Now more than ever, listeners are streaming audio — most likely from their smartphones.
An estimated 210 million Americans stream audio online each week and 79% percent of the U.S. population listened to either internet-only audio or a broadcast station online in the past month, according to Edison Research’s Infinite Dial report.
Those are the highest levels recorded in the 25 years the research firm has tracked online media.
Spotify leads online brands
Among online audio brands, Spotify led the way, with 35% having listened to the platform in the past month. YouTube Music, the streaming service from YouTube, followed at 28%, with Pandora next. Eighty-seven percent of those surveyed said they were aware of Spotify, which also topped online audio brands.
Spotify was also identified as the brand “used most often,” particularly with those aged 12—34, as 47% of the demographic reported it used the platform.
Youth led monthly online audio usage overall, as 90% of the 12—34 age group said they had listened to online audio in the past month. While those aged 55 and older lagged behind, their 63% figure marked an 11% increase from 2024.
It’s likely that those who listen to online audio are doing so on their smartphones. Ninety-one percent of the population now owns such a device.
Facebook tops socials
The Infinite Dial suggested 248 million Americans have used social media at some point, according to the report — also a record high.
Facebook is the brand most respondents actively use, with 66% — making it comfortably the largest of the social media platforms. Its usage has increased each of the last three years.
Fellow Meta platform Instagram followed with 48%, then TikTok at 34%. Notably, X (formerly Twitter) ranked eighth, with 22% reporting usage.
In terms of political affiliation, X’s usage among Democrats dropped by 12% compared to 2023.
The Infinite Dial also tracked social media usage by age. Facebook’s overall lead is largely due to its popularity with 68% of those aged 55 and older. Just 23% of those aged 12—34 report using Facebook. Instagram and TikTok are tied for most used in that group, at 26%.
The report also asked respondents whether social media should be banned in the U.S. for those under 16. Responses were fairly split, with 48% saying it should. Fifty-one percent of women supported a ban along with 58% of Republicans, compared to 45% of Democrats.
Smart speakers stay grounded
Smart speaker ownership has remained fairly flat over the last five years. Thirty-five percent of respondents said they own one. Of those who said they owned such a speaker, 18% said they had listened through the device in the last week.
Fifty-nine percent of those surveyed said they own Bluetooth-enabled wireless headphones. It has tracked fairly flat over the last three years.
Twenty-seven percent of those surveyed, which represents 78 million of the U.S. population, said they own a smart watch.
About the report
Edison Research has released the Infinite Dial annually since 1998. It surveys digital media consumption, which includes streaming audio, podcasts, radio, smart speakers and social media.
Infinite Dial is supported by Audacy, Cumulus and SiriusXM.
The survey was conducted in January, with a panel of approximately 5,020 individuals aged 12 and older. The data was weighted to national 12-and-older U.S. population figures.
This is the third in three stories Radio World will feature with trends revealed by this year’s Infinite Dial survey. We also analyzed in-car media trends and podcasts.
You can view the full results of the Infinite 2025 report Dial here.
