Smart TVs are becoming a bigger player in America’s audio landscape. New data from Edison Research and its 2025 Share of Ear study shows that Smart TVs now account for 6% of total daily audio consumption among U.S. listeners.
While AM/FM radio and mobile devices continue to dominate how Americans consume audio, televisions are emerging as an increasingly important space.
The Edison Research study highlights that YouTube has become the dominant platform for audio on Smart TVs. The platform commands 53% of total listening time on these devices among those aged 13 and older.
That figure more than doubles the combined 21% share held by streaming music services like Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
Podcasts rank as the third most popular audio content on Smart TVs, securing 13% of listening time. SiriusXM captures 7%, while other audio sources account for the remaining 6%.
One of the more surprising findings from Edison’s data is the surge in podcast consumption via Smart TVs. Edison notes that podcast listening on connected TVs (13%) now significantly outpaces that on smart speakers (3%). The company suggests this reflects an audience shift toward content that offers both audio and visual elements, signaling a change in how media is both delivered and monetized.
Meanwhile, the once-promising growth of smart speakers appears to be slowing. Edison’s Infinite Dial 2025 shows that smart speaker ownership has leveled off at 34%, with only 18% of Americans using them weekly for audio.
In contrast, Smart TVs have now made their way into 75% of U.S. households.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
