Netflix And Apple Podcasts Drive Podcasting Boom In 2026

Podcasting has officially arrived in the mainstream, and 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the audio medium. If you’ve been noticing more podcasts popping up on your favorite apps—or even inside your streaming video services—you’re not alone. With Apple Podcasts celebrating its twentieth anniversary and Netflix jumping headfirst into original podcast production, the landscape is shifting fast. The numbers, the personalities, and the platforms are all evolving. But what does this mean for listeners, creators, and the industry at large?

According to 9to5Mac, Netflix, the global streaming giant best known for its blockbuster TV shows and movies, is making a bold move into podcasting. The company recently launched video podcasts in partnership with Spotify and has now announced its first in-house original podcasts. Subscribers can soon tune in to two headline shows: The Pete Davidson Show, premiering January 30, 2026, and The White House with Michael Irvin, launching January 19, 2026. Both series are set to bring a fresh twist to the podcast format, blending candid conversations with celebrity hosts and sports commentary from NFL insiders.

Netflix’s entry comes at a time when podcasting is more popular—and more competitive—than ever. The company’s new offerings will be available exclusively to its subscribers, signaling a move to integrate podcasts into its broader entertainment ecosystem. The Pete Davidson Show promises unscripted, no-holds-barred chats filmed in Davidson’s own garage, with new episodes dropping every Friday. Meanwhile, The White House with Michael Irvin will offer twice-weekly episodes packed with sports news, game analysis, and commentary. The show is produced by former NFL All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who also serves as a rotating co-host.

“When Saturday Night Live alum Pete Davidson heads into his garage, turns on some cameras, and starts talking to his friends, you might think he’s fixing his car or trying to find a hammer. Not in Davidson’s case: He’s filming a podcast for Netflix, which will feature candid, no-holds-barred conversations,” Netflix teased in its official description, as reported by 9to5Mac.

Netflix’s move comes on the heels of a banner year for Apple Podcasts. As Podnews reports, 2025 was “the best year yet” for Apple Podcasts, which achieved record numbers in listeners, plays, and subscribers. The platform celebrated its twentieth anniversary by rolling out new features like automated chapters, timed links, and dialog enhancement tools. Despite growing competition, Apple Podcasts held onto its crown as the number one podcast app for consumption in the United States.

Apple also made waves by launching a new subscription tier for its creator apps, including Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, at $12.99 a month. This move aims to support the growing ranks of podcast creators and editors, making professional-grade tools more accessible than ever. In a sign of the times, Apple even made its first-ever appearance at a major podcast event, underlining the company’s commitment to the space.

Meanwhile, YouTube’s influence on podcasting continues to grow. According to Podnews, YouTube now boasts more users in the UK than BBC television—at least when measured by those who use the service for three minutes or more each month. However, when it comes to longer engagement, BBC TV still leads by a comfortable margin. In Canada, a striking 40% of podcast consumers report using YouTube most often for podcasts, and nearly a quarter say they only consume video podcasts. This shift toward visual podcasting is reshaping the medium, with platforms and creators alike adapting to new audience habits.

The industry’s rapid growth hasn’t come without its share of drama. The Golden Globes, long a mainstay of film and television honors, featured its first-ever award for ‘Best Podcast’ this year—a clear sign that podcasts have arrived in the cultural mainstream. However, not everyone was pleased. Megyn Kelly, a high-profile podcaster, claimed she “withdrew from the event” after being asked to “engage in promotional tactics,” calling the show “embarrassing and disrespectful.” Yet, as Podnews dryly noted, Kelly was never actually nominated, and her claims of withdrawal were more bluster than fact. The award ultimately went to Amy Poehler, who, according to Kelly’s on-air rant, “bought” the honor—a charge not supported by any evidence.

Beyond the headlines, the podcasting industry is also innovating on the technical front. Podnews highlights the launch of The Pod, a mobile podcast studio in the UK crafted from cedar and recycled plastic bottles. This eco-friendly, fully video-ready studio took more than two years to build and represents a new wave of sustainable, on-the-go podcast production. It’s just one example of how podcasting’s next chapter is being shaped by both technological advances and a drive for inclusivity and accessibility.

Research and education remain at the forefront, too. Edison Research is set to host a webinar titled “The Evolving Ear: How New Listeners are Shaping Podcasting’s Next Chapter” on January 27, 2026. Drawing from over two decades of data, the session will examine emerging listener trends and offer insights into where the medium is headed next. As Senior Research Director Gabriel Soto puts it, “Listener trends offer the best clues about where it’s headed.”

On the business side, partnerships and personnel changes are shaping the industry’s future. Triton Digital renewed its decade-long agreement with Salem Media, ensuring continued collaboration between two major players. In Washington, DC, John Wordock—well-known for his podcast consultancy work—has joined WTOP as its newest business reporter. Across the Atlantic, talkSPORT appointed Abi Paterson as Head of Podcasts, a strategic move as the station gears up to cover the FIFA World Cup 2026 with visualized shows.

Amid all this change, some podcasts are also celebrating major milestones. The beloved true crime comedy podcast My Favorite Murder just turned ten years old, marking its 500th episode. Hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark continue to captivate audiences with stories of serial killers, cold cases, cults, and more. To celebrate, a list of the top ten most-listened-to episodes was published, featuring fan favorites like “Investigateighteen Discovery,” “Garden Party,” and “Proclensity.” For devoted listeners, it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of well-told stories—and the loyal communities podcasts can build over time.

With new original shows from Netflix, record-breaking years for Apple Podcasts, and the rise of video-first formats on YouTube, podcasting in 2026 is more dynamic than ever. Whether you’re a diehard true crime fan, a sports enthusiast, or just someone looking for a new way to connect, there’s never been a better time to tune in. The only question left: what will you listen to next?