TechCrunch Industry News Americans now listen to podcasts more often than talk radio; plus, About 12% of US teens turn to AI for emotional support or advice
Feb 26, 2026
A report on how podcasts now outpace spoken-word radio and how video shows are reshaping where people watch and listen. Coverage of Netflix and YouTube expanding podcast viewing on TVs and platforms. A look at teens turning to AI chatbots for info, homework, casual chat, and emotional support, plus professional worries about mental health and safety measures by companies.
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Podcasts Overtake Talk Radio In U.S. Listening Share
- Podcasts now account for 40% of U.S. spoken-word listening time, surpassing AM/FM talk radio at 39% for the first time.
- Edison Research counts video podcasts in that total and platforms like Spotify and YouTube are fueling growth, with TV viewing up to 700 million hours monthly on living room devices.
Video Podcasts Complement Rather Than Replace Audio
- Video podcasts are rising but mostly complement audio: 80% of adults consume both audio and video podcasts, while only 7% watch video-only.
- Triton Digital and Edison show genre matters: music, sports, comedy skew video; science, history, true crime skew audio.
Living Room Viewing Is Powering Podcast Hours
- TV is an important growth vector for podcasts as viewers watch long-form shows on living room devices.
- YouTube reported viewers watched 700 million hours of podcasts monthly on TVs, up from 400 million the year prior.