Top Podcasts in the US: Edison Podcast Rankings Q3 2025
- Sam Hajighasem
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Podcasting continues to shape modern media, and Q3 2025 was no exception. With millions of listeners tuning in weekly, the latest Edison Podcast Metrics reveal the definitive list of the top podcasts in the US. This data-driven ranking reflects real weekly audience reach rather than download numbers, offering a precise look at America’s most popular shows. In this article, we explore the top 50 podcasts in the US for Q3 2025, highlight major movers, newcomers, and the stories behind these shifts. If you’ve been searching for the top podcasts or want to understand how podcast rankings are determined, you’re in the right place.
What Are the Top Podcasts in the US for Q3 2025?
Using Edison Podcast Metrics, these rankings are based on surveys from 5,000 English and Spanish-speaking weekly podcast consumers aged 13 and up. Unlike Spotify or Apple charts, which factor in listens and subscriptions, Edison ranks podcasts by total audience reach.
At the top of the list once again is:
1. The Joe Rogan Experience – A staple in talk and culture, Joe Rogan maintains his dominant position.
2. Crime Junkie – A favorite among true crime fans, consistently near the top.
3. The Daily – News by The New York Times continues to hold strong with its loyal daily audience.
4. Call Her Daddy – A cultural comedy podcast by Alex Cooper.
5. SmartLess – This celebrity-hosted comedy podcast moved up one spot this quarter to round out the top five.
These five continue to dominate the U.S. podcast landscape, underscoring audience trust and consistent content quality.
Notable New Entries and Rising Podcasts
Which Shows Entered the Top 50 for the First Time in Q3 2025?
Every quarter brings fresh competition. In Q3 2025, several shows made their debut in Edison’s Top 50 podcasts chart:
On Purpose with Jay Shetty (#42): Motivational and wellness-driven, likely boosted by Jay Shetty’s appearance on The Today Show.
Drink Champs (#40): Riding a wave of cultural popularity, its blend of music and lifestyle conversations hit the mainstream.
Hidden Brain (#50): A science and psychology podcast hosted by Shankar Vedantam, now gaining wider traction.
First-Time Entries in the Top 20
The Meidas Touch Podcast (#14): This progressive political show gained major visibility and—at one point—overtook Joe Rogan in YouTube’s podcast rankings.
The Charlie Kirk Show (#17): Jumped 32 positions from #49 in Q2, largely following heightened attention after the host’s passing in early September.
These trends show how both cultural moments and cross-platform exposure (especially on YouTube) contribute to a show’s reach.
What Are the Biggest Movers on the Podcast Leaderboard?
Some notable jumps in Q3 2025 reflect strategic content releases or influencer appearances:
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce: Guest-starring Taylor Swift propelled this sports podcast into the spotlight.
Candace (#28): Following a post-maternity break return in June, Candace Owens’ podcast regained momentum.
The Pat McAfee Show (#26): Reached an all-time high among sports talk podcasts.
The Bill Simmons Podcast (#36): A huge leap from #67 following the football season kickoff.
Morbid (#9): Leaped from #18 last quarter, highlighting continued demand for top rated true crime podcasts.
How Does Edison Podcast Metrics Calculate Podcast Rankings?
Edison Podcast Metrics stands out from other podcast charts because of its focus on weekly audience reach. Here’s how rankings work:
5,000 U.S. podcast consumers surveyed each quarter
Respondents aged 13+ interviewed in English and Spanish
Participants report which podcasts they listened to or watched in the past week
Rankings based on weekly reach—not downloads or subscriptions
This methodology ensures that the rankings aren't just popularity contests or algorithm-driven. They're reflective of real audience engagement.
Podcast Rankings vs. Spotify and Apple Charts
What Are the Key Differences Between Edison, Spotify, and Apple Podcast Rankings?
Spotify and Apple use proprietary metrics such as listens, follower counts, and downloads. Edison measures total weekly reach through survey data.
Take these examples:
While Spotify and Apple podcast rankings reflect up-to-the-minute popularity, Edison’s podcast leaderboard emphasizes consistency and broader audience engagement.
Which Platform Should Listeners Trust for Podcast Discovery?
It depends on your goals:
For discovering shows with mass audiences and consistent quality, Edison Podcast Metrics is ideal.
For trending, meme-driven, or creator-centric shows, Spotify podcast rankings might cater better to your interests.
Genre Trends – The Rise of True Crime, Culture, and Sports
One of the clearest patterns in Q3 2025 was the ongoing strength of true crime:
Top-rated true crime podcasts like Crime Junkie, Morbid, and Dateline NBC remain high-ranking choices for listeners.
Serial (#38), My Favorite Murder (#27), and 48 Hours (#48) further validate the genre’s dominance.
Sports and culture also saw major gains:
New Heights, The Pat McAfee Show, Club Shay Shay, and The Bill Simmons Podcast all saw strong performance in the podcast rankings sports category.
Cultural and celebrity-driven content on SmartLess, Drink Champs, and Call Her Daddy continues to rule charts and podcast lists.
Key Takeaways from the Q3 2025 Edison Podcast Rankings
The Joe Rogan Experience continues its reign as the #1 show.
Political and news podcasts saw reshuffling, revealing a responsive audience to current events.
True crime remains the most powerful genre for long-term audience retention.
Influencer impact (Taylor Swift, Jay Shetty) and platform crossovers (YouTube chart performance) are influential in determining podcast metrics.
Platforms like Edison Research provide unmatched transparency with survey-based rankings, shedding light on what listeners actually tune into week after week.
Conclusion:
Whether you're a loyal fan, a chart junkie, or a podcast host looking to climb the leaderboard, the Q3 2025 edition of the Edison Podcast Metrics offers powerful insights into what’s resonating with audiences across the U.S. From blockbuster hits to breakout stars, the top podcasts this quarter reflect more than just entertainment they reveal cultural, social, and media-shaping movements. Keep an eye on the charts podcast landscape as we move into Q4, and revisit Edison Podcast Metrics for the most credible updates on podcast reach. For now, dive into the list, discover new voices, and find your next favorite show among the top 50 podcasts in the US.
With proven strategies designed for growth and visibility, we make it easier for marketers and creators to climb the podcast rankings authentically and sustainably.
