YouTube has officially entered the podcast ranking arena with the launch of its Weekly Top Podcast Shows chart, spotlighting the most-watched podcasts in the United States. This strategic move positions YouTube as a formidable competitor to established platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, offering podcasters enhanced visibility and audiences a curated selection of trending content.
🎙️ YouTube’s Weekly Top Podcast Shows: A New Era in Podcast Discovery
As of May 2025, YouTube’s new chart ranks the top 100 podcast shows in the U.S. based on total watch time. Updated every Wednesday, the chart exclusively includes playlists designated as “podcasts” during the upload process, excluding clips and Shorts.
📈 The Inaugural Top 10 Podcasts on YouTube (May 5–11, 2025)
- The Joe Rogan Experience – A long-form conversation podcast hosted by Joe Rogan, featuring a wide range of guests.
- Kill Tony – A live comedy podcast where aspiring comedians perform stand-up routines and receive feedback.
- Rotten Mango – A true crime and mystery podcast hosted by Stephanie Soo.
- 48 Hours – CBS News’ investigative journalism series focusing on true crime stories.
- The MeidasTouch Podcast – A political commentary podcast hosted by the Meiselas brothers.
- H3 Podcast – A variety podcast hosted by Ethan Klein, covering internet culture and current events.
- Club Shay Shay – An interview podcast hosted by former NFL player Shannon Sharpe.
- This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von – A comedic podcast where Theo Von shares stories and interviews guests.
- Smosh Reads Reddit Stories – A podcast where the Smosh team reads and reacts to Reddit posts.
- Dr Insanity – A podcast delving into psychological topics and human behavior.
🌐 YouTube’s Dominance in the Podcasting Landscape
According to Edison Research, YouTube has become the most frequently used service for listening to podcasts in the U.S., surpassing Spotify and Apple Podcasts. The platform boasts over 1 billion monthly active viewers consuming podcast content.
💡 Implications for Podcasters and Advertisers
YouTube’s entry into podcast rankings offers several advantages:
- Enhanced Visibility: Podcasters can reach broader audiences through YouTube’s extensive user base.
- Monetization Opportunities: YouTube’s ad revenue model provides competitive CPM rates, benefiting content creators financially.
- Audience Engagement: The video format allows for richer interaction with viewers, fostering community building.
🔮 Future Prospects: Global Expansion and Feature Enhancements
YouTube plans to expand its podcast charts to additional regions and introduce more features to enhance user experience. This includes improved discovery tools and integration with YouTube Music.
🏆 Notable Podcasts Making Waves
- The MeidasTouch Podcast: Recognized for its political commentary, the podcast has garnered significant attention and accolades.
- Club Shay Shay: Hosted by Shannon Sharpe, the podcast features in-depth interviews with athletes and celebrities.
- H3 Podcast: Known for its commentary on internet culture, the podcast has a substantial following.
🔍 Conclusion
YouTube’s Weekly Top Podcast Shows chart signifies a pivotal shift in the podcasting industry, offering both creators and listeners a dynamic platform for content discovery and engagement. As YouTube continues to innovate and expand its offerings, it solidifies its position as a central hub for podcast consumption.
