In a landmark moment for the global podcasting industry, Steven Bartlett’s acclaimed podcast The Diary of a CEO has reached a staggering one billion views and listens across platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. This remarkable feat not only positions Bartlett as a trailblazer in the UK podcast scene but also cements the podcast as a global frontrunner.
The milestone also marks a first for the UK podcasting landscape, further elevating The Diary of a CEO as a cultural phenomenon. The announcement coincides with The Diary of a CEO being named Apple’s most downloaded podcast in the UK for the third consecutive year, an accomplishment that underscores its wide-reaching impact.
Unrivaled Success of Steven Bartlett’s Podcast Empire
Flight Studio: A Growing Powerhouse
Alongside The Diary of a CEO, Bartlett’s podcast production company, Flight Studio, is making waves. With only three shows under its belt—The Diary of a CEO, Paul C. Brunson’s We Need To Talk, and Davina McCall’s Begin Again—Flight Studio is now the third-largest podcast channel in the UK. Despite its relatively small portfolio compared to giants like the BBC (53 shows) and Wondery (251 shows), Flight Studio continues to achieve significant milestones.
The Journey from Passion Project to Global Dominance
Bartlett launched The Diary of a CEO in 2017 as an audio-first project to explore the stories of entrepreneurs in the UK’s business landscape. By 2019, he transitioned to a video-first format on YouTube, recognizing the untapped potential of video in creating deeper engagement. Today, with nearly 600 episodes and more than 8 million YouTube subscribers, the podcast has become Europe’s No. 1 podcast and the second largest globally on YouTube.
A Global Roster of Renowned Guests
The podcast has hosted a diverse array of personalities from various fields, drawing millions of listeners with high-profile interviews. Notable guests include:
- Entertainment Icons: Simon Cowell, Seth Rogen, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Maisie Williams
- Business Leaders: Richard Branson, Boris Johnson, Thierry Henry
- Thought Leaders and Experts: Neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart, aging expert Dr. Vonda Wright
These conversations, rich in insights and inspiration, have been pivotal in growing the podcast’s global appeal and solidifying its influence.
2023: A Year of Accolades and Achievements
November 2023 was a hallmark month for Bartlett’s podcast:
- Ranked as Apple’s No. 1 podcast in the UK.
- Named the most followed UK podcast on Apple Podcasts.
- Secured the 9th spot globally in Spotify’s Wrapped 2023 rankings.
The consistent accolades underscore the podcast’s enduring popularity and its resonance with audiences worldwide.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
Reflecting on this incredible achievement, Bartlett said:
“I am truly humbled—and incredibly proud—to hit the one billion mark. It’s frankly unfathomable to me. The show began as a passion project with just me, my laptop, and a microphone, and it has grown into something I never imagined. I owe the success of The Diary of a CEO to the now 50-strong team behind the scenes—this is a result of their hard work and talent. And, of course, to the guests who appear on the podcast and our listeners all over the world.”
The Vision of Flight Studio: Shaping the Future of Podcasting
Georgie Holt, CEO of Flight Studio, highlighted the synergy between the success of The Diary of a CEO and the company’s broader ambitions:
“The phenomenal global success of Steven and The Diary Of A CEO team has enabled every core component and methodology behind our new company, Flight Studio. Our mission is to scale influential IP and energize global fandoms around generational talent and ideas. We are inspired daily by the positive influence DOAC has around the world.”
Christiana Breton, Flight Studio’s Chief Commercial Officer, added:
“The Diary of a CEO continues to break boundaries and inspire millions. We’re thrilled to see its ongoing growth and the positive impact it’s having on our audience and the opportunities this creates for our brand partners. 2024 has seen exponential growth for the brand, and we have ambitious plans for 2025.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
The Diary of a CEO continues to release episodes twice weekly at 8 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. With an expanding team, a growing library of episodes, and an ambitious roadmap for 2025, the podcast is poised for even greater success.
Key Highlights at a Glance
- 1 Billion Milestone: First UK podcast to achieve this across YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
- Global Guests: Featured influential names from business, entertainment, and science.
- Platform Leadership: Europe’s No. 1 podcast and a global frontrunner on YouTube.
- Awards and Recognition: Apple UK’s most downloaded podcast for three consecutive years.
- Flight Studio’s Growth: Third largest podcast channel in the UK, despite a smaller portfolio.
