Americans listen to podcasts least in the car, study finds 

Sitting in the car while commuting seems one of the most likely places for consumers to put on a podcast, but it turns out to be quite the opposite. 

Edison Research has released new insight from its ongoing Share of the Ear investigations, looking into the audio consumption of US audiences aged 13+. This time the survey focused on where respondents are listening – finding surprising results. 

Findings showed different podcast listening locations were all over 10% of total time spent, except for in-car, which was just 5%. 

The survey results show work had the highest listening time, with 14% of consumers considering work as the best place to listen to a podcast. 

The captive nature of a car ride would seem like the most likely place to put on a podcast, but other places like the gym and supermarket scored higher with 11% of total time spent. 

Theories for why drivers in the US are less likely to listen to a podcast include lack of time with short drives to sufficient content on AM/FM radio. 

Another factor could be that survey respondents age from just 13 years of age, leaving them less likely to be behind the wheel when listening to a podcast. 

To find these results and see past Edison Research surveys, click here.

Feature image: Edison Research weekly insights 7.26.23