A recent survey indicates that podcast listening has become a widespread habit amongst Germans, with nearly half of the population aged 16 and over (49 percent) tuning in at least occasionally. The study, released today by digital association Bitkom, highlights a particularly high adoption rate among younger demographics, with 52 percent of 16- to 29-year-olds identifying as podcast listeners. However, the appeal extends across age groups, with similar figures reported for those aged 30-49 (51 percent) and 50-64 (51 percent). Notably, even among those aged 65 and over, a significant 44 percent listen to podcasts from time to time.
The average podcast listener dedicates approximately two hours per week to the medium. This figure remains relatively consistent across different age brackets. The survey reveals a diverse consumption pattern: 27 percent of listeners spend up to one hour weekly with podcasts, 19 percent listen for one to two hours and another 27 percent engage for two to three hours. A smaller proportion listen for extended periods – 14 percent for three to five hours, 3 percent for five to eight hours and just 1 percent for over eight hours.
Listeners integrate podcasts into various aspects of their daily routines. The most common listening scenarios include commuting by car (44 percent) and as a sleep aid (41 percent). Many also utilize podcasts to make household chores more enjoyable, with 36 percent listening while cleaning or tidying. Public transportation provides a listening opportunity for 30 percent, while 29 percent listen simply to relax. A quarter (25 percent) listen while exercising.
Beyond these, podcasts also feature in the kitchen, with 17 percent listening while cooking or eating. A smaller percentage engage while working, studying, or at school (13 percent), or even while in the bathroom (10 percent). Activities like cycling (7 percent), walking (2 percent) and gardening (1 percent) also occasionally feature as podcast listening moments.
The data is based on telephone interviews conducted between May 20th and May 23rd, 2025, with a representative sample of 1,209 individuals aged 16 and over across Germany. Of those surveyed, 595 identified as podcast listeners.