How People Are Listening to Podcasts: Closer Look at the APAC Region

Podcasts have become a key part of daily life for many across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, reflecting a shift in how people consume audio content. As the popularity of podcasts continues to rise, understanding these evolving habits is critical to navigating this fast-growing industry. By focusing on the APAC region, we can uncover diverse patterns of engagement, platforms, and preferences that shape the local podcasting landscape. 

Shifting Patterns in Podcast Consumption 

In APAC, podcasts are seen as a convenient and engaging way for people to access content. Listeners are increasingly turning to digital audio for its flexibility, allowing them to consume content on-demand while commuting, exercising, or simply unwinding at home. As the demand for podcasts grows, measuring and understanding how people are listening has become essential to staying ahead of the curve. 

Triton provides critical insights into podcast consumption through its Podcast Metrics technology. Podcast Metrics collects raw data from content delivery platforms, offering precise metrics on how listeners engage with audio content. Importantly, Triton follows the IAB’s Podcast Measurement Guidelines v2.1, ensuring a high standard of accuracy while filtering out invalid traffic (IVT). 

How Podcast Consumption Varies Across APAC 

The APAC region is not a monolith when it comes to podcast listening habits. While many countries in the region share similarities in technology and genre preferences, there are unique local distinctions worth noting. 

In 2024, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, India, and the Philippines stand out as the top markets for podcast consumption. Despite differences in 

culture, language, and media landscapes, these countries reflect a shared enthusiasm for on-demand audio content.  

As of today, approximately 88% of podcast consumption in the APAC region is driven by these 8 countries. 

OS and Podcast Player Preferences 

In the APAC region, the type of operating system used to access podcasts varies. In most countries, iOS leads as the dominant platform, but India and the Philippines buck this trend, with Android taking the top spot. This shift is reflective of broader mobile usage patterns in these regions, where Android devices are more widely adopted. 

When it comes to podcast players, Spotify and Apple Podcasts are the dominant platforms across much of APAC. However, India shows a distinct preference for ExoPlayer, demonstrating how local technology choices can shape podcast consumption habits. Understanding these preferences allows content creators to tailor their strategies to align with regional behaviors. 

Most podcast listening occurs on mobile devices during weekdays, indicating that audiences are frequently on the go while remaining connected to their favorite shows.

Top Podcast Genres Across APAC 

The types of content listeners engage with also vary across APAC, though certain genres consistently rise to the top. In seven of the eight top countries, news emerges as the most popular podcast genre. This reflects a broader trend of people turning to podcasts as a reliable and flexible source of news and information. 

Measuring Impact and Engagement 

Accurate measurement is crucial to understanding how listeners are engaging with podcasts. In the APAC region, Triton Digital’s Podcast Metrics offer valuable insights into listener behavior, from the platforms they use to the genres they prefer. For content creators, this data is essential for crafting strategies that align with local tastes, while for advertisers, it’s an opportunity to target listeners more effectively. 

By providing transparency and accuracy in its measurement process, Triton ensures that publishers and advertisers alike can make data-driven decisions that enhance the listener's experience. 

Conclusion 

Podcast consumption in APAC is on the rise, driven by diverse listener preferences and a growing appetite for on-demand content. From platform usage to genre popularity, the habits of podcast listeners in the region reflect the unique cultural and technological landscape of each country. Triton Digital’s tools provide key insights into these trends, helping creators and advertisers make informed decisions. 

As podcasts continue to grow in popularity across APAC, understanding how and why people are listening will remain essential. Through innovative measurement and analysis, Triton Digital is helping shape the future of audio in the region, ensuring that podcast creators and advertisers alike can thrive in this dynamic space. 

Prioritizing unified measurement over vanity metrics will unlock advertising and monetization opportunities for podcasts, ensuring long-term sustainable growth for creators and allowing audiences to continuously enjoy their favorite shows!

For advertisers seeking to tap into the vast potential of live streaming, podcasts, and music platforms through Triton’s programmatic audio marketplace, we invite you to reach out to us at marketops@tritondigital.com.