BBC Sounds: record year with over 2.5 billion listens in 2025

The BBC has announced another record year for its BBC Sounds platform. Between January and November 2025, the audio platform exceeded 2.5 billion listens, an increase of +8% compared to the same period in 2024.

A total of 2.8 billion audio plays were recorded across the BBC ecosystem, including radio, podcasts, sport, news and rich audio formats available on iPlayer.

The momentum is largely driven by podcasts. Listening to podcasts on BBC Sounds is up 15% year-on-year, confirming the platform’s central role in the British public broadcaster’s audio strategy. In this way, BBC Sounds is asserting its position as the leading destination for spoken word, news, entertainment and storytelling.

The year was also marked by audience peaks linked to major events, in particular with a record weekly audience of 5.1 million listeners during the broadcast of the Ashes.

Top 10 most listened to BBC Sounds podcasts in 2025

BBC Sounds has unveiled its top 10 most listened-to podcasts of 2025, dominated by news, analysis and storytelling formats:

1. Newscast
   Daily news podcast from the BBC, focusing on news analysis and decoding.
2. Americast
   Insights and analysis into American politics and society.
3. Sherlock Holmes Short Stories
   Sherlock Holmes short stories, narrated by Hugh Bonneville.
4. Uncanny
   Danny Robins investigates the paranormal experiences of private individuals.
5. Elis James and John Robins
   Twice-weekly comedy podcast about current affairs and pop culture.
6. Short History Of…
   Short stories about key moments and figures in history.
7. Limelight
   Audio drama series, including the CIA thriller Central Intelligence.
8. You’re Dead to Me
   A story told with humour by Greg Jenner and his guests.
9. The History Podcast
   Narrative documentaries and historical accounts produced by BBC Radio 4.
10. What’s Up Docs?
    Health podcast hosted by Chris and Xand van Tulleken.