Streaming Grows in the Car: How Drivers Are Redefining In-Car Audio in 2025
Streaming has conquered our homes, our phones, and our offices — and now, it’s making serious inroads into our cars. According to Gracenote’s 2025 Automotive Infotainment Report, 40% of U.S. drivers say they’re streaming more audio in their vehicles than they were just a year ago.
But while the rise of digital platforms in the car sounds like a revolution, the transition is anything but straightforward. The report reveals that familiarity and simplicity still drive listening habits, with good old AM/FM radio continuing to dominate dashboard time.
Despite years of innovation, the car dashboard remains one of the last frontiers for streaming services and podcast publishers.
“For entertainment lovers, the expanding wealth of media choice now permeates every screen we own, except the ones in our cars,” the Gracenote report notes.
That statement highlights the dual reality of in-car entertainment — both a massive opportunity and a major challenge.
Why Drivers Stick to Radio
Even though streaming is growing, drivers still default to what’s easy and familiar:
AM/FM radio remains the most-used in-car medium.
Drivers prefer simplicity — tuning in rather than navigating complex apps.
Many say they value instant access and local content more than variety.
In short, even in 2025, radio continues to be the soundtrack of the American road trip.
Podcasting’s Next Frontier — The Dashboard
For podcasters, the car represents both a dream and a dilemma. The Gracenote study found that one in five drivers (22%) wants better access to podcasts while driving.
That’s a promising sign — but the challenge lies in discovery and convenience.
The Discovery Dilemma
Gracenote’s findings reveal:
44% of drivers say they can’t find something they want to listen to at least a quarter of the time.
6% admit they “don’t know what they want to listen to, so they leave whatever is playing.”
21% of drivers get so frustrated that they turn off the media entirely.
These numbers highlight a clear takeaway: 🔹 Ease of use is just as important as content quality.
For podcast publishers, reducing friction — through voice controls, recommendations, and intuitive design — may be the key to winning over in-car listeners.
What Drivers Want: Music Tops the List
When asked what type of content drivers wanted more of in their vehicles, music led by a wide margin.
In-Car Audio Preferences (Gracenote 2025 Report)
🎵 Music: 63%
📻 AM/FM Radio: 29%
🗞️ News & Talk: 28%
🎧 Podcasts: 22%
⚽ Sports: 18%
🌦️ Weather: 18%
Clearly, the love for music and traditional radio remains strong — but podcasts are rising fast, especially among younger drivers and commuters in urban areas.
Quality Over Quantity: What Keeps Listeners Tuned In
It’s not just about fewer ads — it’s about better content.
Gracenote’s survey shows that 59% of drivers say fewer commercials would make them switch stations less often. However, an even greater number say they’re motivated by:
More engaging storytelling
Personalized content
Relevance to their interests
For podcasters, this is encouraging news: 🚗 Creativity and connection trump ad fatigue.
Listeners are more likely to stay tuned when the content feels fresh, authentic, and personal.
The Rise of Video Podcasts in the Car
Surprisingly, the next big growth engine for podcasts might not be purely audio. Gracenote’s research shows nearly half of U.S. vehicle owners now view in-car video access as important.
The New Dashboard Experience
44% of vehicle owners say offering passengers video content is “very or somewhat important.”
55% say rear-seat entertainment for kids is a top priority.
With screens becoming standard in both front and back seats, the car is evolving from an “audio-only” zone into a multimedia hub.
This opens the door for video-first podcast creators to experiment with hybrid visual/audio experiences, especially for passengers and parked moments.
Smartphones Still Power the Dashboard
Despite more vehicles being equipped with infotainment systems, smartphones remain the gateway to in-car media.
Key Data Points:
U.S. adults spend over 17 hours per week online via smartphones, up from 13 hours just three years ago.
54% of drivers say they would use built-in infotainment systems more if the experience were smoother and faster.
This shows a gap — and an opportunity. Podcast publishers that optimize for in-dash integration, voice search, and frictionless discovery stand to gain significantly.
Drivers Want Unified, Personalized Dashboards
The Gracenote report paints a picture of drivers who crave simplicity and personalization.
What Drivers Expect from In-Car Tech:
70% want dashboards that organize all content, regardless of the app or source.
64% want personalized recommendations.
51% want brief, up-to-date news updates.
Essentially, drivers are asking for a blended experience — one where radio, podcasts, and streaming coexist seamlessly.
The Future: Cars as Connected Media Ecosystems
As connectivity grows, cars are no longer just transportation — they’re becoming personalized entertainment spaces.
Imagine this near-future scenario:
You step into your car. Your dashboard greets you by name, queues up your favorite morning podcast, adjusts the playlist to match your mood, and reads you the day’s top headlines — all without a single tap.
That’s the frictionless, voice-driven future Gracenote predicts — and companies like Spotify, Apple, YouTube Music, and Amazon are racing to dominate this evolving ecosystem.
Opportunities for Creators and Brands
For content creators and podcasters, in-car listening represents untapped potential.
Here’s how to stand out in this new landscape:
Optimize for voice search. – Make show titles and descriptions voice-friendly.
Invest in quality audio. – Crisp production builds trust and credibility.
Consider video integration. – As cars get screens, video podcasts will gain an edge.
Collaborate with automotive platforms. – Partnerships with infotainment systems (e.g., Android Auto, Apple CarPlay) can boost visibility.
Challenges on the Road Ahead
Even as streaming grows, safety and accessibility concerns persist.
Drivers are still hesitant to explore new apps while on the road.
Complex interfaces can be distracting — leading to regulatory scrutiny.
Data privacy remains a key issue as infotainment systems gather more behavioral information.
To overcome these challenges, innovation must align with safety. Voice control, intuitive menus, and smart AI assistance will define the next phase of in-car media evolution.
Bottom Line: The Dashboard Is the New Frontier
Streaming in the car is growing — but radio isn’t going anywhere just yet.
The future will belong to platforms that:
Blend simplicity with smart technology
Deliver personalized, high-quality experiences
Respect the balance between convenience and safety
As Gracenote’s 2025 report makes clear, the car is transforming — from a vehicle of movement to a mobile media ecosystem, redefining how Americans experience sound, story, and connection.
