Last updated October 24, 2024 – 7:35am
BBC Sounds was played 622 million times between July and September across all its radio, podcast and music mix content, according to the latest audience figures released today.
That's an increase of 14 million quarter-over-quarter and more than 3% year-over-year as digital listening continues to grow.
In the third quarter of 2024, there were 10.8 million sign-ins to BBC Sounds accounts, with an average of 4.7 million weekly users across mobile apps, websites, TVs and voice-activated devices, according to industry body RAJAR. That's it. Data shows that on-demand radio and podcast content was played a total of 226 million times.
Interest in news was high this quarter, with Newscast and Americast being the top two podcasts on BBC Sounds. Curated breaking news playlists also perform well with younger listeners, with BBC News Latest Headlines being the seventh most listened to on-demand program for listeners under 35, also from smart speakers. is supported by requests.
Once again, Radio 4 content dominated the BBC Sounds podcast chart. New audio drama “Central Intelligence'' increases listeners for drama podcast “Limelight,'' making it the third most popular podcast of the quarter, followed by “You're Dead to Me,'' which recently won the Italian and European Awards. The award-winning Investigative Radio 4 podcast series 'Intrigue' followed. To catch a scorpion.
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The top two most listened to podcasts on BBC Sounds are Newscast and Americast, with Newscast taking the top spot among listeners under 35, followed by You're Dead to Me and Miss Me? . Radio 4's Limelight drama series was the third most listened to podcast, along with series such as Central Intelligence Agency starring Kim Cattrall and 11 Minutes Dead. Radio 4's The Archers remained the most listened to on-demand radio show for all adults (including those under 35) this quarter, followed by Radio 4 Extra and Desert Island Discs' Whodunnits. Radio 4's comedy is doing well, with 'Mark Steel's in Town', 'The Unbelievable Truth' and 'The News Quiz' all appearing in the top 10 on-demand radio programmes. Radio 1 programs had the highest proportion of listeners aged under 35. Programs such as Radio 1 10 and Radio 1 00 were the most popular, followed by Radio 1's Giant Detention, where Greg James and presenter 'Classmates' were in custody. Celebrate the start of the school year with a playful twist. The BBC Proms also ranked in the top 10 on-demand programs for the under 35s group, led by special concerts from Florence and the Machine and Sam Smith. Overall, Proms listeners on BBC Sounds increased by 12% over the year. The mix of music provided motivation as well as relaxation. Sleeping Forecast continues to be the most listened to music mix, followed by Mindful Mix. Nostalgic fans turned to Fearne Cotton's '90s sounds in third place, followed by Pace Setter, a running playlist with highlights including motivational songs curated by McFly drummer Harry Judd continued. At the end of August, Oasis mania swept across the UK as the band announced a reunion tour, and Joe Whyley and Steve Lamacq dig into the top 10 on-demand podcasts 6Music's The Rise and Fall of …has appeared. Get to know the story behind the band. Downloads of BBC podcasts totaled 213 million worldwide during the quarter, an increase of 4 million on the second quarter. The BBC World Service's Global News Podcast was the most popular title on third-party platforms, followed by newscasts and documentary podcasts. Other popular shows in the top 10 included 6 Minute English, In Our Time, and Desert Island Discs.
Jonathan Wall, Director of BBC Sounds: “We're delighted to see how much our viewers have enjoyed our summer Tour de Force live events and new on-demand extras. From elections to the Olympics to proms. From the beginning to the rise and fall of the oasis, it's packed with action.
“We offer exciting new innovations like a pop-up election 24-hour stream and launch bold new podcasts like Central Intelligence to excite listeners.”
Source: Piano Analytics 01.07.24 – 29.09.24
