The latest Infinite Dial UK study offers insights into content and technology consumption trends, highlighting the growing influence of smart devices and the surging popularity of podcasts.

Rise of Smart Devices

The proliferation of smart devices is a key factor shaping audio consumption habits in the UK. Smartphones have become ubiquitous, with 97% of individuals aged 16 and above owning a smartphone, smart speaker and/or smart tv. This widespread adoption provides a readily available platform for accessing various audio content, including radio, podcasts, and streaming music.

Smart speakers have experienced remarkable growth in recent years. As of 2025, 45% of the UK population own a smart speaker, a substantial increase from 25% four years prior. This uptake surpasses even the United States, where smart speaker ownership stands at 35% among those aged 12 and older. Smart speakers have become a fixture in many households, offering hands-free access to audio entertainment, news, and information.

Smart TVs are another increasingly common device, with 72% of Britons owning one in 2025, compared to just 50% four years ago. Smart TVs enhance the audio experience through features like high-quality sound and access to streaming services, further blurring the lines between traditional television and online audio consumption.

In-Car Audio: A New Frontier

The automotive environment is also witnessing a technological shift, with greater smartphone integration and increased podcast listenership. Among UK residents of driving age (18+) who have driven or ridden in a car in the past month, 38% have either an Android Auto or Apple CarPlay system in their primary vehicle. This represents a doubling since 2021, indicating a growing demand for seamless connectivity and access to digital content while on the road.

The availability of these in-car systems has fuelled the growth of podcast listening during commutes and road trips. In 2025, 22% of those in the UK who have driven or ridden in a car in the last month listen to podcasts in-car, up from 15% in 2021.

Podcast Consumption on the Rise

Podcast consumption in the UK has reached new heights, with 68%  (33 million people) having ever listened to a podcast. This figure rises to 71% (35 million people) when including those who watch video podcasts.

The surge in podcast listenership can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing availability of high-quality content, the ease of access through smartphones and other devices, and the ability to listen on-demand. Podcasts cater to a wide range of interests and tastes, offering something for everyone.

Enduring Power of Radio

Radio remains a dominant force in UK audio consumption. In the first quarter of 2025, 87% of the UK population aged 15+ (50 million people) tuned in to their preferred radio stations each week, collectively listening to over 1 billion hours of radio content.

On average, a listener spends about 20.5 hours per week with live radio, underscoring radio’s continued importance in daily life.

Digital platforms have become an important means of accessing radio, with 76% of adults listening via digitally enabled devices such as DAB radios, digital TV, websites, apps, and smart speakers. Digital listening accounts for 73% of all radio consumption hours, with DAB leading at 57%, smart speakers at 24%, websites and apps at 15%, and digital TV at 4%.

Commercial radio has overtaken the BBC in total listening hours, capturing 54.9% of the market compared to the BBC’s 45.1%.

The Heart brand, operated by Global, became the UK’s most popular radio brand in early 2025, reaching 13.4 million weekly listeners and surpassing BBC Radio 2, which attracted 13.1 million listeners. Meanwhile, BBC Radio 2 remains the most listened-to station overall, with its Breakfast Show drawing 6.5 million listeners and Vernon Kay’s show being the most listened-to program in the UK. BBC Cumbria and BBC Sheffield posted notable increases in listening hours, highlighting regional variations in listening habits.

 Future Trends

The Infinite Dial UK 2025 study paints a picture of an evolving audio landscape. Smart devices are increasing in importance for audio content consumption and podcasts continue to grow in popularity. As technology continues to advance and consumer preferences shift, the audio industry is adapting to meet the changing needs of listeners.

The integration of smartphones in cars and the rising ownership of smart speakers and smart TVs present new opportunities for audio content providers to reach audiences in various contexts. The increasing popularity of podcasts suggests that there is a growing demand for on-demand, personalized audio experiences.

The combination of radio and podcasts can now offer both mass audience and niche audience reach to audiences and advertisers. The same trend is evident in Australia as audiences evolve their consumption habits and expand the ways they listen to audio.