Podcast & Audio Statistics in South Africa (2026)

By 2026, South Africa's podcast audience has grown substantially to 15 million active listeners, reflecting increased internet penetration and digital media consumption. The average weekly listening time of 8 hours indicates deep engagement across diverse genres, with true crime and business content dominating listener preferences. Mobile devices, especially smartphones, continue to be the primary platform, facilitating on-the-go access and fostering a vibrant podcast ecosystem.

The gender split remains relatively balanced, with a slight male majority, suggesting broad appeal across demographics. As digital audio monetization advances, advertisers are targeting popular genres and mobile users, contributing to the industry’s growth. Continued expansion in rural areas and increased local content production are expected to further diversify and deepen the podcast market in South Africa.