Edison Research has announced the launch of Edison Podcast Metrics in the UK, a service that measures podcast listening. The announcement was made at the Podcast Show 2023 in London. Unlike other measurement methods, Edison Podcast Metrics does not rely on podcast download data and does not require podcast networks to opt in. The service surveys thousands of weekly podcast listeners each quarter, collecting data on listening behavior regardless of the platform used.

In the US, Edison Research has been tracking podcast consumption since 2006 and introduced the Top Podcast Shows data in November 2019. This data is widely utilized by major podcasting companies and advertising agencies. The same methodology will be employed in the UK, with a minimum of 2,000 weekly podcast listeners aged 15 or older included in each quarterly survey. The data collected in April 2023 revealed some of the top podcasts among UK listeners, including “The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett,” “The Joe Rogan Experience,” “Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster,” “The Rest is Politics,” and “Shagged Married Annoyed.” A comprehensive list of the top podcasts from Q2 will be available in Q3.

Melissa Kiesche, Senior Vice President of Edison Research, expressed enthusiasm about expanding Edison Podcast Metrics to the UK, noting its value in the US podcast industry. Subscribers to Edison Podcast Metrics UK will have access to show-level information on top podcasts and network reach statistics. The data will also provide insights into the demographics of podcast listeners, including their purchasing and consumption patterns across various consumer goods and services. The launch of this measurement service is expected to support the growth and development of the thriving podcast community in the UK.