S3 E98. Why Women Are Listening to More Podcasts Than Ever: And What That Means for Us as Hosts
It’s 2025, and women in the U.S. are listening to podcasts at three times the rate they were just a decade ago.
If you’re a podcaster speaking to a female audience—or thinking about starting a show—this is your moment. And in this week’s episode, I brought in YouTube and video podcast strategist Yesenia Bocanegra so that we could discuss Women’s Audio Report: Women & Podcasts, the latest Edison Research & SiriusXM study that highlights female listener behavior.
The study reveals how women in the U.S. are consuming podcasts in 2025, what content they’re looking for, and how we - as podcasters, marketers, and business owners - can show up with more intention, strategy, and impact.
But this isn’t just a data breakdown. It’s a conversation about storytelling, emotional connection, and why podcasting continues to be one of the most intimate and powerful mediums out there. Especially for women.
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Why Women Are Listening to More Podcasts Than Ever
01:50 – Podcasting Is Still Worth It: The 60 Million Listener Opportunity
04:35 – Audio vs. Video Podcasting: What the Data Really Says
06:30 – Who Is the Female Podcast Listener in 2025?
08:20 – The Emotional Why: Inspiration, Escapism, and Life Challenges
11:00 – What Genres Are Women Really Listening To?
14:05 – Social Media and Discovery: How Women Find New Podcasts Now
17:10 – Representation Matters: Why Female Hosts Connect More Deeply
21:25 – How Listeners Take Action: From Follows to Subscriptions
25:40 – What You Should Do With This Data
27:10 – Co-Listening With Kids: Podcasting as a Family Bonding Tool
30:20 – Monetization Insights: How Female Listeners Support Creators
33:45 – Final Thoughts
The Rise in Female Podcast Audiences: What the Numbers Show Us
Let’s start here: In 2015, only 15% of U.S. women said they’d listened to a podcast in the past month.
In 2025? That number has tripled—45% of women say they’ve listened to a podcast recently. That’s roughly 60 million women.
Yes, podcasting is more saturated than ever. But these numbers prove there’s still incredible demand, especially from women who want to hear from voices like theirs—who are actively looking for connection, education, and entertainment from people they trust.
And yet, I know what some of you might be thinking: “Is it still worth launching or reviving a podcast in 2025?”
Our answer? Absolutely yes.
Because here’s the kicker: only around 320,000 podcasts are actively publishing new episodes. That’s not a lot—especially compared to YouTube channels or Instagram creators. If anything, it means the field is still wide open for thoughtful, consistent, purpose-led shows to thrive.
It’s Not Just About Listening — It’s About How Women Consume Podcasts
One of the most fascinating parts of the study was seeing how women are engaging with podcasts. While video podcasting is all the rage right now, audio-only is still leading.
45% say they listen to audio podcasts
33% say they watch them on video
And 52% say they consume podcasts in some way regularly
Women are listening while they drive, clean, parent, work, or walk. As Yesenia pointed out, for moms or caretakers, it’s often the only way to consume meaningful content.
Credit: Women’s Audio Report: Women & Podcasts, Edison Research & SiriusXM Media
And don’t sleep on the fact that smart TVs are now the second most-used device for podcast consumption. That tells us something: your audience is likely multitasking, and they still want high-quality, purposeful content—even when it’s in the background.
Credit: Women’s Audio Report: Women & Podcasts, Edison Research & SiriusXM Media
Who Are These Women?
Let’s talk about demographics—because they matter when you're shaping your content strategy.
Women consuming podcasts regularly in 2025 are:
Young: 39% are between 18–34
Affluent: 29% have a household income of $100K+
Educated: 51% have a college degree
Busy parents: 29% have children under 18
They’re thoughtful, intentional listeners. They’re busy—but they make time to consume content that helps them grow, escape, or feel inspired.
Credit: Women’s Audio Report: Women & Podcasts, Edison Research & SiriusXM Media
And get this—80% say they listen to podcasts to feel inspired, while 64% say they listen to help cope with life’s challenges.
That tells us a lot. If your podcast is rooted in honest storytelling, emotional depth, or life navigation—you are meeting women exactly where they are.
The Genres Women Are Tuning Into Might Surprise You
Okay, let’s get into the juicy stuff—what are women actually listening to?
Here are the top 10 genres from the study:
True crime
Music
Wellness and self-improvement
Celebrity + entertainment + gossip
News and information
Comedy
Love and relationships
Food and cooking
Politics
Society and culture
Credit: Women’s Audio Report: Women & Podcasts, Edison Research & SiriusXM Media
I was honestly surprised business wasn’t higher up the list (I’m a business nerd!), but it’s a good reminder that even if you’re in a niche space, your voice can still stand out—especially if you bring your unique personality and storytelling to the mic.
And this is where it gets even more interesting: women don’t just listen to one type of podcast. The average female listener subscribes to six different podcast genres. That’s a huge opportunity for creative crossover and format experimentation.
Why Are Women Really Listening to Podcasts?
It’s not just about staying entertained (although that’s a big part of it).
Women are turning to podcasts to:
Learn something new
Be inspired
Navigate mental health, parenting, work stress, and relationships
Find relatable, real voices that aren’t reflected in traditional media
I think it’s worth pausing here. 64% of women said they listen to podcasts to help them cope with life challenges. That’s massive. And it speaks to the emotional intimacy of this medium. Your voice can be that steady presence in someone’s day—the thing that makes them feel less alone or more understood.
Credit: Women’s Audio Report: Women & Podcasts, Edison Research & SiriusXM Media
The Power of the Host—and the Platform
Here’s a stat I couldn’t stop thinking about: 79% of women say it’s important that the podcasts they listen to have hosts they genuinely enjoy.
So what does that mean for us as podcasters?
It means it’s time to lean into who we are—not the version we think we “should” be. People want authenticity. They want someone who “gets it,” who shares real experiences, who doesn’t shy away from nuance.
Credit: Women’s Audio Report: Women & Podcasts, Edison Research & SiriusXM Media
That also extends to how they find us.
In 2025, social media is now the #1 way women discover new podcasts—followed by recommendations from friends and family. This is a 10-point increase from just two years ago.
So yes, your Instagram clips, YouTube Shorts, and newsletter matter. But so does your presence. You don't need to be everywhere—you just need to show up consistently and intentionally.
Monetization and Listener Action: They’re Paying Attention
Another major takeaway?
65% of women said they’ve taken action because of a podcast.
That could mean following a host on Instagram, subscribing to a newsletter, purchasing merch, or even attending a live event.
Podcast listeners are a deeply engaged audience—and women especially are looking to support creators they feel connected to.
53% follow a podcast host on social media
15% pay for exclusive or early-access content
11% have donated to or given money to a podcast
And women are more likely to trust and support brands advertised on podcasts hosted by other women. That’s powerful. Whether you're thinking about merch, sponsorships, or Patreon, your audience is ready to show up for you—if you show up for them first.
Final Thoughts (And a Little Homework)
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the numbers or inspired to take action—start by looking at your own data. Who’s listening to your podcast? Where are they discovering you? Which platforms are performing best?
Then, ask yourself:
Is your content still aligned with your audience’s needs?
Are you creating space for inspiration, not just information?
Are you collaborating with other women who share your values and goals?
This is your reminder that podcasting is still growing—and that female voices are in demand.
Whether you're just starting out or you're deep into your third season, your perspective matters.
So let's keep creating content that connects, uplifts, and reflects the reality of the women listening.
Related content mentioned in the episode:
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
Get your unique discount for the Ultimate Newsletter Kit: 5 Easy Formats for Busy Podcasters - https://thepodcastspace.kit.com/products/5-quick-effective-newsletter-formats-for?promo=EARLYBIRD
Edison Research Study: https://www.edisonresearch.com/womens-podcast-listenership-triples-in-ten-years/
Download Yesenia Bocanegra’s YouTube Guide for Podcasters: https://www.focusandbloomstudios.com/youtubeforpodcastersguide
→Feeling stuck about your podcast’s growth? Do you have no idea where to start and want to partner up with a pro? Book a free discovery call or learn about what we do: https://thepodcastspace.com/grow-roi
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ABOUT THE HOST
Hi, I’m Ana Xavier, a multilingual award-winning podcast marketing and content strategist specialized in generating online visibility for women, multilingual, and minority impact-driven business owners.
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