Gen Z Podcast Preferences: Spotify Reigns Supreme, Audio Dominates according to 2025 Survey

The podcast industry has been buzzing about YouTube's ascendance, with many assuming Gen Z was driving the video podcast revolution.

However, a recent survey by Transistor.fm reveals a different story: while YouTube is a major player, Gen Z's podcast habits are more nuanced and heavily skewed towards audio.

Debunking the YouTube Myth: Spotify Still Rules

Edison Research data indicates YouTube is the leading podcast consumption platform overall. Yet, Transistor.fm's 2025 survey, specifically targeting Gen Z podcast fans (ages 13-29), paints a contrasting picture. Spotify remains the dominant platform for this demographic, preferred by a significant 56% of respondents, up from 47% in Transistor.fm's 2021 survey.

In contrast, only 21% of Gen Z respondents cited YouTube as their primary podcast platform.

Audio Over Video: A Clear Preference

Despite the industry's push towards video podcasts, Gen Z overwhelmingly favours audio-only content. A striking 76% of respondents indicated they primarily listen to audio podcasts, while only 6% primarily watch video.

Even among YouTube users in the survey, 52% still consume audio only or a mix of audio and video. This data clearly demonstrates that audio remains the core format for Gen Z podcast consumption.

Transistor.fm found that 76% of Gen Z listeners primarily consume audio podcasts.

Key Findings from Transistor.fm's 2025 Survey:

• Spotify's Dominance:

  • 56% of Gen Z podcast listeners prefer Spotify.

  • This preference has increased since 2021.

• Audio-Only Preference:

  • 76% of Gen Z listeners primarily consume audio podcasts.

  • Video consumption is significantly lower.

• Mobile and Home Listening:

  • 59% of Gen Z listeners primarily consume podcasts at home on mobile devices.

  • Car listening is less prevalent than in older demographics.

• Fiction's Popularity:

  • Fiction podcasts, particularly drama and horror, are surprisingly popular.

  • "Welcome to Night Vale" and "The Magnus Archives" were among the top mentioned shows.

• Influential Podcasters:

  • Joe Rogan was the most frequently mentioned "popular podcaster."

Where Gen Z Listens:

The survey also revealed that Gen Z primarily consumes podcasts at home on their mobile devices (59%). Car listening, a common behavior among older demographics, is less prevalent. This highlights the importance of optimizing podcasts for mobile listening experiences.

The Rise of Fiction:

One of the most surprising findings was the popularity of fiction podcasts among Gen Z. Shows like "Welcome to Night Vale" and "The Magnus Archives" were frequently mentioned, indicating a strong appetite for narrative audio content.

Implications for Podcasters:

Transistor.fm's survey provides valuable insights for podcasters targeting Gen Z:

• Prioritize Spotify:

  • While YouTube is important, Spotify remains the key platform for reaching Gen Z.

• Don't Abandon Audio:

  • Focus on high-quality audio content, as it remains the preferred format.

• Explore Fiction:

  • Consider creating or promoting fiction podcasts to tap into this growing audience.

• Optimize for Mobile:

  • Ensure your podcast is easily accessible and enjoyable on mobile devices.

Read the full survey results from Transistor.fm here