2024 Global Trend Report: Local Language Podcasts and Audiobooks Surge

The 2024 Global Trend Report from Podimo has spotlighted an extraordinary surge in the consumption of local-language podcasts and audiobooks. Marking a 45% year-on-year increase in local-language listening, this trend underscores a shift in listener preferences toward culturally resonant content. Comedy and true crime genres have emerged as the biggest growth drivers, reflecting an evolving global appetite for diverse audio entertainment.

Local-Language Listening Hits New Highs

Podcasts and audiobooks in local languages saw a significant uptick in engagement in 2024, signaling a broader trend toward hyper-localized, accessible content. This surge reflects listeners’ growing preference for relatable and culturally nuanced storytelling.

Key Statistics: A 45% increase in local-language podcast and audiobook consumption year-on-year.
Regional Highlights: Scandinavian countries, Spain, and Germany recorded some of the most striking growth rates.

Comedy Podcasts Dominate Listener Growth

Comedy has emerged as the fastest-growing podcast genre, delivering laughter and connection to a broad audience.

Explosive Growth Across Markets:
- Finland: +194% in comedy podcast engagement.
- Norway: +81% growth in comedy listening.
Audience Dynamics: Listeners increasingly turn to comedy for stress relief and entertainment, solidifying its position as a top choice in the podcasting space.

True Crime Sees Record Engagement

True crime continues its reign as a captivating genre, with notable spikes in listener engagement across various markets.

Spain Leads the Surge: A staggering 408% increase in true crime engagement, predominantly driven by female listeners.
Germany’s Sleep Connection: Nearly half (49%) of German true crime enthusiasts report falling asleep to these gripping narratives.

Audiobooks and Podcasts: A Growing Synergy

The intersection of podcasts and audiobooks has created a seamless listening ecosystem for many users. Podimo’s findings highlight this synergy, particularly in Denmark and Finland.

Highlights:
- Denmark: 47% of podcast listeners also engaged with audiobooks.
- Finland: 46% crossover between podcast and audiobook audiences.
User Behavior: This growing overlap reflects listeners’ desire for varied and immersive spoken audio experiences.

Denmark Leads in Binge Listening

Among all markets, Denmark emerged as the most binge-oriented, with a significant portion of users dedicating extended hours to audio consumption.

Binge Stats: 27% of Danish listeners consumed over three hours of podcasts or audiobooks in a single day.
Implications: This trend suggests that high-quality content is fostering deep engagement and prolonged listening sessions.

Weekday Listening Surpasses Weekends

Spoken audio has become integral to daily routines, with weekday listening surpassing weekends by a striking 40-50% across all Podimo markets.

Listening Patterns: Listeners increasingly incorporate audio content into work commutes, exercise routines, and household tasks.
Cultural Insights: This weekday preference reflects the practicality of spoken audio as a multitasking-friendly medium.

Expert Insights: Podimo’s Vision for the Future of Audio

Sachin Doshi, Podimo’s Chief Content Officer, shared valuable insights into the global spoken audio landscape and Podimo’s strategic goals.

Local Language Content: “As we look to 2025, we see a stronger willingness to pay for quality local language content, and in multiple markets, we’re already generating more revenue for podcasters than the entire local advertising business.”
Support for Creators: Podimo remains committed to supporting creators in achieving their unique goals, from audience growth to monetization.
The Role of Visual Engagement: Doshi emphasized the potential of visual elements to enhance audio experiences, particularly for true crime and single-host formats.

Podimo’s Market Presence and Growth

Podimo continues to lead Europe’s podcast and audiobook subscription service market, currently operating across seven markets and experiencing unprecedented growth.

Market Reach: With a strong presence in Scandinavia and beyond, Podimo is shaping the future of spoken audio globally.
Revenue Growth: The platform’s innovative approaches are driving increased revenue for creators, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the industry.

Key Takeaways from the Podimo 2024 Trend Report

Localized Content: A 45% year-on-year increase in local-language podcast and audiobook consumption.
Genre Growth: Comedy (+194% in Finland, +81% in Norway) and true crime (+408% in Spain) are the fastest-growing categories.
Audiobook Crossover: Denmark and Finland lead in integrating podcasts with audiobooks.
Binge Behavior: Denmark’s users top the charts with over three hours of daily listening.
Daily Routines: Weekday listening surpasses weekend engagement by 40-50% across all markets.

Conclusion: A Promising Future for Spoken Audio

Podimo’s 2024 Global Trend Report reveals a dynamic and evolving spoken audio landscape, driven by localized content and diverse genres. As we move into 2025, the convergence of audio formats, creator-centric innovations, and visual enhancements promise to further transform the way audiences engage with spoken audio.