YouTube Overtakes Spotify as the No. 1 U.S. Podcast Platform, Drawing Over 1 Billion Viewers Monthly

YouTube has officially surpassed Spotify as the top podcast platform in the U.S., attracting over 1 billion monthly viewers, according to Bloomberg. The video-focused format has fueled massive engagement, cementing YouTube’s dominance in the podcasting space.

How YouTube Became the Leading Podcast Platform

• Pandemic-driven growth accelerated YouTube’s podcast audience.
• Expanded advertising services helped podcasters monetize content more effectively.
• In 2022, YouTube paid podcasters up to $300,000 to upload video versions of their shows, while Spotify scaled back podcast investments.

The Future of Podcasting: Video vs. Audio

• YouTube’s emphasis on video podcasts has reshaped industry trends, appealing to both creators and advertisers.
• Spotify still holds a strong position in audio streaming, but YouTube’s strategy highlights a growing shift toward video-first consumption.

With YouTube now leading the podcast space, industry giants may need to rethink their approach as video-based formats continue to gain momentum among creators and listeners alike.