UK Podcast landscape shifts: Joe Rogan leads, new shows Rise in Q2 2024

Edison Research today released its quarterly report on the top 25 podcasts in the United Kingdom for the second quarter of 2024. The report, based on reach among weekly podcast listeners aged 15 and older, reveals both consistent favorites and emerging trends in the UK podcast landscape. This data, collected through Edison Podcast Metrics, offers valuable insights into the evolving preferences of British podcast consumers and the dynamic nature of the audio content market.

According to the report, the top three podcasts have maintained their positions from the previous quarter. The Joe Rogan Experience continues to dominate the UK podcast scene, holding onto the number one spot. Following closely are The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett and Sh**ged Married Annoyed in second and third place, respectively. These rankings demonstrate the enduring popularity of established shows in the face of an increasingly competitive podcast market.

One of the most notable shifts in the rankings is the ascent of Help I Sexted My Boss into the top 10 for the first time. This climb can be attributed to the show's recent media attention, which was garnered through a successful tour and the launch of its own dinner party game, "Help I Sexted My Boss: The Official Party Game." The show's rise illustrates how cross-platform promotion and audience engagement strategies can significantly boost a podcast's popularity.

The report also highlights several newcomers to the top 25 list. "The Overlap with Gary Neville," a sports-focused podcast, has made its debut at number 24. This entry coincides with the launch of its new season in late March 2024, suggesting that strategic timing of content releases can have a substantial impact on listener engagement. Another notable entry is "The Rest is Entertainment," which secured the 17th spot despite only launching in late November 2023. This rapid ascent speaks to the show's ability to quickly capture and retain an audience in a crowded market.

In a bittersweet development, "Just One Thing - with Michael Mosley" has entered the rankings at number 20. This achievement is particularly poignant given the recent passing of the show's host, Michael Mosley. The BBC's decision to release the unfinished television version of the series may have contributed to renewed interest in the podcast, demonstrating the interconnected nature of media platforms in driving audience engagement.

The inclusion of "Call Her Daddy" at number 22 reflects the growing international appeal of certain podcasts. Originally a U.S.-based show, its rising popularity in the UK market indicates a trend towards global content consumption and the cross-cultural appeal of certain podcast formats and personalities.

Edison Podcast Metrics employs a unique methodology that sets it apart from other podcast ranking systems. Rather than relying on download data or requiring podcast networks to opt into the service, the company surveys at least 2,000 weekly podcast listeners in the UK each quarter. This approach allows for a more comprehensive and unbiased view of listening behavior across all platforms.

The data collection method is consistent with that used in the United States, enabling cross-market comparisons and insights. By focusing on actual listener behavior rather than download metrics, Edison Podcast Metrics provides a more accurate representation of podcast reach and engagement.

This report comes at a time when the podcast industry continues to evolve rapidly. With an increasing number of shows vying for listener attention, understanding audience preferences and consumption habits is crucial for content creators, advertisers, and industry analysts alike. The diversity of topics represented in the top 25 list - ranging from comedy and true crime to business and sports - underscores the broad appeal of podcasts as a medium.

For those interested in delving deeper into specific podcast genres, Edison Research has announced an upcoming webinar focused on true crime podcasts. Scheduled for September 12, 2024, at 2 PM EDT, the "True Crime Consumer Report" will be presented by Gabriel Soto, Senior Director of Research at Edison Research, and Bob Baird, Chief Operating Officer of audiochuck. This webinar promises to offer detailed insights and analysis on the current state and future prospects of true crime podcasts, a genre that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

The Q2 2024 podcast rankings provide valuable information for industry professionals, content creators, and podcast enthusiasts alike. By highlighting both established favorites and rising stars, the report offers a snapshot of the UK podcast ecosystem and hints at future trends in audio content consumption.

Key facts from the Edison Research Q2 2024 UK Podcast Rankings

• Report release date: August 28, 2024
• Top 3 podcasts: 1) The Joe Rogan Experience, 2) The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett, 3) Sh**ged Married Annoyed
• New entrant to Top 10: Help I Sexted My Boss
• Notable new entries to Top 25: The Overlap with Gary Neville (#24), The Rest is Entertainment (#17), Just One Thing - with Michael Mosley (#20), Call Her Daddy (#22)
• Methodology: Survey of at least 2,000 weekly podcast listeners aged 15+ in the UK
• Data collection period: Second quarter of 2024
• Upcoming related event: True Crime Consumer Report webinar on September 12, 2024