In March 2025, Triton Digital released its U.S. Podcast Ranker, highlighting the continued dominance of iHeartPodcast Audience Network, NPR, and Audacy in the podcasting landscape. These networks have consistently maintained their positions at the top, reflecting their strong listener engagement and content strategies.
Top Sales Networks in March 2025
The following are the leading podcast sales networks based on Triton Digital’s metrics for March 2025:
- iHeartPodcast Audience Network
- Average Weekly Downloads: 71.2 million
- Average Weekly Users: 20.2 million
- NPR
- Average Weekly Downloads: 27.8 million
- Average Weekly Users: 7.2 million
- Audacy Podcast Network
- Average Weekly Downloads: 16.2 million
- Average Weekly Users: 6.1 million
- Audioboom
- Average Weekly Downloads: 5.1 million
- Average Weekly Users: Data not specified
- Cumulus Podcast Network
- Average Weekly Downloads: 2.8 million
- Average Weekly Users: Data not specified
These figures indicate a slight increase in iHeart’s downloads compared to February, while NPR experienced a dip in downloads but an increase in users. Audacy showed significant growth, with a 14% increase in downloads and a 13% rise in users from the previous month.
Top Podcasts by Downloads and Unique Listeners
Triton Digital’s report also highlighted the top-performing podcasts for March 2025:
- By Downloads:
- NPR News Now (NPR)
- Up First (NPR)
- Vince (Cumulus Podcast Network)
- Stuff You Should Know (iHeart)
- 48 Hours (Paramount)
- By Unique Listeners:
- NPR News Now (NPR)
- Up First (NPR)
- Vince (Cumulus Podcast Network)
The podcast Vince, hosted by Vince Coglianese, has gained significant traction, succeeding The Dan Bongino Show. Stuff You Should Know and 48 Hours also maintained strong positions in the rankings.
New Entrants in March 2025
Several new podcasts made their debut in March 2025, reflecting the dynamic nature of the podcasting industry:
- Trump’s Terms (NPR)
- This is Gavin Newsom (iHeart Audience Network)
- Fantasy Baseball Today (Audacy Podcast Network)
These additions indicate a growing interest in political and sports-related content among listeners.
Paramount’s Return to the Rankings
After withdrawing from Triton’s rankings in February, Paramount re-entered in March, securing the sixth position. This re-entry caused a shift in the rankings, pushing other networks like Salem Podcast Network, Soundrise, American Public Media Group, and All Things Comedy down by one position.
Upcoming Changes in Triton’s Measurement Approach
Triton Digital has announced plans to enhance its podcast industry measurements by introducing quarterly updates that will rank the biggest shows and publishers, regardless of their subscription to Triton’s services. This initiative aims to provide a more comprehensive view of podcast consumption. The new quarterly rankings will be based on a nationally representative survey conducted in collaboration with Signal Hill Insights, a partner of Triton since 2021.
Conclusion
The March 2025 podcast rankings underscore the sustained leadership of iHeart, NPR, and Audacy in the U.S. podcasting arena. With new entrants making their mark and upcoming changes in measurement methodologies, the podcast industry continues to evolve, offering diverse content to an ever-growing audience.
