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The rise of video podcasts is reshaping content consumption—and YouTube is leading the charge.
In February 2025, YouTube announced a jaw-dropping stat: the platform now has 1 billion monthly active viewers of podcast content. Yes, billion—with a b. This milestone shows that YouTube is not just a video giant, but has become the home for podcasts in the digital era.
And it’s not just about audio anymore. Thanks to changing viewer habits, video podcasts are booming. The trend is transforming how creators build audiences, how brands reach consumers, and how platforms like Netflix are racing to keep up.
YouTube isn’t just the most-used podcast platform in the U.S.—it’s also the first place many people now go to find new podcasts. The platform has rolled out podcast-specific features, added more creators to its revenue-sharing program, and improved discovery through powerful search and recommendation engines. These moves are working: users now watch over 400 million hours of podcasts each month on their TVs alone.
This is part of a larger trend: more people are watching YouTube on their living room TVs, and that shift is driving up demand for long-form, lean-back content. Video podcasts are the perfect fit.
From “talk shows” like Club Shay Shay and New Heights to genre-bending shows like Rotten Mango, today’s podcasts aren’t just something you listen to on a commute—they’re becoming appointment viewing.
According to Edison Research, 89% of weekly Gen Z podcast listeners consume video podcasts—often choosing platforms like YouTube where they can both watch and listen. This preference aligns perfectly with YouTube’s format, where users can toggle between passive listening and active watching, depending on the moment.
That’s why YouTube’s podcast product isn’t just about audio. It’s about flexibility—letting users stream content at the gym, on the go, or at home on the big screen.
The podcast boom hasn’t gone unnoticed by traditional streamers. Netflix is now exploring video podcasts, seeing them as a strategic play for content expansion.
Why the sudden interest?
Netflix has already shown its openness to creator-driven content, bringing YouTube-born talent like Miss Rachel and the Sidemen to its platform. If video podcasts become the next frontier, we may soon see more creators cashing in and more brands looking to get in on the action.
This surge in podcast viewing on YouTube presents a massive opportunity:
And as more content shifts to TVs, podcast placements may start to resemble traditional media buys, complete with reach, frequency, and brand lift metrics.
YouTube’s podcast boom is a foundational shift in how people consume long-form content. With 1 billion monthly podcast viewers, 400M hours watched on TVs, and growing interest from streamers like Netflix, the lines between platforms, content formats, and creators are blurring.
For influencer marketers and brands, this is a great opportunity to rethink where audiences are spending their time and how to meet them there.
Want to tap into the YouTube podcast surge? Start by identifying creators in your niche with rising podcast channels and consider long-form sponsorships that build trust and visibility over time.
Would you like help identifying top-performing YouTube podcasts for your next campaign? Talk to us to learn more.
