Women are emerging as a dominant force in both listenership and content creation. This shift is marked by a surge in female audiences, the rise of video podcasting, and the popularity of women-led shows that blend authenticity with relatability.
A Decade of Growth in Female Listenership
In 2015, only 15% of U.S. women aged 18 and older listened to podcasts monthly. By 2025, that number has tripled to 45%, representing approximately 60 million women. When video podcast consumption is included, the figure increases to 52%, reflecting a broader and deeper engagement with the medium.
As a result, the gender gap in podcast audiences has narrowed considerably, with women now making up 48% of all monthly podcast listeners in the U.S.
The demographic breakdown of female podcast listeners shows a strong skew toward younger, more affluent, and highly educated women. Nearly 39% of listeners are between the ages of 18 and 34, while 29% have household incomes above $100,000, and 51% have earned a college degree or higher.
Expanding Genre Interests Among Women
Female podcast audiences are increasingly diverse in their listening habits, engaging with an average of 5.7 different podcast topics.
The trend is even more pronounced among certain groups: women aged 25 to 34 typically engage with around 6.9 genres, Hispanic women with 6.8, and mothers with 6.5. This wide range of interests demonstrates how podcasting has become a platform for exploring multifaceted identities and interests.
Women are drawn to podcasts for a variety of reasons. A significant portion listen to gain deeper insights into specific topics (53%), to learn new things (46%), or simply for entertainment (44%).
Personal connection plays a vital role as well, with 79% of women valuing enjoyable hosts and 72% favoring content that feels authentic and relatable.
The Rise of Video Podcasting
The incorporation of video has been a game-changer for podcasting, especially among female audiences.
Platforms like YouTube are now key entry points for podcast discovery, with 31% of new listeners starting their podcast journey there. Video podcasts not only capture attention longer—viewers average 25 minutes per session versus 15 minutes for audio-only—but also create a stronger visual and emotional connection between hosts and audiences.
This enhanced format has amplified the parasocial relationships listeners develop with podcast hosts. Shows such as "Giggly Squad," hosted by Paige DeSorbo and Hannah Berner, leverage this by creating a conversational, group-chat style that deeply resonates with their mostly female audience.
The visual dimension of podcasting adds layers of intimacy and engagement, especially in content that blends humor, lifestyle, and real-life commentary.
Empowering Female Voices in Podcasting
Female-hosted podcasts are not only growing in number but also gaining cultural and commercial influence.
Around 90% of female podcast listeners report listening to content created by women, and nearly half state a preference for brands that advertise on such shows. This indicates a strong support for representation and relatability in content consumption.
Podcasts like "Not Gonna Lie (NGL)" by Kylie Kelce have found success by focusing on themes like motherhood and women’s sports, tapping into authentic storytelling that resonates on a personal level.
These podcasts create inclusive spaces where women feel understood and supported, while also shining a spotlight on topics often overlooked by mainstream media.
Female Listeners as Commercial Drivers
Women’s influence in podcasting extends well beyond content preferences. Their engagement translates into measurable economic impact.
Among women who have heard a podcast advertisement, 75% have taken some form of action, such as researching or purchasing a product. Moreover, 45% are more inclined to support brands that align themselves with women-led or women-centric podcasts.
This underscores the importance of thoughtful, inclusive advertising strategies that align with the values of today’s female podcast listeners.
Looking Forward: A Future Shaped by Women
As podcasting continues to evolve, the role of women as both content consumers and creators will be central to its future.
With increasing engagement in both video and audio formats, as well as a growing appetite for diverse, authentic narratives, women are not only reshaping the podcasting space—they are redefining it.
For creators, platforms, and advertisers alike, embracing this transformation is not just advantageous, it is essential for staying relevant in the ever-changing media landscape.
