iHeartMedia’s the State of Podcasting 2026

Last week, iHeartMedia revealed the State of Podcast 2026 with some very helpful insights for independent podcasters.

Among their findings include:

• There are more podcast consumers than ever before. With 158 million monthly consumers, 55% of Americans are regularly tuning into podcasts,

• People trust podcasts more than other forms of traditional media. When compared to social media, Americans find podcasts 23X more trustworthy, and

• Brands are turning to Podcast Advertising for attention, trust, and measurable results.

As iHeartMedia discussed, the trust gap in content is real. That is causing more and more consumers to move from traditional media to podcasts.

Moreover, listeners are paying more attention to podcasts than ever and tend to take action after hearing an ad on a podcast, a great sign for increasing revenue for independent podcasters.

Check out the full post here for all the details.

Sponsor Spotlight: iSonic.ai

Draft Faster and Smart Responses with AI

Drive more engagement through DM automation. No more crafting the same responses over and over. Use AI to source the links that matter and respond in your voice, trained on your content

• The Wall Street Journal is Looking for a Host/Producer, Personal Finance Podcast in New York, NY

• VaynerX is looking for a Head of Podcasts in New York, NY (Hybrid Role)

• Sinclair Inc. is looking for a Producer, Sports Podcasts in New York, NY (Hybrid Role)

• NBCUniversal is looking for a NEWS Podcast Producer in Miami, FL (Hybrid Role)

• Fox News Media is looking for an Associate Podcast Producer in New York, NY (Hybrid Role)

TELOS is a youth-led podcast exploring the lived experiences, challenges, and strengths of neurodivergent individuals. Hosted by Aeris, an AuDHD young adult passionate about psychology and mental health equity, this show features grounded conversations, personal stories, and insights from leaders in psychology, education, and advocacy.

The Aura Room a sacred space for soulful conversations, intuitive insights, and energy healing practices. Each episode invites you to reconnect with your inner light through themes like chakras, intuition, spiritual embodiment, and the unseen forces that shape our well-being. Whether you’re new to energy work or deep on your spiritual path, this podcast offers grounding, guidance, and gentle awakening. Tune in, realign, and remember who you are.

Unfiltered conversations about what it really takes to leave a 9-to-5, build a business, and raise a family, all at the same time. Hosted by Francheska Stone, a former litigation paralegal turned podcast host and entrepreneur, this show documents career pivots, side hustle experiments, motherhood and ambition in real time. New episodes drop every week. Join the 9 to 5 Mom Newsletter for the exclusive book club, office hours, and bi-weekly business hacks for moms.

The mission of 5AM Podcast is to be a destination of encouragement for growth, blessing and prosperity. To provide business, lifestyle and motivation information and helps. To help you stay focused and motivated, and live in gratitude with a mindset and life of abundance. At 5AM Podcast we think abundance, we wake up, thrive, hustle, and live life to the fullest.