Podcasts are increasingly winning over the French, and according to our study conducted with the polling institute Opinea, 6 out of 10 French people have already listened to podcasts. For 42% of them, this format has even become part of their routine. Podcasts reach all generations but are especially popular among 25- to 45-year-olds.
Today, podcasts have established themselves as an essential format in brands’ content strategies, particularly when it comes to reaching 15- to 44-year-olds and higher socio-economic groups (CSP+).
Why invest in Podcasts?
While podcasts are entering a phase of maturity, they still hold significant growth potential. In fact, nearly one in two podcast listeners (44%) plan to increase their listening in the coming months.
How much time do people spend listening?
- 52% spend between 1 and 3 hours per week listening to podcasts.
- A quarter of listeners spend more than 3 hours per week.
- Nearly 10% listen for over 5 hours weekly!
Additionally, six out of ten French people subscribe to at least one podcast, and three out of ten follow between two and five.
What motivates podcast listening?
Self-education and relaxation are the main drivers. The French primarily listen to podcasts to learn new things (54%), to relax (39%), or to disconnect (37%). Most listening takes place at home: while relaxing (37%), doing household chores (35%), in bed before sleeping (32%), or while cooking (27%). However, mobility also plays a key role, with podcasts being listened to during car journeys (28%) or on public transport (27%).
The French audience’s favorite podcast topics
- Health and well-being: Popular with 40% of listeners, especially women (51%).
- News and politics: Enjoyed by 36%, particularly men (43%).
- Society and culture: Also at 36%, with no marked gender difference.
True crime and investigative podcasts are gaining popularity, especially among women (33%).
Preferred podcast formats and platforms
Short formats remain the favorite: for 52% of listeners, the ideal podcast length is between 15 and 30 minutes. However, long formats are also attracting a quarter of French listeners.
When it comes to platforms, Spotify is the clear leader with 51%, followed by Deezer (17%) and Amazon Music (16%).
With a growing and diverse audience, podcasts are establishing themselves as an essential medium, and the outlook for this format is highly promising.
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