New entrants shake up podcast charts
iHeart audience network debuts, popular shows remain strong.
Triton Digital today released its May 2024 U.S. Podcast Ranker report, covering the period from April 29 to June 2, 2024. This month's report saw a significant shakeup with the inclusion of podcasts from the newly added iHeart Audience Network.
To accommodate the influx of new podcasts from iHeartRadio, Triton Digital has expanded its rankings to include the top 150 podcasts, measured by both average weekly downloads and average weekly users according to Triton's Podcast Metrics service.
Network standings
The Top Sales Networks Report revealed iHeart Audience Network claiming the top spot for May with 67.4 million average weekly downloads and 18.6 million average weekly users. SiriusXM Podcast Network remained strong at #2 with 38.5 million average weekly downloads and 12.9 million average weekly users, followed by NPR at #3 with 24.6 million average weekly downloads and 6.4 million average weekly users.
Top podcasts by downloads and listeners
The top three podcasts based on downloads remained familiar, with NPR News Now (NPR) holding onto the #1 position, followed by Up First (NPR) at #2. Dateline NBC (NBCUniversal News Group) climbed to the #3 spot for downloads.
Looking at listener numbers, NPR News Now (NPR) maintained its dominance at #1, with the true-crime podcast Crime Junkie (audiochuck) coming in at #2. Up First (NPR) rounded out the top three for listeners.
New entrants make a mark
May saw several noteworthy debuts, including Stuff You Should Know (iHeart Audience Network) and MrBallen's Medical Mysteries (Wondery) appearing in both the download and listener rankings. Smosh Reads Reddit Stories (The Roost Podcast Network) debuted in the download rankings, while The Economics of Everyday Things (SiriusXM Podcast Network) and It's Been a Minute With Sam Sanders (NPR) debuted in the listener rankings.
The Top Sales Network Reports are based on average weekly downloads and average weekly users, adhering to the IAB Podcast Technical Measurement Guidelines (version 2.1). This standardized approach ensures consistent measurement practices and eliminates the use of self-reported data. Triton's Podcast Metrics service aims to provide content creators, marketers, media buyers, and the audio industry as a whole with reliable and transparent data on podcast audiences.
Any sales network or publisher with a U.S. audience can participate in the U.S. Podcast Report.