best podcasts 2025

What Happened

Podcast advertising spending saw a significant increase in the fourth quarter of 2025, rising 32% year-over-year. This surge was attributed to nearly 1,500 new brands entering the market, marking one of the most pronounced seasonal increases in recent memory. Magellan AI analyzed 94,422 podcast episodes to reveal these spending patterns and advertiser behaviors.

Why It Matters

The fourth quarter began with October spending reaching 115% of the third quarter’s monthly average, followed by November at 111%, and December surging to 127%. Overall, Q4 spending exceeded Q3 by 17%, indicating a robust growth trajectory for podcasting as a digital advertising channel. Financial services led the industry with $109.6 million in spending, reflecting a 31% year-over-year growth.

What’s Next

As podcasting continues to attract significant advertising dollars, the industry is expected to evolve with more diverse content and increased brand participation. The top advertisers, including T-Mobile, Toyota, and BetterHelp, are likely to shape the podcast landscape further, influencing the types of shows that gain traction in 2026 and beyond.