In a significant move, YouTube has announced the launch of a weekly Top Podcast Shows Chart, a feature that positions it as a formidable competitor to established giants like Spotify and Apple Podcasts. This new chart will provide insights into the most popular podcasts on the platform, reflecting the growing interest in audio content among its vast user base.
As of now, popular podcasts such as The Joe Rogan Experience, Kill Tony, and Rotten Mango are dominating the YouTube podcast chart. According to data released by YouTube, podcasts on its platform generate over one billion monthly active views, underlining its status as a preferred service for podcast consumption.
Recent research conducted by Edison Research in October revealed that YouTube has surpassed both Spotify and Apple in terms of podcast listening preference. Ben Meiselas, co-founder of the MeidasTouch Podcast, emphasized that YouTube provides the best cost-per-mile (CPM) for advertisers, which is crucial for monetizing podcast content. He remarked, "YouTube just isn't a place where you drop your content from other sources." Instead, he envisions YouTube as a dynamic channel similar to how viewers engage with cable news.
The MeidasTouch Podcast has seen remarkable success on YouTube, boasting nearly five million subscribers and an impressive average of 350 million views per month. Additionally, the podcast extends its reach by being available on other platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Substack, and Patreon, showcasing the importance of multi-platform presence for podcasters.
Video podcasts are increasingly becoming a dominant force in the media landscape, frequently discussed at industry events like this year's Upfronts. While Spotify continues to invest heavily in podcasting, having paid out more than $100 million to podcast publishers and creators globally in the first quarter of 2025, YouTube's substantial payouts to creators and its vast user base make it an essential platform for podcasters seeking to grow their audience.
YouTube's new Weekly Top Podcast Shows Chart will specifically track podcasts in the U.S. and will be updated every Wednesday. This chart ranks shows based on their watch time, providing a clear picture of which podcasts are resonating with audiences the most. As YouTube solidifies its role in the podcasting space, creators and listeners alike will be eager to see how this new feature influences the dynamics of the industry.
