RAJAR’s MIDAS Winter 2025 survey highlights the continued strength and evolution of UK audio consumption. Based on a final sample of 1,538 former RAJAR participants aged 15+ who completed a 7-day online diary, the study confirms that weekly audio listening remains nearly universal. An impressive 96% of the UK population — around 56 million adults — engage with audio-only content each week, averaging 27.6 hours of listening. Total weekly listening now exceeds 1.5 billion hours, marking 10% growth since Winter 2021.

A key theme is the rise of connected audio, defined as audio accessed via internet-enabled devices. Connected audio now reaches 72% of the population weekly, with adults listening for roughly 18 hours per week across formats including podcasts, audiobooks, on-demand music, catch-up radio, and live radio via smartphones, computers, smart speakers, wearables, and more.

Despite digital growth, live radio dominates with 66% of all audio listening hours, reinforcing radio’s role as a trusted companion both at home and on the move. Traditional FM and DAB sets account for 63% of listening hours, and radio is often social, with 40% of listening occurring with others.

Meanwhile, podcasts continue to grow, reaching 26% of the UK weekly and generating 111 million listening hours. Younger audiences are especially engaged, with 15–24s listening nearly twice as long as average adults.

The full report can be found here: https://www.rajar.co.uk/docs/news/MIDAS%20Winter%202025.pdf