For Gen Z, podcasts aren’t just trendy - they’ve become the morning audio ritual of choice, quietly overtaking traditional radio. A 2025 survey found that 63% of U.S. listeners aged 13–24 tuned into podcasts monthly, driven by their desire for authenticity, community, and niche content tailored to individual interests.

Unlike radio’s uniform programming, podcasts offer Gen Z the flexibility to personalize their listening - whether working out, commuting, or waking up. These digital natives love content that feels real: casual, unscripted conversations that sound like chats with friends.

The timing matters too. Research shows podcast listening spikes in the afternoon and evening, even though radio still holds its ground in the morning. But for many Gen Zers, the intimate appeal of a podcast - deep dives into topics they care about, interactive formats, and representation - outweighs radio’s familiarity.

Podcasts uniquely fit into Gen Z’s routines by combining entertainment, connection, and multitasking convenience - all without compromising authenticity.