Press Release: U.S. Podcast and Online Audio Consumption Hits Record Highs in The Infinite Dial® 2026

Glen Mills, PA, United States
Via Edison Research at SSRS
March 13, 2026

U.S. podcast and online audio consumption have reached all-time highs, according to The Infinite Dial® 2026, released by Edison Research at SSRS with support from SiriusXM Media. Presented by Megan Lazovick, Vice President of Edison Research at SSRS, and James Cridland, Editor of Podnews, the study provides critical insights into digital media behaviors, including the debut of generative AI adoption among American consumers.

The Infinite Dial® 2026: Listening Trends and AI Adoption on the Rise

Glen Mills, PA — March 13, 2026 — U.S. podcast and online audio consumption have reached unprecedented heights as revealed in The Infinite Dial® 2026, a study released by Edison Research at SSRS with support from SiriusXM Media. The findings depict a shifting landscape in digital media behaviors, notably highlighting significant generative AI adoption among American consumers.

This year’s presentation, spearheaded by Megan Lazovick, Vice President of Edison Research at SSRS, alongside James Cridland, Editor of Podnews, provides essential insights into these evolving trends.

Key Findings from The Infinite Dial 2026

Online Audio Reaches All-Time High

The figures are astounding:

• 81% of Americans aged 12+ (approximately 233 million) listened to online audio in the last month.
• 76% (around 219 million) engaged with online audio in the last week.

Interestingly, the group driving most of these recent increases is Americans aged 55 and older. Monthly online audio listening among this demographic surged from 52% in 2024 to 70% in 2026—an impressive gain of nearly 20 percentage points over two years.

Podcast Consumption Sets New Records

The podcasting landscape is thriving:

• 80% of Americans aged 12+ (about 230 million) have ever listened to or watched a podcast, marking an all-time high.
• 58% (approximately 167 million) have consumed a podcast in the last month, also a record, with 68% of 35-54-year-olds engaging regularly, highlighting podcasting’s potential as a robust advertising channel.
• 45% of Americans aged 12+ (roughly 130 million) have consumed a podcast in the last week—yet another landmark.

Lazovick notes, “Video isn’t replacing podcast audio. It’s expanding the tent,” reminding us that this medium is now fundamentally dual-format.

Generative AI Being Adopted in Massive Numbers

Generative AI is making strides rapidly:

• A remarkable 93% of Americans aged 12+ are familiar with at least one generative AI brand, a feat that podcasting took over two decades to reach.
• 57% have used a generative AI assistant, a milestone that podcasting achieved only after 16 years.

AI users show heightened engagement across digital media: 87% listened to online audio in the last week, compared to 61% of non-users. Additionally, over half of AI users are regular podcast consumers, suggesting a strong overlap between these innovative technologies.

Edison Research at SSRS has also launched AI User Metrics, a subscription product tracking AI adoption, revealing early findings such as a 58% increase in awareness of the Claude AI from Anthropic in just a month.

Other Key Findings

• Social Media Trends: There’s a marked disparity in social media platform preferences by age—TikTok is now the leading platform among those aged 12-34 (29%), Facebook remains dominant among users 55+. X predominantly attracts the 35-54 age demographic, while Snapchat’s audience is primarily under 35.
• YouTube Engagement: Nine in ten Americans age 12+ have ever used YouTube, with 84% using it monthly and 78% weekly.

As Keri Degroote, SVP of Sales Research & Analytics at SiriusXM Media states, “The Infinite Dial remains one of the most trusted, enduring studies of audio and media behavior.” The long-term dataset provides invaluable insights into audience evolution over time.

For those seeking comprehensive knowledge of the current digital media landscape, you can download the full presentation here.

About Edison Research at SSRS

Edison Research conducts extensive survey research and offers strategic insights globally. Renowned for The Infinite Dial® series since 1998, their work is foundational in understanding digital audio, social media, and podcasting. With the acquisition by SSRS in October 2025, Edison Research continues to empower the industry with unparalleled data and analysis.

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As we navigate the continuous evolution of media and technology, the insights from The Infinite Dial 2026 serve as a reminder that both traditional and emerging platforms can coexist and thrive, fostering richer connections between creators and audiences alike.