Australian Podcasting Industry Trends for 2023

I am thrilled to delve into the latest statistics from Edison Research's Infinite Dial for 2023, focusing on the Australian Podcasting Industry Trends. I’m going to explore the key findings from the report, analyse their implications, and discuss the future outlook for podcasting in Australia.

The Rise of Podcast Listening in Australia

Let's start by looking at the growth of podcast listening in Australia over the past few years. In 2017, only 10% of the population listened to podcasts. However, with the advent of COVID-19 and people spending more time at home, podcasting gained significant traction. By 2021, the percentage of podcast listeners had risen to 26%. And now, in 2023, we see an even more impressive figure of 33% of the population, which translates to approximately 7 million people, listening to podcasts on a weekly basis.

This surge in podcast consumption indicates the increasing popularity and influence of the medium. As more people discover the value of podcasts, we can expect to see a rise in advertising and brand partnerships within the industry (which we’re already seeing). Podcasting has become a powerful tool for connecting with audiences, and brands are absolutely starting to recognize its potential.

The Changing Demographics of Podcast Listeners

When we examine the demographics of podcast listeners in Australia, some interesting trends emerge. The age group with the highest percentage of weekly podcast listeners is still 18 to 24, followed closely by the 25 to 39 age range. However, what's particularly noteworthy is the growing popularity of podcasts among older age groups.

In the past, it was common for individuals over the age of 45 to be unfamiliar with podcasts. However, the latest statistics reveal that the 40 to 64 age bracket is increasingly embracing podcast listening. This shift indicates that podcasts are no longer limited to a specific demographic and have the potential to reach a wide range of audiences.

Additionally, the younger generation, aged twelve to seventeen, has shown a significant increase in podcast consumption, with 36% of this age group now listening to podcasts. Platforms like TikTok have played a crucial role in driving traffic to podcasts among Gen Z listeners. If you're targeting this demographic, it's essential to leverage social media platforms and create engaging content that resonates with them.

Australia Takes the Lead in Podcast Listening

One of the most exciting developments in the Australian podcasting landscape is that Australia has overtaken the United States as the country with the highest per capita podcast listenership. While the US held the lead at 31%, Australia has now surged ahead at 33%. This shift signifies the growing influence and potential of the Australian podcasting market.

With more Australians tuning in to podcasts, content creators have a unique opportunity to capture their attention and build a loyal audience. However, it's important to note that as the industry becomes more competitive, podcasters need to deliver high-quality content and engage their listeners effectively. The days of casual, low-quality shows are fading, and podcasters must adapt to meet the rising expectations of their audience.

The Listening Habits of Australian Podcast Consumers

Understanding where and how people listen to podcasts is crucial for content creators and advertisers. Despite the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, the majority of podcast listening still occurs at home, with 87% of respondents indicating that they listen to podcasts in their homes. This finding suggests that listeners engage with podcasts while performing other tasks, such as cleaning, getting ready for the day, or...