The latest RAJAR MIDAS Spring 2025 report paints a vibrant and dynamic picture of the UK’s audio landscape, revealing a nation deeply engaged in diverse listening habits across a range of platforms and devices – with radio maintaining its pole position.
As audio content continues to evolve in a digital-first world, the data reveals that 98% of UK adults (15+)—an impressive 56.7 million people—listen to audio each week, with average weekly listening time reaching 28.1 hours. Total weekly listening now surpasses 1.6 billion hours, marking a 7% increase since Spring 2023.
‘Live’ radio
At the centre of the UK’s audio consumption is live radio, which continues to dominate, accounting for 65% of total listening time.
However, the term live is not specifically defined in the report as ‘happening now’ so a more accurate term may be ‘linear’ radio, which could include voice-tracking or other prerecorded content.
Despite the proliferation of digital options, traditional radio remains a much loved companion at home and on the move, with two-thirds of listening still occurring via FM or DAB devices. Remarkably, 47% of radio listening is a shared activity, often taking place while relaxing, driving, or working.
Live radio is the key use of audio for audiences over 55 (80%) but also for more than half of 35-54s (63%) and 52% of 25-34s. For 15-24s live radio’s share of listening drops to 32%.
The top activities that people do while listening to live radio are:
- Driving/travelling: 65%
- Relaxing/nothing particular: 35%
- Working/studying: 34%
- Eating/drinking/cooking: 34%
- Household Chores: 28%
- Washing/Dressing: 19%
- Sports/exercise/hobbies: 10%
Live radio is also far ahead of other audio media as a way for listeners to boost their mood and stay informed.
Connected audio
Connected audio, defined as listening via internet enabled devices such as smartphones, smart speakers, and computers, continues its rapid ascent.
In Spring 2025, it reaches 71% of the population weekly, a 14% rise from two years ago. Adults now spend an average of 18 hours per week engaged in connected audio formats, including podcasts, on-demand music, audiobooks, and live or catch-up radio online.
On-demand music services remain a major draw, especially among younger audiences with 38% of adults using these services weekly, listening for an average of 12 hours. Over half of users are under 35, with 27% under 25. However,
The smartphone is the dominant device, responsible for 61% of listening hours, and most users (76%) opt for premium ad-free services. Usage is split evenly between in-home and out-of-home environments, with listening often taking place during commuting or studying.
Podcasts gain ground
The report reveals that podcasts continue to gain ground, reaching 25% of adults each week and generating 111 million listening hours. Listeners average 7.7 hours per week, with 92% of that time spent listening alone.
Most podcast listeners are under 55, and the audience skews slightly female (55%). Smartphones account for 85% of podcast listening, and engagement is high—86% listen to all or most of each episode, and 75% listen to more than half of all episodes downloaded. Popular genres vary by gender, but include comedy, news, true crime, and health.
Owned music
Owned music (e.g., CDs, vinyl, digital tracks) has seen a long-term decline but has recently experienced a small resurgence. Meanwhile, audiobooks and catch-up radio remain stable with niche but loyal audiences. Catch-up radio attracts around 5.9 million weekly listeners—primarily women aged 55+—who listen for an average of 6.7 hours, mostly alone and at home via smartphones or computers.
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