GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Diversity In The Podcast Industry Statistics

An increase in diversity within the podcast industry is expected based on statistics showing a growing representation of marginalized voices and audiences.

Highlights: Diversity In The Podcast Industry Statistics

  • About 73.7% of podcast listeners in the U.S. are white, according to a 2020 study.
  • Roughly 49.1% of podcast listeners are women, and 50.9% are men.
  • Only 22% of podcasts are hosted by women.
  • A 2016 report shows 15% of the top 100 U.S. podcasts were hosted by people of color.
  • The podcast listener base is 26% Hispanic, according to Nielsen's "Power of Podcasting" report.
  • The podcasting gender gap narrows among younger generations with 56% of podcast listeners under the age of 35 being women.
  • Spotify’s Sound Up program, launched in 2018, sees an increase from 18,000 to more than 20,000 applicants in 2020, showing an increasing interest of underrepresented voices in podcasting.
  • In 2019, roughly 36% of podcast listeners in the U.S. identified as non-white.
  • A study of iTunes' top 100 podcasts found that 88% of the podcasts featured at least one white host.
  • Lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals are almost twice (19.3%) as likely as their heterosexual peers (10.5%) to listen to podcasts weekly.
  • Around 89% of top science and technology podcasts are hosted by men.
  • U.S. Hispanic audiences are 44% more likely to regularly listen to podcasts than non-Hispanic audiences.
  • In 2016, only 20% of the top 99 iTunes podcasts in the US were hosted by a person of color.
  • It's estimated that for every 100 podcasts produced by major publishers in the U.S., less than 10 are led by Black voices.
  • Individuals with a bachelor's degree or more education are significantly more likely to listen to podcasts regularly.
  • Fewer than 10% of popular shows in the iTunes store are co-hosted by men and women.
  • As of 2021, only 25% of podcast hosts are female-hosted.
  • Only 12% of the hosts of comedy podcasts, one of the most popular genres, are women.
  • Over 40% of Black Americans and over 37% of Hispanic Americans age 12+ have ever listened to a podcast, up from 30% and 25%, respectively.

Table of Contents

The Latest Diversity In The Podcast Industry Statistics Explained

About 73.7% of podcast listeners in the U.S. are white, according to a 2020 study.

The statistic indicates that approximately 73.7% of individuals who listen to podcasts in the United States identify as white, as reported in a study conducted in 2020. This suggests that podcast consumption in the U.S. is predominantly among white individuals compared to other racial groups. The statistic may highlight disparities in podcast audiences, potentially reflecting broader sociodemographic patterns in media consumption and representation. Understanding these demographic breakdowns in podcast listenership can provide insights for content creators, advertisers, and researchers to better cater to diverse audiences and address issues related to representation and inclusivity in podcasting.

Roughly 49.1% of podcast listeners are women, and 50.9% are men.

The statistic states that in the population of podcast listeners, approximately 49.1% are women and 50.9% are men. This indicates a slightly higher percentage of male podcast listeners compared to females. These percentages suggest that there is a relatively equal distribution of gender among podcast listeners, with a slight male predominance. Understanding the gender demographics of podcast listeners can be valuable for podcast creators, advertisers, and researchers to tailor content and marketing strategies to effectively reach and engage with their target audience.

Only 22% of podcasts are hosted by women.

The statistic that only 22% of podcasts are hosted by women suggests a noticeable gender disparity in the podcasting industry. This statistic highlights a lack of female representation and voices in a medium that has seen significant growth and popularity in recent years. The underrepresentation of women in podcast hosting roles may reflect broader systemic challenges related to gender equality in media and technology fields. Addressing this imbalance is important for promoting diverse perspectives and creating more inclusive content that resonates with a wider audience. Efforts to support and amplify female podcasters can help cultivate a more balanced and representative podcasting landscape.

A 2016 report shows 15% of the top 100 U.S. podcasts were hosted by people of color.

The statistic indicates that out of the top 100 podcasts in the United States in 2016, 15% of them were hosted by individuals who are people of color. This suggests that there was a level of diversity in the podcasting industry at that time, with a notable representation of hosts from different racial backgrounds. The statistic highlights a positive aspect of inclusivity and representation in the media landscape, showcasing a variety of perspectives and voices from diverse communities. It also serves as a snapshot of the demographic makeup of podcast hosts in the U.S. during that specific year.

The podcast listener base is 26% Hispanic, according to Nielsen’s “Power of Podcasting” report.

The statistic that the podcast listener base is 26% Hispanic according to Nielsen’s “Power of Podcasting” report indicates that a significant proportion of podcast listeners in the study sample identified as Hispanic. This suggests that Hispanic individuals are an important and sizable audience within the podcasting industry. Understanding the demographic composition of podcast listeners, such as the percentage of Hispanic individuals, can help content creators, advertisers, and industry professionals tailor their content and marketing strategies to better reach and engage with this specific audience segment. It also highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in the podcasting landscape to ensure that content resonates with a wide range of listeners.

The podcasting gender gap narrows among younger generations with 56% of podcast listeners under the age of 35 being women.

This statistic indicates that there has been a narrowing of the gender gap in podcast listenership among younger generations, with a higher percentage of women listening to podcasts compared to men. Specifically, the data shows that among podcast listeners under the age of 35, 56% are women. This suggests that younger women are increasingly engaging with podcast content, potentially driven by factors such as the growing diversity of podcast topics and the ease of access to podcast platforms. The narrowing gender gap in podcast listenership among younger age groups could also have implications for content creators and advertisers looking to target this demographic, as they may need to tailor their content and messaging to cater to the preferences and interests of young female listeners.

Spotify’s Sound Up program, launched in 2018, sees an increase from 18,000 to more than 20,000 applicants in 2020, showing an increasing interest of underrepresented voices in podcasting.

The statistic indicates that Spotify’s Sound Up program has experienced growth in terms of applicant numbers, with an increase from 18,000 in 2018 to more than 20,000 in 2020. This rise in applicants suggests a growing interest among underrepresented voices in podcasting, as more individuals from diverse backgrounds are seeking opportunities to share their stories and perspectives through this medium. The upward trend in applications not only reflects an increasing awareness and desire for representation in the podcasting industry but also highlights the program’s success in attracting and empowering individuals who may have previously been marginalized or underrepresented in mainstream media.

In 2019, roughly 36% of podcast listeners in the U.S. identified as non-white.

The statistic states that in 2019, approximately 36% of podcast listeners in the United States identified as non-white. This suggests that a significant portion of the podcast listening population in the U.S. consists of individuals from racial or ethnic backgrounds other than white. This statistic highlights the diversity within the podcast listener demographic and implies that podcast consumption is not limited to one specific racial group. Understanding the racial composition of the podcast audience can be valuable for content creators, advertisers, and researchers seeking to cater to or understand the preferences and behaviors of diverse audiences in the podcasting industry.

A study of iTunes’ top 100 podcasts found that 88% of the podcasts featured at least one white host.

The statistic reveals that in a sample of the top 100 podcasts on iTunes, 88% of the podcasts included at least one white host. This suggests an overwhelming majority of podcast hosts in this particular group are white. The data highlights the lack of diversity in podcasting, specifically in terms of representation among hosts. Such findings may raise questions about inclusivity and access to platforms for diverse voices within the podcasting industry, shedding light on potential disparities in opportunities and visibility for hosts from different racial backgrounds. The statistic underscores the importance of exploring ways to promote diversity and equity in podcasting and to amplify underrepresented voices within the medium.

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals are almost twice (19.3%) as likely as their heterosexual peers (10.5%) to listen to podcasts weekly.

This statistic suggests that there is a significant difference in the weekly podcast listening habits of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals compared to their heterosexual peers. The data shows that approximately 19.3% of the LGBTQ+ population listen to podcasts on a weekly basis, which is almost double the rate of 10.5% among heterosexual individuals. This disparity indicates that podcast consumption may be more prevalent within the LGBTQ+ community. It could be influenced by various factors, such as the availability of LGBTQ+-focused content in podcasts, the importance of representation and diverse perspectives in media consumption, or differing preferences for audio entertainment. Understanding these differences in podcast listening habits can provide insights into the media consumption patterns and preferences of different demographic groups.

Around 89% of top science and technology podcasts are hosted by men.

The statistic suggests that there is a significant gender disparity in the hosting of top science and technology podcasts, with approximately 89% of these podcasts being hosted by men. This imbalance highlights a lack of representation of women in the podcasting space within these specific subject areas. The dominance of male hosts may reflect broader gender disparities in STEM fields, where men traditionally outnumber women, leading to fewer women being in positions to host such podcasts. Addressing this disparity and promoting diversity in podcast hosting can help provide more varied perspectives and voices in the science and technology podcasting landscape.

U.S. Hispanic audiences are 44% more likely to regularly listen to podcasts than non-Hispanic audiences.

This statement suggests that U.S. Hispanic audiences are significantly more inclined to regularly engage with podcasts compared to non-Hispanic audiences. Specifically, the data indicates that the likelihood of Hispanic individuals listening to podcasts on a consistent basis is 44% higher than that of non-Hispanic individuals. This statistic highlights a notable preference or behavior among Hispanic audiences towards consuming podcast content, which could be influenced by factors such as cultural background, language preferences, or media consumption habits. Additionally, it implies that podcast creators and marketers may find a more receptive and engaged audience within the U.S. Hispanic demographic, presenting an opportunity to tailor content or advertising strategies to better resonate with this specific audience segment.

In 2016, only 20% of the top 99 iTunes podcasts in the US were hosted by a person of color.

This statistic indicates that in 2016, a relatively low proportion of the top 99 iTunes podcasts in the US were hosted by individuals from minority racial or ethnic backgrounds. Specifically, only 20% of the podcasts were hosted by people of color, highlighting a lack of diversity in the podcasting industry at that time. This underrepresentation of hosts of color may reflect systemic inequalities and barriers faced by minority individuals in gaining visibility and recognition in the media landscape. Moving forward, efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the podcasting community could help address these disparities and amplify diverse voices and perspectives.

It’s estimated that for every 100 podcasts produced by major publishers in the U.S., less than 10 are led by Black voices.

This statistic suggests that within the podcast industry in the United States, there is a significant underrepresentation of Black voices among podcasts produced by major publishers. Specifically, out of every 100 podcasts created by these publishers, less than 10 are hosted or led by individuals of Black descent. This disparity highlights a lack of diversity and inclusion within the industry, where the perspectives and experiences of Black creators and communities are not adequately represented. Addressing this imbalance is crucial to ensure that a more diverse range of voices is heard and empowered in the podcasting landscape.

Individuals with a bachelor’s degree or more education are significantly more likely to listen to podcasts regularly.

The statistic suggests that there is a significant positive association between individuals having a bachelor’s degree or higher education and their likelihood to engage in regular podcast listening. This implies that individuals with higher levels of education are more inclined to consume podcasts on a consistent basis compared to those with lower levels of education. The finding may be indicative of a trend where individuals with more education may have greater access to and interest in diverse sources of information and entertainment, such as podcasts, due to their critical thinking skills, curiosity, and awareness of new trends and knowledge. This highlights the potential influence of education on media consumption habits and reflects the disparities in podcast consumption based on educational attainment.

Fewer than 10% of popular shows in the iTunes store are co-hosted by men and women.

The statistic indicates that a small proportion, specifically less than 10%, of popular shows available in the iTunes store feature co-hosts who are both men and women. This finding suggests a gender disparity in the co-hosting dynamics of these shows, with a significant majority being hosted by individuals of the same gender. The lack of gender diversity in the co-hosting roles of these popular shows highlights potential underrepresentation or unequal opportunities for collaboration between men and women in the podcasting industry. This statistic underscores the importance of promoting inclusivity and diversity in media content creation to ensure representation and equal participation among all genders.

As of 2021, only 25% of podcast hosts are female-hosted.

The statistic “As of 2021, only 25% of podcast hosts are female-hosted” suggests that there is a gender disparity in the podcasting industry, with a majority of podcasts being hosted by individuals who are male. This statistic indicates a lack of representation of women in the podcasting space, highlighting potential challenges faced by female hosts in gaining visibility and recognition. By acknowledging this gender imbalance, efforts can be made to promote diversity and inclusivity within the podcasting community to ensure that all voices are represented and heard in this rapidly growing form of media.

Only 12% of the hosts of comedy podcasts, one of the most popular genres, are women.

This statistic suggests a notable underrepresentation of women among hosts of comedy podcasts, a popular genre within the podcasting industry. Specifically, only 12% of individuals hosting comedy podcasts are women, indicating a significant gender disparity in this particular area. This imbalance may reflect broader challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry, such as limited opportunities for visibility and recognition. Addressing this disparity may involve promoting greater gender diversity in podcasting, as well as providing support and platforms for more women to showcase their talents and perspectives in the comedy podcasting space.

Over 40% of Black Americans and over 37% of Hispanic Americans age 12+ have ever listened to a podcast, up from 30% and 25%, respectively.

The statistic indicates that there has been a significant increase in podcast listening among Black and Hispanic Americans aged 12 and above. Specifically, over 40% of Black Americans and over 37% of Hispanic Americans in this age group have reported ever listening to a podcast, showing growth from previous figures of 30% and 25%, respectively. This suggests a notable rise in podcast consumption within these demographic groups, reflecting an increasing trend of engagement with this medium. The data highlights the expanding popularity of podcasts among Black and Hispanic communities, indicating a shift towards consuming audio content within these populations.

References

0. – https://www.womeninjournalism.org

1. – https://www.www.statista.com

2. – https://www.www.edisonresearch.com

3. – https://www.www.nielsen.com

4. – https://www.www.inside.com

5. – https://www.newsroom.spotify.com

6. – https://www.diversity.vc

7. – https://www.www.glaad.org

8. – https://www.www.voxnest.com

9. – https://www.www.npr.org

10. – https://www.www.niemanlab.org

11. – https://www.theoutline.com

12. – https://www.www.forbes.com

13. – https://www.www.pewresearch.org

14. – https://www.www.vulture.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!