UK’s Digital Audio Revolution: Smart Devices and Podcasts Lead the Way in 2025

The digital audio scene in the UK is undergoing a transformative shift in 2025. With the proliferation of smart devices and the surging popularity of podcasts, British consumers are embracing new ways to engage with audio content. Recent findings from Edison Research’s “The Infinite Dial UK 2025” study highlight significant trends in device ownership and audio consumption habits, marking a new era in the UK’s digital media landscape.

Contents hide

1 The Infinite Dial UK 2025: A Snapshot

2 Surge in Smart Device Ownership

2.1 Smartphones: Near-Universal Adoption

2.2 Smart Speakers: A Household Staple

2.3 Smart TVs: The New Entertainment Hub

3 Evolution of In-Car Audio Consumption

3.1 Integration of Smart Technologies

3.2 Podcasts on the Road

4 Podcast Consumption Reaches New Heights

4.1 Widespread Adoption

4.2 Cross-Platform Engagement

5 Expert Insights

6 Implications for Content Creators and Marketers

6.1 Embracing Multi-Platform Strategies

6.2 Leveraging Smart Devices

6.3 Enhancing In-Car Engagement

7 Conclusion: A New Era of Digital Audio in the UK

The Infinite Dial UK 2025: A Snapshot

Edison Research’s “The Infinite Dial” series has been a benchmark for tracking digital media consumption since 1998. The 2025 UK edition, presented at The Podcast Show in London, offers insights into the nation’s evolving relationship with digital audio, smart devices, and podcasting. Key sponsors for this study include SiriusXM Media and AdsWizz.

Surge in Smart Device Ownership

Smartphones: Near-Universal Adoption

Smartphones have become ubiquitous in the UK, with 97% of individuals aged 16 and above owning one in 2025. This marks a significant increase from 83% in 2021, underscoring the central role smartphones play in daily life and media consumption.

Smart Speakers: A Household Staple

Smart speaker ownership has seen a remarkable rise, jumping from 25% in 2021 to 45% in 2025 among UK adults. This growth positions the UK ahead of the US, where 35% of those aged 12 and above own a smart speaker. Amazon’s Echo devices dominate the UK market, holding a 73% share in 2023.

Smart TVs: The New Entertainment Hub

Smart TVs are now present in 72% of UK households, up from 50% four years ago. This surge reflects the integration of internet-connected TVs into the mainstream, facilitating access to streaming services and digital content.

Evolution of In-Car Audio Consumption

Integration of Smart Technologies

The integration of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in vehicles has transformed in-car audio experiences. In 2025, 38% of UK adults who have driven or ridden in a car in the past month report that their primary vehicle is equipped with these systems, more than doubling since 2021.

Podcasts on the Road

Podcasts have become a popular choice for in-car entertainment. In 2025, 22% of UK adults listen to podcasts in the car, up from 15% in 2021, indicating a growing preference for on-demand audio content during commutes.

Podcast Consumption Reaches New Heights

Widespread Adoption

Podcast listening has reached unprecedented levels in the UK. As of 2025, 68% of individuals aged 16 and above (approximately 33 million people) have listened to a podcast, up from 59% in 2021. When including those who watch podcast content without listening, the overall reach rises to 71% (35 million people).

Cross-Platform Engagement

The consumption of podcasts is no longer confined to audio-only formats. With nearly half of UK adults engaging with podcast content through video platforms, podcasting has evolved into a cross-platform experience that caters to diverse audience preferences.

Expert Insights

Ollie Chadwick of AdsWizz emphasizes the maturity of the podcasting industry:

“The 2025 Infinite Dial data confirms that podcasting isn’t emerging — it has arrived! With more than 33 million UK adults now listening, and nearly half watching, podcasting is no longer an audio-only format. It’s a cross-platform experience that rewards creative ambition and demands strategic thinking.”

Gabriel Soto from Edison Research highlights the role of technology in expanding audio content access:

“Advances in technology, including smart TVs in homes and smartphone integration in cars, provide more avenues for listeners to consume online audio content.”

Implications for Content Creators and Marketers

Embracing Multi-Platform Strategies

The diversification of podcast consumption across audio and video platforms necessitates a multi-platform approach for content creators. Engaging audiences through various channels can enhance reach and impact.

Leveraging Smart Devices

The widespread adoption of smart speakers and TVs presents opportunities for marketers to deliver targeted content and advertisements, leveraging the interactive capabilities of these devices.

Enhancing In-Car Engagement

With the increasing integration of smart technologies in vehicles, there is potential to develop content tailored for in-car listening, catering to commuters and travelers seeking on-the-go entertainment.

Conclusion: A New Era of Digital Audio in the UK

The findings from “The Infinite Dial UK 2025” underscore a significant shift in how UK consumers engage with audio content. The convergence of smart device proliferation and the rise of podcasts has redefined the digital audio landscape, offering new avenues for content delivery and audience engagement. As technology continues to evolve, the UK’s digital audio ecosystem is poised for further innovation and growth.