Joe Rogan Experience takes the lead in the annual podcast rankings released by Spotify, The announcement comes amid the Spotify Wrapped campaign, which highlights global audio consumption trends.
The phenomenon reflects the continued growth of the long-form interview and informal conversation format, which attracted millions of users in 2025. Plataformas reported a 25% increase in average listening time compared to 2024, driven by self-help and true crime content.
Other highlights include the advancement of The Mel Robbins Podcast to third place on multiple lists, signaling a preference for motivational themes. The full list varies by platform, but maintains overlaps in genres like comedy and journalism.
- Cross-platform dominance of Rogan: sixth consecutive year on Spotify.
- Growth of podcasts with video: almost 50% of the top 50 in Spotify offer a visual format.
- Global Trend: Focus on personal narratives and real-time cultural analysis.
Rise of motivational content
The Mel Robbins Podcast emerged as a surprise in the top 3 of the Spotify and Apple lists, with episodes focused on productivity and personal overcoming. Lançado in 2018, the program gained traction in 2025 by addressing everyday challenges with practical tips, attracting listeners aged 18 to 35.
Platforms noted that self-help content represents 30% of total streams this year, surpassing true crime in daily engagement. Robbins, bestselling author, recorded more than 100 episodes in 2025, with partnerships that expanded reach for YouTube.
Variations in global rankings
Spotify released its global list with The Diary Of A CEO, from Steven Bartlett, in second place, emphasizing interviews with entrepreneurs. The podcast, with an average duration of 90 minutes, accumulated streams equivalent to 1 billion minutes in 2025.
Apple prioritized journalism with The Daily in second, followed by Crime Junkie in fourth. The platform highlighted channels with investigative narratives, which grew 15% in new followers.
YouTube, in its first annual list of podcasts, included visual formats such as KILL TONY in second, with short clips that go viral on social networks.
Highlights in true crime and comedy
Crime Junkie maintained a strong position in fourth on Spotify and
This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von rose to fifth on Spotify, mixing self-deprecating humor with personal stories. Von, stand-up comedian, attracted young audiences with 60-minute episodes recorded live.
Call Her Daddy, by Alex Cooper, was fourth in Spotify and seventh in Apple, discussing relationships and female empowerment. The move to SiriusXM in 2024 hasn’t affected momentum, with listening peaks in local evening timeslots.
Dateline NBC ranked fifth on Apple, featuring recounts of famous crimes with network reporters. The journalistic format, lasting 45 minutes, appealed to listeners over 40 years old.
New podcasts that exploded
Good Hang with Amy Poehler debuted as a new top spot on Apple, first among 2025 releases, with light conversations about pop culture. The actress, known as Parks and Recreation, recorded 30-minute episodes that accumulated 200 million views on YouTube.
Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce, second in the new Apple, explores motherhood and sports with the former volleyball player. Lançado in February 2025, the podcast gained traction for collaborative episodes with athletes.
The Shawn Ryan Show entered the top 6 of the Spotify, focusing on military veterans and security. Ryan, former Navy SEAL, produced 80 episodes with high-profile guests, raising interest in defense topics.
Video and accessibility trends
Nearly half of the top 50 podcasts on Spotify now include video versions, an increase of 15 percentage points from 2024. Plataformas like YouTube reported 1 billion monthly users watching podcasts, prioritizing 10- to 20-minute clips.
Accessibility improved with automatic subtitles for 90% of content, benefiting listeners with hearing impairments. Apps have integrated AI for quick summaries, reducing onboarding time for new users.
Consolidated positions in health and wisdom
Huberman Lab, from Andrew Huberman, neuroscientist, ranked sixth in Spotify and ninth in Cada, a 2-hour episode, has attracted 10 million monthly streams by 2025.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty ranked ninth in the global Spotify, mixing spirituality and psychology with guests like Oprah Winfrey. Shetty, former monk, emphasizes daily routines in 45-minute formats.
Modern Wisdom, from Chris Williamson, eighth in Spotify, explores contemporary philosophy with short debates. The podcast won for weekly themed episodes, totaling 300 million plays.
Expansion into emerging markets
Podcasts in local languages grew 40% in regions such as América Latina and Ásia, with global format adaptations. No Brasil, productions like Café with Deus Pai led the local Spotify, influencing international lists.
Platforms expanded partnerships with independent creators, offering monetization tools that doubled average revenues by 2025. Usuários reported greater diversity in topics, from finance to sustainability.
The Tucker Carlson Show, tenth in the Spotify, focused on politics with daily 30-minute analyses. Carlson, former TV presenter, saw spikes in post-election listening, consolidating the opinion niche.
SmartLess, with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett, sixth in Apple, brought improvised humor in surprise episodes. The trio celebrated 100 editions in 2025, with surprise guests raising the replay factor.
