Infinite Dial 2023: Australia leads the world in digital audio listening

Infinite Dial Australia and Edision Research have released another jam-packed report showing Australia is leading the world in digital listening. 

The report also showed: 

• 8 in 10 Australians 12+ listen to radio weekly
• 81% listen to digital audio monthly
• 43% listen to podcasts monthly
• Broadcast radio listening (AM/FM and DAB+) continues to be positive
• One in 12 Australians 12+ listen to a podcast everyday

“Digital audio listening in Australia is going from strength to strength, led by booming digital radio and podcast listening and underpinned by radio’s continued resilience and popularity,” Ford Ennals, CEO of CRA said.

Around 81% of the total population in Australia aged 12+ are listening to digital audio monthly, up from 78% in 2022. While over in the U.S., 75% are listening monthly. 

Digital audio listening includes AM, FM and DAB+ radio stations listened to online, as well as podcasts and music streaming services.

As for podcasts, listening has jumped to 43% monthly, up from 40% in 2022, again pushing ahead of the U.S.

“The Infinite Dial 2023 Australia study shows that Australia’s love of podcasts continues to grow. The country has become a global leader in podcast monthly listening. The growth is fuelled by the strength and breadth of Australian content and the popularity of podcasts from broadcast radio,” Ford said.

Approximately one in 10 Australians age 12+ listen to a podcast every day, with weekly podcast listeners averaging five episodes per week.

Australia continues to lead the world in radio listening, with over 79% of Australians age 12+, or around 17 million people, listening every week.

Digital audio listeners have shown they consume digital audio through various channels, including AM/FM/DAB+ devices, online streaming, podcasts, and smart speakers. 

“Around six million Australians stream radio weekly growing from 14% in 2021 to 27% in 2023,” Ford said.

“Digital audio consumption, including podcasts, is now a habit for many Australians and understanding cross-audio platform behaviors is crucial for commercial success.”

Radio listening in the car has remained the top digital audio choice, with 84% of those age 18+ who have been in a car in the last month saying that they listen to radio in the car. This number is up from 80% last year and more than double the 41% who stream music in the car.

“The Infinite Dial 2023 Australia study demonstrates the strong global position of the Australian audio industry, with robust engagement across different platforms, including traditional AM/FM/DAB+ radio, online radio, and podcasts,” said Edison Research President Larry Rosin.

“These findings underscore the industry’s ability to adapt and innovate, providing diverse and compelling audio content for listeners.”

To view the full results of the seventh Infinite Dial Australia report, click here, or watch the webinar below.

For the research, Edison Research surveyed 1,576 respondents in Australia aged 12 and older in the first quarter of 2023.