Podcasting 101

15 Latest Podcast Trends (2025)

November 14, 2025

From 2024 to 2025, the number of active podcast listeners went up by over 40 million. And leading into 2025? The number’s expected to go up more and more, for a total of 619.2 million listeners. That’s HUGE. And when you capitalize on the latest podcast trends? You’re unstoppable.

Basically, the stats speak for themselves—people are increasingly turning to podcasts not as a niche form of media consumption, but as a trendy and competitive means of entertainment, news, and information. To put it lightly, the podcast industry is definitely booming. So, let’s ride those trends, shall we? And who better to lead you to the path of success than Dear Media?

To help you get started, we’re gonna dive into the top podcast styles and why they’re the BEST to take advantage of this year and the years to come. Trust us, if you’re sitting there like, “Well what if my genre doesn’t really interest anyone?” Let us stop you right there. There’s a niche for EVERYTHINGGGG, you’ll be surprised.

15 Latest Podcast Trends (2025)

Fiction/Scripted Audio Dramas

It’s no secret that podcasting has been dominated by real-life conversations and stories. However, 2025 podcasting looks a liiiitle different, and so do the latest podcast trends. Fiction and scripted audio dramas have a total hold on listeners, providing an immersive experience from start to finish.

Take Bone, Marry, Burry for example! Staring Sarah Hyland and Harvey Gullén, this podcast is like a raunchy reverse whodunnit. It’s trendy, intense, and makes listeners feel like they can still binge engaging stories on-the-go! Commutes, cleaning the house, taking a shower—you can literally watch it on your time. People are totally into it.

Comedy Shows

People love to laugh, and that will never not be true. In the content world, though, the latest podcasts trends show that people are realllyyy craving comedic audio-format content. Gone are the days of booking venue after venue, you can just share your talent right on podcasting platform!

And, in even better news? Podcast advertising is seriously so easy. Market it on socials, share it with your friends, brag about it on other people’s podcasts—the options are endless. Get a real example by listening to Absolutely Not with comedian Heather McMahan.

True Crime Convos

For all the crime-obsessed podcasters, you’re in luck. True crime content is totally on the rise, and people are tuning into podcasts to get their quick fix. Let’s get specific, though—true crime is garnering approximately 42 million monthly podcast listeners. A. MONTH. And that’s audio-only, consider what video podcasts are pulling in, too.

And don’t get us wrong, we love binge-watching things like A Deadly American Marriage. However, we don’t love having to wait until we get home and in our PJs to watch what happens next. True crime podcasts blend convenience with captivating storytelling, allowing listeners to tune in whenever, wherever.

If you’re looking for some applicable inspo, you HAVE to check out Believable: The Coco Berthmann Story. Not only is a fantastic example, but it’s suuuuch a good story that you won’t wanna miss.

Business and Entrepreneurship

In 2025, content creation and entrepreneurship is more popular than ever. That said, popularity doesn’t make it easy. Everyone wants to be their own boss, and honestly? We’re so here for it. But to get there, you HAVE to know what you’re working with. Podcasts that provide top insights give listeners a leg up. And, fortunately, this niche just so happens to be one of the latest podcast trends.

Plus, people sharing actionable advice are automatically more credible and entertaining than someone promising “overnight hacks.” Take Michael Bosstick and Lauryn Evarts Bosstick from the widely successful Him & Her Show. This dynamic duo isn’t just talking about business and entrepreneurship—they’re sharing top strategies that paved the way for THEM. They’re also doing it with top thought leaders, influencers, celebrities, class leaders, and experts.

Just check out this podcast episode: “Dana White: A Winner’s Mindset on Business, Health, & What It Takes to Get What You Want in Life.” Every listener gets real-life insight into what other people’s success stories look like. That doesn’t just build hope, it builds a consistent, eager audience.

Health and Wellness

Everyone wants to better themselves, step away from harmful products, and create sustainable routines. And, let’s be totally real here, you’re not getting any helpful how-to info from TV shows. Instead, people are consuming podcasts! In fact, this genre has seen a rise in popularity in recent years, now accounting for 18% of podcast consumption. So, naturally, it makes sense that this is one of the latest podcast trends.

Think of it this way: listeners aren’t viewing hosts are simple-minded people sharing one-off advice. Instead, they consider them mentors, coaches, and trusted guides who help them navigate whatever reason of life they’re in. That’s powerful.

Fortunately for you all, we have a TON of hosts that can give you plenty of inspo. Check out:

Well with Arielle Lorre — and listen to “Overrated Beauty Trends, Underrated Wellness Habits, & Confessions from the Treatment Chair.”
Treated with Dr. Sara — and listen to “The 7 Biomarkers Every Woman Should Track“
The Wellness Process — and listen to “Why You Should Alkalize Your Body ASAP with Sarah Wragge“
The Art of Being Well — and listen to “Forest Bathing, Stress Relief, & Slowing Down“

Video Podcasting

Ever watched a podcast? Yeah, it’s huge right now. Over the last 5 years, people want to physically watch podcasts in their free time. It’s a great way for the audience to genuinely feel connected to the hosts. Don’t believe us? Check out the data. YouTube’s viewership has skyrocketed to more than 1 billion in 2025.

For most podcasts, you can catch the audio content on popular podcasting platforms, like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. However, you can ALSO catch the video version over on YouTube. Combine double listeners/viewers with ad revenues and podcast ads? You’re golden—and successful as hell.

Reality TV Flashbacks/Post Reality Life

People have loved reality TV for decades! But, after seeing so many shows come and go, you can find yourself a little nostalgic over shows and personalities you loved in the past. Keeping up with them on social media is great, but we’re seeing fans more and more wanting to connect with their favorite reality TV celebrities via a podcast!

These reality TV podcasts usually center on one or two topics: Rewatching episodes and reminiscing about the past reality TV life. Or, giving podcast audiences insight into a reality TV personality’s life years after the show.

Back to the Beach is a BTS podcast about MTV’s “Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County,” with original cast members. It’s the perfect one if you want to relive all those Laguna Beach moments! However, if you want to see what some of your fav reality stars are doing now? Listen to Recovering from Reality and Live From Bed. We’ve recently been obsessed with “Looking Back with Alyson Stoner.” Talk about nostalgia!

Love Life Advice

Modern dating is hard. AF. You have “Dogfishing,” ghosting, and now… something called Shrekking? Needless to say, anyone single feels in the dating trenches right now. Instead of suffering, though, people are turning to trusted hosts for all the answers.

Take We Met At Acme, for example. Lindsey Metselaar has been delivering tried-and-true advice for years, and her listeners really lean on her for deciphering the ambiguity of relationships. Even The World’s First Podcast dips into their fair share of love advice, like with “The Leighton Meester Episode.”

If you have your fair share of trial and error in dating, put it out there! You seriously have no idea how many people are searching for all the things you’re dying to say.

Limited Mini Series

Mini series are getting increasingly popular on streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu, so it’s no surprise to hear that it’s coming to the podcast world as well! Lots of people are doing limited podcast content to either tell a short narrative or to promote a new project. It’s a super effective way of reaching a new or established fan base!

If you want a good example, Lauryn Bosstick of the legendary Skinny Confidential blog and podcast did a 14-episode mini series leading to the launch of her book “Get the F*ck Out of the Sun.” This is exactly how you do a limited podcast right!

Corporate Conversations

There has always been a divide between corporations and their customers. It’s hard to create authentic conversations about the brand and their products without being too salesy. So, many companies have gone to podcasts to have these discussions and provide an additional resource for their customers. Stuart Weizman totally did this right with The Shine Series!

Live Podcasts

Podcasts have become a total sensation. They are EVERYWHERE. And, audiences want to get closer and closer to their favorite hosts. Of course, show runners have connected with their fans through exclusive memberships, blogs, and social media channels, but sometimes, a fan just wants to see the real damn thing.

So, some podcast hosts have taken to the streets! (Well, not literally.) Popular podcasts with a booming fanbase find venues and execute and record their podcasts live. People purchase tickets and get to see their favorite hosts up-close-and-personal. Yeah, it’s easy to see why this is one of the latest podcast trends.

Afterward, they do meet and greets and sell exclusive merch. It’s a blast! Here are some upcoming and past events performed by our Dear Media podcast hosts!

Pop Culture Discussions

Who’s still watching Entertainment Tonight? No one. (That show has seriously been on longer than most of us have been alive!) Anyway, pop culture news and discussion has really shifted to the podcast world. Of course, people still want to know what goes on. And sometimes, quick clips on social media don’t give us the context we want. Sooo, naturally, pop culture discussions and really made wave in the latest podcast trends.

To give you some inspiration (and a handful of excited EPs to check out), tune into:

The Squeeze — “A Girl Chat Special: The Summer I Turned Pretty“
Say Yas to the Guest — “Meghan and Ryan Trainor: Workin on Fame and Mental Health“
Basically Unfiltered — “Spilling Tea and Keeping Secrets“
Girls Gotta Eat — “The Snack: Celibate Celebs, Selling Sunset, and Starbucks Pandemonium“

Spirituality and Personal Growth

2025 has brought a huge rise to spirituality, personal growth, and the self-discovery era. Aside from reading self-help books, people are totally tuned into what podcast hosts are saying. Whether it’s meditation, manifesting, or contacting spirit guides, people want to know what works.

Podcast hosts who use their experience and background in this case are in total advantage. Not only do you get to talk about what you love, but you also get to help others along the way. Check out Dear Gabby‘s episode, “Law of Attraction vs. Law of Assumption: The Spiritual Truth No One Tells You.” It’s the perfect example of the latest podcast trends, what structure to follow, and what to talk about.

History Breakdowns

Great historical podcasts are making so many people realize their love for history! Nobody likes soulless textbook accounts of past events. Instead, they want in-depth narrative history that is super relatable and super interesting. We can’t say that we expected history breakdowns to make it into the latest podcast trends, but we’re loving it.

This trend has slowly been rising through the ranks of popularity, and in 2025, the listenership is surprisingly just continuing to grow! It’s definitely a good time to jump in! To see how it’s done, check out Summer of Gold about the 1996 olympics.

Hobbies Talk

Everyone has a niche hobby these days! Except, when you’re on the internet, nothing really feels niche. There are thousands of others out there who are into the same things as you. So, no matter what you like, you can make a podcast out of it!

Not sure what we mean? Take The Readheads Book Club. Hosted by Jackie Oshry, this podcast found a way to blend a particular interest with digestible, entertaining conversations. It’s a great way to share your love for something and garner an interested audience—all at the same time!

What is your favorite podcast trend?

Podcasting is the BOOMING right now, and for good reason. And, if you’ve already read our “History of Podcasting” post, then you know that success is only gonna grow. So, what are you waiting for? Jump on the trend, dive into one of these niches, and become your own boss! These latest podcast trends don’t lie—there’s success for everyone out there.

We have all the resources you need for creating, maintaining, and structuring a good podcast. Head to the Dear Media blog to find posts like…

Also, don’t forget to stay tuned in with all of our incredible podcast hosts! Not only can they give you all the examples you need for success, but you may even find your new favorite show to tune into. And, finally, head to the DM shop! We’re always updating with new arrivals and exclusive products—like this “I Talk About You On My Podcast” tee. Fitting, right?