The Edison Research data proves what we already knew. Younger audiences put much more emphasis on their phones. You can argue that the industry misplayed that push that's been steadily growing for years. But there's also time to rectify that, too.
"On-demand platforms, including streaming music and podcasts, now account for 56% of all audio time in 2026, according to Edison Research's Share of Ear."
"Total podcast consumption time, a measure that accounts for both consumer growth and the increase in time we commit to podcasts, showcases to advertisers just how massive the medium has become."
"Both types of consumption are virtually the same. There’s a lot of it. There’s a lot of people who listen to audio only. And there’s a lot of people who watch actively.”
Borrell Associates projects that figure will climb considerably over the next four years as the industry undergoes what it describes as a "great reshuffling."