Podcasts have become incredibly popular in recent years, with more and more shows competing for attention online. While reality shows and video culture often steal the spotlight, podcast listening has never lost its significance, and it’s reached an all-new level. With over 584.1 million podcast listeners worldwide, the list of podcasts surging in popularity is massive in 2025.
For those asking questions like “How do I find a good podcast?”, “What is the #1 podcast in the world?”, or “Which podcast has the most views?”, We’ve got you covered. To save you time and fuel your podcast interest, we’ve handpicked the top podcasts that are truly worth your time. We’ve categorised the top podcasts on Apple and Spotify to help you navigate instantly. Buckle up, pals, it’s go time!
Table of Contents
What Is a Live Podcast?
Live podcasting (or podcast streaming) involves live streaming in real-time to audiences around the world on an episode basis, with multi-device compatibility. Some popular top-rated podcast platforms allow you to record and deliver it as on-demand videos, enabling viewers to watch anytime and anywhere.
There are video marketing platforms that let you edit and repurpose your video podcast content, allowing you to host, embed and share it across social media platforms with just a few clicks. For people who are looking to expand the reach of their podcast content, the video marketing platform is a go-to solution.
Benefits Of Live Podcast Streaming Compared To Pre Recorded Podcasts
Both live podcasting and pre-recorded podcasts have their own sets of benefits based on the goals of the streamer, but live podcasts always have an upper hand due to the interaction and engagement factor.
Here, we have highlighted the benefits to help you decide on the best podcasts to listen to:
Here we have differentiated the benefits,
| S.No | Content | Live Podcasts | Pre-recorded podcasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Real-time interaction | Live podcasts creates more engagement with real-time chat features and keeps the audience hooked | Pre-recorded podcasts are more like video on demand that is to be showcased without real-time interaction |
| 2. | Merchandise | Live podcasting helps you sell products and merchandise by opening a gateway to sales during the session | Pre-recorded podcasts on the other hand don’t offer that space. |
| 3. | Understanding the pulse | during live streaming Podcast hosts can understand the mindset of the audience while hosting the session | Pre-recorded podcasts stand a lesser chance as it only helps you display the video. |
| 4. | Equipments | Live podcast can be achieved with an ease of an laptop | Since it lacks a host to interact, an entire setup to shoot and post the content is necessary. |
| 5. | New clients | Live streaming brings space to generate new clients into the business with the interaction and engagement a host develops during the session | Based on the content, pre-recorded podcasts drive new potential clients. |
The 19 Top Most Popular Live Podcasts for 2025
Millions of people listen to podcasts every day, and thousands of new voices emerge every hour. Here is a list of the top 19 podcasts in the world, carefully shortlisted for you to get started with the right one today.
I can assure you that you’ll find a few that will become your favorite. headphones on!
1. Joe Rogan Experience
- Channel: The Joe Rogan Experience
- Format type : Audio; video
- Length: 1–5+ hours
- No. of episodes: 2287 (as of March 11, 2025)
- Subscribers: 19.4 million
- Total views: 3.0 billion
- Available in: Spotify
What is the Joe Rogan Experience?
Joe Rogan, the international comedian, calls out famous celebrities, actors, musicians, MMA fighters and authors, artists worldwide and discusses their best and worst times in a most entertaining way. Some of the popular podcast guests include Elon Musk, Edward Snowden, which it a number one podcast in the world!
Participated personas: Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Mike Tyson, Sadguru, Professor Brian Cox, Steven Pinker, Jordan peterson.
2. The Daily Podcast
- Format type : Audio; video
- Length: avg. 20–25 minutes
- No. of episodes: 2,200 (as of March 2025)
- Subscribers: 2 million downloads per episode.
- Available in: Apple
What is The Daily?
Adding into the list of most popular podcasts is, Think of The Daily as the New York Times is a podcast hosted by Michael Barbaro, with the day’s hot news and covers domestic and international politics
Most popular daily news podcasts: Global News Podcast, BBC. Smart speakers help guide.
International Edition, Voice of America, The World, PRX.
3. This American Life
- Format type : Radio short stories and essays(audio)
- Length: 60 minutes
- No. of episodes: 849 (as of December 15, 2024)
- Subscribers: 4 +million listeners each week and 2 million downloads per episode.
- Available in: Apple
What is This American Life Podcast?
This American Life, is a weekly radio program hosted by Ira Glass, it presents the story of people in america with unusual storytelling narrative. It’s widely known as TAL.
TAL best episodes: No Coincidence, No Story, Notes on Camp, Harper High School, The words to say it.
4. Stuff You Should Know
- Format type : Audio, video
- Length: 20- 60 minutes
- No. of episodes: 2000+ as of (April 2, 2025)
- Subscribers:150k (Youtube)
- Available in: Youtube
What is Stuff You Should Know Podcast?
Stuff You Should Know is a one of the most listened to podcasts presentation of funny, weird, informative cult, unspoken topics like satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime.
Stuff You Should Know best episodes are: How Electoral Colleges Work, How Diamonds Work What is facism?, Casanova.
5. Pod Save America
- Format type : Audio, video
- Length: 41–96 minutes
- Subscribers: 1.5 million + listeners as of April 1, 2025)
- Genre: Politics
- Available in: Apple
What is Pod Save America?
Pod Save America speaks about progressive politics in America supporting Obama and his political side, and is joined by A-list journalists, activists, politicians, entertainers, and world leaders.
Pod Save America’s best episodes are: interviews of Barack Obama, Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, and Joe Biden.
6. The Ben Shapiro Show
- Format: Audio; video; radio
- Genre: Political commentary; news; conservative talk radio
- Hosted by: Ben Shapiro
- Length: 1–2 hours
- No. of episodes: 2135 as of April 2, 2025)
- Subscribers: 6,680,000
- Available in: Apple
What is The Ben Shapiro Show?
The Ben Shapiro Show is a daily wire extension is the biggest podcast in the world, where the daily brutal events of America are spoken loud and without a filter from Monday to Friday about American politics and other hot topics.
The Ben Shapiro Show best episodes are: the opposite side of the political spectrum, gun control with Piers Morgan, Auschwitz with Elon Musk.
7. Call Her Daddy
- Format: Audio; video
- Genre: Human sexuality, relationships
- Length: 5-10 minutes
- No. of episodes: 300+ (as of April 2 , 2025)
- Subscribers: 797.0K subscribers on Youtube
- Available in: Youtube
What is The Call Her Daddy?
The Call Her Daddy is one of the most-listened to podcasts on Spotify, where there is a free flow of questions and answers to everything in relationships. There is no screen for it. Blunt truths and unfiltered discussions.
The Call Her Daddy best episodes are: Sext Me So I Know It’s Real, The Gluck Gluck 9000 — Miley Cyrus.
8. Office Ladies Podcast
- Format: Audio, Video
- Length: 1 hr +
- No. of episodes: 240 episodes as of Apr 2, 2025
- Genre: Comedy
- Available in: Spotify
What is The Office Ladies Podcast
The Office Ladies Podcast is all about Jenna Fischer (Pam Beesly) and Angela Kinsey (Angela Martin) stories about their lives and the office episodes analysis and behind the scenes.
The Office Ladies Podcast best episodes are: Dinner Party, A Benihana Christmas W/Rashida Jones And Jen Celotta’, Halloween w/ Creed Bratton, Drug Testing.
9. On Purpose with Jay Shetty
- Format: Audio, Video
- Length: 1 hr +
- No. of episodes: 516 + Episodes as of Apr 2, 2025
- Genre: Mental health
- Available in: Spotify
What is On Purpose with Jay Shetty?
On Purpose with Jay Shetty is about mental well being hosted by Jay Shetty, he speaks on handling emotions with situational use cases and helps people to master mental health and life, making it a most popular podcast in the world.
The On Purpose with Jay Shetty best episodes are: Jay & His Wife Radhi ON: How to Stop Parenting Your Partner & The “Perfect” Relationship Myth, 6 Red Flags to Avoid in Relationships and How to Spot Them Early and Robert Waldinger ON: Why We Struggle to Connect & How to Stop Toxic Habits from Breaking Our Spirit.
10. My Favorite Murder
- Format: Audio, Video
- Length: 60-120 minutes.
- No. of episodes: 473 episodes as of April 3, 2025)
- Genre: True crime; comedy
- Available in: Spotify
- What is My Favorite Murder?
Being amongst the most listened to podcasts, My Favorite Murder is about crime and comedy hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. They also focus on mental health, women’s rights, addiction, and religion.
The best episodes of My Favorite Murder: Here We Back Are Robot Grandma, 400 Peeled Potatoes.
11. Crime Junkie
- Format type: Audio and Video
- Length: 30 mins
- No. of episodes: 450 + episodes as of March 2025
- Subscribers: 61.4K
- Available in: YouTube
What is Crime Junkie?
If you are a fan of both podcasts and obsessed with all things crime-related, this really popular podcast would have been in your playlist for sure. We are talking about ‘Crime Junkie’, a true blue crime podcast that holds potential with its gripping content both in fiction and real-world impact. It has dived deep into the human psyche and also helped a lot of people. If you have yet to hear this most listened podcast yet, there is no better time than now!
12. The Tucker Carlson Show
- Format: Podcast
- Genre: News Commentary
- Length: 60–90 minutes per episode
- No. of Episodes: 200 + as of April 3, 2025
- Subscribers: 76.5k+
- Available in English
What is The Tucker Carlson Show?
The Tucker Carlson Show is a podcast hosted by political commentator Tucker Carlson. It focuses on current events and political issues from a conservative viewpoint. Known for its critical discussions and insights on media narratives, the show challenges mainstream views and promotes independent thinking on global and U.S. affairs.
Best Episodes of The Tucker Carlson Show
Popular episodes include “Trump’s MSG Rally” and “CIA Officer Amaryllis Kennedy on Iraq and JFK.” These episodes provide in-depth political insights and interviews with prominent figures on critical topics.
13. Shawn Ryan Show
- Format: Podcast
- Genre: Personal Development & Military Insight
- Length: 90–120 minutes per episode
- No. of Episodes: 223 episodes as of April 3, 2025
- Subscribers: 144k+
- Available in English
What is Shawn Ryan’s Show?
The Shawn Ryan Show, hosted by former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan, delves into real-life experiences and current events through the lens of military and intelligence professionals. Known for its engaging interviews, it covers topics from military operations to personal challenges, offering listeners an inside look at resilience and the realities faced by veterans.
Best Episodes of Shawn Ryan Show
Highlights include episodes with guests such as Mike Glover and Michael Sarraille, where they discuss resilience, operations, and mindset.
14. The Huberman Lab Podcast
- Format type: Educational, science-based discussions
- Length: 90–120 minutes
- Episodes: 286 episodes as of April 3, 2025
- Subscribers: Millions globally (exact numbers unavailable)
- Available in: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube
Andrew Huberman makes science feel easy and useful in this podcast. He explains how our minds and bodies work in ways that really matter to us, like getting better sleep or staying focused. Listeners love it because it’s packed with simple tips you can actually try. It feels like having a smart, caring friend helps you live your best life.
15. The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett
- Format type: Interview-style conversations
- Length: 1–2 hours
- Episodes: 646 as of April 3, 2025
- Subscribers: Millions; top-ranking in business podcasts
- Available in: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube
Steven Bartlett sits down with inspiring people to uncover their real stories—the ups, downs, and lessons that shaped them. It feels personal like you’re getting advice from a mentor or friend. Fans love it because it’s raw, honest, and full of motivation to chase your dreams.
16. The Daily Show with Trevor Noah Podcast
- Format type: Comedic commentary on current events
- Length: 10 minutes per episode
- Episodes: 3,873 episodes as of April 3, 2025
- Subscribers: Limited data
- Available in: iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Trevor Noah brings his sharp humour to this number 1 podcast in the world, turning news and politics into something we can laugh about. It’s like hanging out with a funny friend who makes even tough topics entertaining. People keep coming back for the clever jokes, smart takes, and Trevor’s easygoing style.
17. SmartLess
- Format type: Casual, celebrity interviews
- Length: 60–90 minutes
- Episodes: 246 episodes as of March 31, 2025
- Subscribers: Millions globally
- Available in: Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple
Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes keep things light and hilarious as they chat with celebrity guests. The vibe is fun and unscripted like listening to friends joke around. Fans love it for the laughter, surprising stories, and the feeling of being part of the crew.
18. The Tim Ferriss Show
- Format type: Productivity and personal growth interviews
- Length: 1–2 hours
- Episodes: 800 + episodes as of April 2, 2025
- Subscribers: Millions globally
- Available in: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube
Tim Ferriss interviews amazing people from all walks of life to uncover their secrets to success. It’s inspiring and full of practical tips you can try yourself. Listeners love it because Tim feels like a curious friend asking all the right questions to help you grow and learn.
19. The Dave Ramsey Show
- Format Type: Audio and Video
- Length: 87–90 minutes per episode
- No. of Episodes: Over 3,000 episodes as of April 3, 2025
- Subscribers: Exact numbers are not disclosed.
- Available In: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, etc.
Dave Ramsey gives no-nonsense advice on how to save money, pay off debt, and build a secure future, which makes it a best podcasts 2025 . It’s like having a wise, straight-talking coach who wants to see you win. People love it because it’s simple, honest, and full of real-life money tips that work.
The Most Popular Podcasts on Spotify Platform
Here’s the top 5 podcasts in spotify with the respective hosts
- The Joe Rogan Experience-Joe Rogan
- Call Her Daddy- Alexandra Cooper
- Armchair Expert-Monica Padman
- Crime Junkie-Ashley Flowers
- The Daily-Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise
The Most Popular Live Podcasts on Apple Website
Apple has been keen on producing quality podcasts. Here is their top 5
- The Mel Robbins Podcast- Mel Robbins
- Huberman Lab-Andrew David Huberman
- Crime Junkie-Ashley Flowers
- The Daily-Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise
- Stuff You Should Know-Josh Clark and Charles Wayne
What is the Number one Podcast or Most Listened Podcast in the World?
Joe Rogan’s The Joe Rogan Experience is the number one podcast in the world with 3 billion listeners and millions of subscribers from different podcasting platforms.
Start Creating Free Podcasts with OnTheFly Website
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The in-built studio is on point as it brings easy branding options and customisation options, the pre-recording feature helps you to go live without going online with a pre-recorded video.
Now that we got you covered, if you are not sure where to start, go with your gut or your favorite genres to make a choice !
You might end up learning something new with good podcasts and yours could also be the biggest podcast in the world. Podcasts can enhance your learning experience and build new habits, make sure you give them all a try.
Go ahead, happy listening
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Great read! Thanks for sharing. I’m eager to explore more podcasts. I’ll save this list for future listening.
Your blog provides an insightful roundup of the top podcasts in 2024, making it effortless to discover compelling content across various genres. The concise descriptions and platform recommendations simplify the decision-making process for new listeners, ensuring a rewarding podcast experience.
I love how this blog lists the top podcasts of 2024! It’s so helpful for discovering new shows and deciding what to listen to next. Some tech blog suggestions would be great.
Was looking to start a new podcast but was out of suggestions. Thank god i came across this blog too many options to choose from. Expecting more suggestions like this .
I hope to use this info to research and find the bestbpodcast(s) fir listening enjoyment!Donna Hanson
I always used to tell my friends that Joe Rogan’s podcast is the number 1 podcast in the world, and coming across your blog and seeing my favorite in 1st position makes me proud. And also good to see other options below , will give it a try for sure.
I have been searching for the most popular podcasts 2024 in recent time and thank god i landed here. The options you have listed here are really good. Loved listening to Joe Rogan’s experience and The American life. Looking forward to start the next one.
I would say that these are some of the best podcasts of 2024 .The list contains most of my favorite podcasts in top position. Would love if you have a blog written on the best entrepreneur podcasts too.
The best podcasts 2024 list you’ve compiled is amazing. I’m particularly interested in listening to Office Ladies Podcast and The Ben Shapiro Show . Thanks for providing such great recommendations.
I’m always hunting for the top podcasts 2024 that offer insightful interviews and engaging content. This list definitely is intriguing to see. Looking forward to checking out these new favorites!
Such a great list! These top 10 best podcasts of 2024 really highlights the diversity in podcasting. I’m excited to check out some popular podcasts this year.
I’ve been searching for popular podcasts in 2024 since listening to podcast is one of my favorite hobby . I really appreciate you for sharing this, cause podcasts keeps me entertained during my commute.
I’m always on the lookout for new podcasts to dive into, and this collections has some fantastic options. Can’t wait to explore these top podcasts of 2024. Do you have any personal favorites from the list?
Great post! I found the insights on popular podcasts fascinating. I particularly enjoyed the breakdown of the top shows on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts. It’s interesting to note how exclusivity impacts listener numbers, especially with shows like The Joe Rogan Experience.
Hi,
What factors do you think contribute most to a podcast’s popularity? Are there specific strategies or trends that podcasters should follow to build and sustain a large audience?
Great list! Do you have any recommendations for live podcasts that focus on the tech industry? You mentioned Crime Junkie above—it’s one of my favorite podcasts related to crime.
Comment:
“Hello! I came across this insightful blog post about the top podcasts to listen to in 2024 and I must say, it’s a fantastic resource. I’ve been a fan of podcasts for quite some time now and I’m always on the lookout for new shows to dive into.
I appreciate the variety of genres included in this list, from comedy to true crime, politics, and mental health. I’ve already added a few of these to my queue, such as ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’, ‘This American Life’, and ‘On Purpose with Jay Shetty’.
The comparison between live podcast streaming and pre-recorded podcasts is also an interesting read. I agree that live podcasts have an upper hand due to the real-time interaction and engagement factor.
Thank you for sharing this valuable information. I’m looking forward to exploring these podcasts and discovering new favorites. Keep up the good work!”