The Top 10 Most Popular Podcasts of 2025: Subscribers, Earnings, and Where to Find Them

Posted on March 16, 2025, by Soraima

Podcasts have evolved far beyond their humble beginnings as niche audio projects.

Today, they are a global entertainment powerhouse that blends storytelling, education, and conversation, rivaling traditional media like radio and TV.

The podcasting world features both well-known industry leaders and independent creators, all generating millions in revenue through creative monetization techniques.

Whether through exclusive streaming agreements, advertising income, or fan-backed crowdfunding, the influence of podcasting is clear. Here, we explore the top 10 podcasts by subscribers and earnings, along with information on where to listen and explore these audio powerhouses further.

1. The Joe Rogan Experience

Listeners: Estimated 11–17.4 million per episode
Earnings: Over $100 million from Spotify deal
Source: Spotify
Website: spotify.com

Joe Rogan’s reign as the podcast king continues strong. With a multi-year deal with Spotify reportedly worth over $100 million, The Joe Rogan Experience remains a dominant force. The show features long-form interviews with a wide variety of guests, from comedians to scientists and beyond, and boasts a listener base that often surpasses cable news ratings.

2. Call Her Daddy

Listeners: Estimated 10 million per episode
Earnings: $60 million Spotify deal (2021–2024)
Source: SiriusXM / Spotify
Website: callherdaddy.com

What began as a risqué podcast on relationships has morphed into an empowering cultural phenomenon. Hosted by Alex Cooper, Call Her Daddy now enjoys a $60 million deal with Spotify. The podcast, which also includes merchandise and live events, showcases how modern creators can build brand empires.

3. My Favorite Murder

Listeners: Millions of monthly downloads
Earnings: $15–20 million annually
Source: iHeartPodcasts
Website: myfavoritemurder.com

In the world of true crime podcasts, My Favorite Murder stands out. Hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, this show blends dark humor with gripping storytelling. With a devoted fanbase ("Murderinos"), it continues to thrive through ads, merchandise, and sold-out live shows.

4. The Daily

Listeners: Over 4 million daily
Earnings: Millions in ad revenue
Source: The New York Times
Website: nytimes.com/thedaily

For listeners seeking concise, high-quality journalism, The Daily delivers every weekday. Produced by The New York Times, this 20-minute news digest draws millions of listeners daily and benefits from the paper’s subscription model and premium advertising slots.

5. SmartLess

Listeners: Estimated 2.4 million per episode
Earnings: $100 million SiriusXM deal
Source: SiriusXM (via Wondery)
Website: wondery.com

Celebrity humor takes center stage in SmartLess, hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett. With a $100 million deal from SiriusXM, the show has become a fan favorite, mixing celebrity interviews with unpredictable, off-the-cuff banter.

6. This American Life

Listeners: Over 4 million weekly
Earnings: $10 million+ annually
Source: Chicago Public Media
Website: thisamericanlife.org

A pioneer in narrative storytelling, This American Life has been a leader in audio journalism for years. Produced by Chicago Public Media, this beloved podcast is funded through donations and syndication, and continues to set the standard for storytelling in the podcasting world.

Video by Stuff You should know

7. Stuff You Should Know

Listeners: Estimated 2.2 million per episode
Earnings: Millions via iHeartMedia ads
Source: iHeartMedia
Website: stuffyoushouldknow.com

Curiosity drives Stuff You Should Know, where hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant explore everything from science to pop culture. Backed by iHeartMedia’s ad network, the show has a steady following and continues to be a go-to for anyone eager to learn something new every episode.

8. Crime Junkie

Listeners: Millions per episode
Earnings: $10–15 million annually
Source: audiochuck
Website: crimejunkiepodcast.com

With a knack for suspense and a love of true crime, Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat’s Crime Junkie remains a fan favorite. Fueled by ad revenue and a loyal audience, this podcast has become a staple in the crime genre.

9. The Tim Dillon Show

Listeners: Large Patreon-backed audience
Earnings: $1–2 million via Patreon
Source: Independent
Website: timdilloncomedy.com

Comedian Tim Dillon has built a dedicated following with his unapologetically candid takes on everything from politics to pop culture. His Patreon model has garnered over 20,000 supporters, proving that independent podcasts can hold their own alongside mainstream giants.

10. Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast

Listeners: Significant Patreon following
Earnings: Over $1.5 million via Patreon
Source: Independent
Website: mattandshanessecretpodcast.com

Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast delivers irreverent comedy that’s earned it a devoted following. With over 66,000 Patreon supporters, this indie show proves the power of community and fan loyalty in a saturated market.

What Makes These Podcasts Stand Out?

The success of the top podcasts of 2025 lies in their diversity. Shows like The Joe Rogan Experience and SmartLess thrive thanks to lucrative deals with platforms like Spotify and SiriusXM, while independent shows like The Tim Dillon Show and Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast leverage crowdfunding platforms like Patreon to build their audience.

True crime remains a dominant genre with hits like My Favorite Murder and Crime Junkie, while legacy shows like This American Life continue to set the bar for excellent storytelling.

These shows generate revenue from multiple streams, including exclusive platform contracts, traditional ad revenue (which often amounts to $20–$50 per 1,000 downloads), merchandise sales, and live events.

While subscriber numbers are hard to pin down due to proprietary data, platforms like Podtrac and Rephonic track downloads and chart podcast performance.

Tune In and Stay Curious

Whether you’re a podcast beginner or a seasoned listener, these top 10 shows offer something for everyone—comedy, true crime, news, and unscripted conversations.

Visit their websites to explore their episodes and keep an eye on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts for the latest chart-toppers. As the podcasting industry continues to grow, expect even more creators to rise, blending innovation with the timeless art of storytelling.

Which podcast will you listen to next?

Let us know in the comments!