Triton Digital has released its 2025 fourth-quarter U.S. Podcast ranker, and the data shows that listening for news podcasts remained strong in the quarter.
News podcasts were the second most-listened-to genre during October, November, and December. The genre accounted for 26.7% of all podcast listening for the quarter.
The top podcast category by reach during the timeframe was comedy at 40.9%. Rounding out the top three was Society & Culture at 23%.
“Podcasting has become appointment media in moments that matter, from sports seasons and cultural milestones to end-of-year reflection and planning,” said Triton Digital Senior Vice President of Measurement Products and Strategy Daryl Battaglia. “What we’ve seen from Q4 is not just seasonal listening – it’s sustained, intentional engagement tied to real-world behaviors. These insights give marketers a sharper lens into how and when podcast audiences are most receptive, and where smart investments can drive meaningful results in 2026.”
The Ramsey Show was one of the top movers in the fourth quarter rankings from Triton Digital. It saw a 36-position increase to finish the window at 25th overall in the Demos+ rankings. The Shawn Ryan Show also saw a strong increase, moving up 38 places to finish the quarter in 27th position.
“Each quarter, Triton Digital’s Ranker tells a clearer story about how podcast audiences are evolving – and why audio deserves a central role in modern media plans,” Battaglia added. “The data from Q4 2025 proves that podcasting isn’t just resilient; it’s influential, measurable, and increasingly essential for brands looking to connect with engaged audiences at scale.”
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