
➡️ $3.0 Billion: Projected U.S. podcast advertising revenue in 2026
Whether you’re looking for global download benchmarks, video stats, or listener demographics, we’ve got you covered.
🔗 Tap the link in our bio to read the full article

Great podcasting starts with making the show you want to make but growing your audience requires meeting listeners on their terms.

In this clip, Libsyn’s GM of Hosting breaks down why personal creator habits shouldn’t dictate distribution strategy:

→ Separate personal habits from audience habits: You might never listen to a static audio video on YouTube, but millions of audience members prefer that exact format.

→ Remove friction through accessibility: Making your show available across every potential platform removes barriers for new listeners.

→ Avoid format elitism: Remaining open-minded toward non-traditional distribution channels opens doors to entirely new demographics.

Looking for a podcast host that distributes to every major platform? Start your free Libsyn trial: https://signup.libsyn.com/?_stellarVisitorId=visitor_17757413554110.43478239041465216

50,000 podcast downloads for $200 sounds tempting.

The problem is what you may actually be buying.

Brian breaks down how fake podcast promotion works, why inflated downloads can hurt your show, and three free ways to reach real listeners.

Link to the full video in the comments.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/mq1D8I-IqCs

Choosing a podcast host? Three things worth checking:
→ Can it help get your show in front of listeners without extra manual work?
→ Can you monetize regardless of your download count?
→ Do you get analytics that advertisers can trust?
Your show might look very different a year from now.
Choose a platform that gives it room to grow.

Your download count can’t tell you the whole story about your audience.

The same total can reflect very different listening patterns depending on how often people return and which episodes they choose.

That’s why growth is easier to understand when you look at your analytics across episodes and over time—not at one number in isolation.

Big congrats to Libsyn’s own Brittany Hall and Signal Hill’s Paul Riismandel on being selected to speak at Movement 🎉

Their session is officially headed to the stage and we can’t wait to see it. 

Are you headed to the Big Apple for Movement? Let us now in the comments.

PodcastIndustry

Meet the creator behind City of Lights - a new show that’s already getting some serious recognition.
Podglomerate recently asked five major AI chatbots to name the best new podcasts of 2026. CITY OF LIGHTS was one of only two shows named in every response.

Our latest Creator Spotlight introduces W***y Nast and the work behind the show.

Read the full story → https://libsyn.com/blog/how-willy-nast-built-one-of-2026s-breakout-true-crime-podcasts/