Top Shows, Breakout Hits, And Faith-Based Favorites That Defined Podcasting In 2025
Apple Podcasts released its 2025 year-end charts, revealing the shows, episodes, and creators that dominated listenership worldwide. The lists cover everything from long-running favorites to breakout hits, most-followed podcasts, and the most-shared content on social media.
Coming in at number 1 this year is The Joe Rogan Experience, followed by The Daily, The Mel Robbins Podcast, Crime Junkie, and Dateline NBC—showing a mix of news, true crime, and lifestyle content topping listener charts. Among breakout hits of 2025, shows like Good Hang with Amy Poehler, Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce, and Deadly Mirage made a strong impression, marking the year’s biggest new entries.
Faith-based content also continues to resonate. The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz and The Bible Recap ranked among the most-shared shows, demonstrating the continued demand for spiritual guidance in digital media. Other faith-centered podcasts maintained strong followings, showing that listeners are seeking content that both inspires and informs alongside entertainment.
The charts also highlight listener engagement trends with The Charlie Kirk Show coming in 4th in new followers, highlighting the cultural impact of Kirk who was assassinated in September.
Apple’s year-end charts not only celebrate listener favorites but also offer a window into what content resonates most deeply with audiences—whether for education, entertainment, or faith-based inspiration. The company will cap off the celebration with the Apple Podcasts Show of the Year announcement on December 4.
Why It Matters
Podcasts are shaping how we consume news, stories, and education. Tracking trends shows what resonates with millions of listeners—information that’s valuable for discovering content that informs, entertains, and inspires.
Faith Perspective
The Bible commands believers to make the deeds and words of the Lord known and to share his gospel across the earth. Podcasts and media have become tools to make the Lord known and provide an avenue and tool of evangelism to fulfill the Great Commission, like perhaps never before. “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15
