### Apple Podcasts Celebrates ‘Best Year Yet’ in 2025 Despite Strong Competition from YouTube and Spotify
In a recent announcement, Apple revealed that 2025 represents a record year for Apple Podcasts, achieving unmatched levels of listeners, plays, and subscribers. This revelation comes as a surprise to many, considering the mounting competition from platforms like YouTube and Spotify, which have notably influenced the podcasting landscape in recent years.
Traditionally, Apple Podcasts has been a leading entity in the podcasting realm. The platform originated from iTunes, where podcasts first surged in popularity, and the term “podcast” itself is taken from Apple’s iPod. However, the emergence of competitors has altered the market dynamics. YouTube and Spotify have acquired significant market share, especially with the advent of video podcasts, which have drawn in a new audience and spurred growth in the podcasting industry. Entities like Netflix are also putting resources into podcasting, further escalating the competition.
In spite of these hurdles, Apple Podcasts documented record figures in 2025. This milestone can be linked to the overall expansion of the podcasting market. While Apple may hold a smaller portion of the market than in the past, the cumulative audience for podcasts has broadened considerably, enabling Apple Podcasts to flourish within this larger framework.
Even though Apple Podcasts has yet to fully adopt video podcasting, recent enhancements to the app, including features rolled out in iOS 26.2, imply that the company is taking steps to improve user experience. As the podcasting sector continues to progress, it remains to be seen if Apple will initiate a more extensive video redesign to compete with its competitors.
The achievements of Apple Podcasts in 2025 prompt inquiries about the platform’s future and its capability to adjust to evolving market circumstances. As the podcasting domain grows, Apple Podcasts might discover new avenues to innovate and reach a broader audience.

