Full Breakdown
Apple Podcasts Reveals Most Popular Shows and Trends of 2025
11/18/2025, 9:06:19 PM
Overview of the 2025 Podcast Landscape
On November 18, 2025, Apple Podcasts announced its year-end charts, showcasing the most popular podcasts and trends that captivated listeners globally. The charts are localized for various markets, allowing audiences to explore the year's biggest hits through the Apple Podcasts app. Key categories include Top Shows, Top New Shows, Most Followed Shows, Most Shared Shows, and Top Channels.
Top Podcasts of 2025
The most popular podcasts in the United States for 2025 are led by "The Joe Rogan Experience," which climbed from third place in 2024 to first this year. Following Rogan is "The Daily" from The New York Times, which secured the second spot, while "The Mel Robbins Podcast" surged to third after not appearing in the top ten the previous year. Other returning favorites include "Crime Junkie," "Dateline NBC," "SmartLess," "This American Life," "Huberman Lab," and "The Ezra Klein Show."
Breakout Hits
Among the new shows that debuted in 2025, "Good Hang with Amy Poehler" and "Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce" emerged as significant breakout hits, ranking first and second in the Top New Shows category, respectively. Other notable newcomers include "Deadly Mirage," "Blink | Jake Haendel’s Story," and "Murder in the Moonlight."
Most Popular Episodes and Shared Content
The charts also highlight the most popular episodes of the year. The top episode is from "The Telepathy Tapes," which explores telepathic communication in a silenced community. Other highly ranked episodes include "MURDERED: The Feeney Family" from "Crime Junkie," and notable appearances by Elon Musk on "The Joe Rogan Experience" and Taylor Swift on "New Heights."
In terms of shared content, "The Telepathy Tapes" and "The Mel Robbins Podcast" were among the most shared shows, indicating a strong listener engagement with these series.
Official Statements & Responses
Apple Podcasts emphasized its role as a premier destination for podcast discovery, stating that it offers a comprehensive experience for listeners to explore millions of shows. The company plans to announce the Apple Podcasts Show of the Year on December 4, 2025, further highlighting its commitment to recognizing standout content.
Criticism & Opposition
While the rankings reflect listener preferences, some critics argue that the dominance of certain shows, particularly those hosted by high-profile figures like Joe Rogan, may overshadow emerging voices in the podcasting space. This concern raises questions about diversity and representation within the podcasting ecosystem.
What's Next
As the year concludes, listeners can continue to explore the full collection of 2025 charts on the Apple Podcasts app. The upcoming announcement of the Apple Podcasts Show of the Year is anticipated to draw further attention to the evolving landscape of podcasting.
Verbatim Quotes
- “with Heather Cox Richardson” The Daily: “The Secret Power of Siblings” On Purpose with Jay Shetty: “Mel Robbins: How to Use the ‘Let Them Theory’ (A Life Changing Mindset Hack That 15 Million People Can’t Stop Talking About)” Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard: “Mary Claire Haver (on menopause)” Most Followed Shows The Mel Robbins Podcast The Joe Rogan Experience Good Hang with Amy Poehler The Charlie Kirk Show Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce The Telepathy Tapes The MeidasTouch Podcast The Shawn Ryan Show Call Her Daddy The Daily Top Subscriber Shows The Daily Apple News+ Narrated The Ezra Klein Show Unicorn Girl Morbid Extrasensory Dateline NBC Scamtown Big Time The New York Times Narrated Top Channels SiriusXM Podcasts Wondery iHeartPodcasts The New York Times audiochuck Dateline NBC Dear Media Cumulus Podcast Network Audacy Vox Media Podcast Network Apple Podcasts is the world’s premier destination for podcast discovery and listening.” — Apple
- “Those episodes were beaten out, however, by an episode from Telepathy Tapes, which explores the idea that non-speaking individuals with autism can communicate telepathically.” — Hollywood Reporter
- “The Mel Robbins Podcast climbed up the charts to become the third most popular podcast of the year, which also moved Crime Junkie, which has often held the first or second spot, down to fourth.” — Hollywood Reporter
