Approximately half of Germans aged 16 and over (49 percent) listen to podcasts at least occasionally, according to a recent survey released Monday by the German IT industry association Bitkom. Podcast consumption is particularly prevalent among younger demographics, with 52 percent of 16- to 29-year-olds tuning in. Similar rates are observed within the 30-49 (51 percent) and 50-64 (51 percent) age groups. Notably, podcast listening extends to older generations, with 44 percent of those 65 and over indicating occasional consumption.
On average, podcast listeners report spending roughly two hours per week with the medium. This figure remains relatively consistent across all age groups. A significant portion, 27 percent, dedicates up to one hour weekly to podcasts, while 19 percent listen for one to two hours. An additional 27 percent engage with podcasts for between two and three hours per week.
A smaller percentage report more extensive listening habits. Fourteen percent consume podcasts for three to five hours weekly, with 3 percent listening for five to eight hours. Only 1 percent listen to podcasts for over eight hours a week.
The survey reveals diverse listening scenarios. Forty-four percent of listeners tune in while commuting by car and 41 percent utilize podcasts to aid sleep. The medium is also frequently employed alongside household tasks, with 36 percent listening while cleaning or tidying. Public transportation is another popular setting, with 30 percent listening during travel, while 29 percent listen simply to relax. One quarter (25 percent) listen while exercising.
Podcasts are also present in domestic spaces. Seventeen percent listen while eating or cooking. A smaller proportion (13 percent) listen during work, school, or university, while 10 percent listen in the bathroom. Seven percent listen while cycling, 2 percent while walking and 1 percent while gardening.
The data is based on telephone interviews conducted between May 20th and 23rd, 2025, with a representative sample of 1,209 individuals in Germany aged 16 and over, including 595 podcast listeners.
