As the year draws to a close, the world's leading audio and video platforms have unveiled the definitive list of the most popular podcasts of 2025. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube have released their annual data, offering a clear picture of the shows that captivated millions of listeners. The results confirm a powerful trend: one voice continues to dominate the conversation landscape across the board.
The Undisputed King of Conversation
The headline story is the continued and expanded dominance of The Joe Rogan Experience. The podcast, hosted by comedian and commentator Joe Rogan, has achieved a remarkable feat by securing the number one position on all three major platforms this year. This marks his fifth consecutive year as the top podcast on Spotify in the United States. On Apple Podcasts, his show made a significant leap, climbing from the third position in 2024 to claim the top spot in 2025. Furthermore, with YouTube releasing its inaugural annual podcast listening data, Rogan has been crowned the champion there as well, proving his widespread appeal transcends any single app.
Platform Breakdown: The Top 10 Titans
While Joe Rogan's show sits at the pinnacle, the platform-specific lists reveal the diverse tastes of podcast audiences. The charts feature a mix of long-form interviews, self-help, true crime, news, and comedy, highlighting the medium's vast reach.
Spotify's Top Podcasts of 2025:
- The Joe Rogan Experience
- The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
- The Mel Robbins Podcast
- Call Her Daddy
- This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
- Huberman Lab
- Crime Junkie
- Modern Wisdom
- On Purpose with Jay Shetty
- The Tucker Carlson Show
Apple Podcasts' Top Podcasts of 2025:
- The Joe Rogan Experience
- The Daily
- The Mel Robbins Podcast
- Crime Junkie
- Dateline NBC
- SmartLess
- Call Her Daddy
- This American Life
- Huberman Lab
- The Ezra Klein Show
YouTube's Top Podcasts of 2025:
- The Joe Rogan Experience
- KILL TONY
- Good Mythical Morning
- Rotten Mango
- The MeidasTouch Podcast
- 48 Hours
- Shawn Ryan Show
- Smosh Reads Reddit Stories
- This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
- The Diary Of A CEO
Beyond the Charts: The Listener's Voice
These lists from the media giants tell us what was streamed the most, but they only scratch the surface of the podcast world's impact. The real story often lies with the listener. Did one of these chart-topping shows deliver a life-changing insight or shift your perspective? Perhaps your personal favourite was an undiscovered gem that didn't make the top 10 but deserves a spotlight. The beauty of the podcast ecosystem is its depth and variety, catering to every niche interest and curiosity.
As we reflect on the audio that shaped our year, the conversation doesn't end here. Whether you're a dedicated podcast enthusiast or a newcomer who just fell into this captivating world, your recommendations matter. Sharing discoveries is how great shows find their audience. So, what was the podcast that made a difference for you in 2025? Your personal favourite could very well become someone else's next obsession.
