The newest Edison Research Q3 2025 Share of Ear data confirms what many creators have sensed: podcast listening is not confined to commutes. Instead, it is weaving itself into the full rhythm of the day, from coffee breaks to midnight scrolls. For podcasters and aspiring creators, this has big implications for when and how you connect with your audience.
The Midday Myth and the Productivity Window
For years, podcasts have been described as “drive time” audio, perfect for the commute. The new data shows otherwise. The single biggest block of listening happens between 10am and 2pm, accounting for nearly 30 percent of all podcast consumption. This means podcasts are being slotted into the middle of the workday, often during the second coffee lull when focus dips and listeners look for something stimulating but manageable.
For creators, this shift is an invitation to position shows as the perfect midday companion. Whether it is a short burst of news, an energizing conversation, or an educational segment, content that fits neatly into a break or a background listening session has an advantage. Think of it as becoming part of someone’s recharge ritual, rather than just filling the commute.
Beyond Drive Time: Commutes and Night Owls
Morning hours from 6am to 10am remain strong, capturing 24 percent of listening, but they no longer dominate. The rise of hybrid work has fractured listening habits. Without a daily drive, people tune in at flexible times, and that makes timely publishing more important. Releasing new episodes in the early morning ensures availability for both traditional commuters and at-home listeners building podcasts into their routines.
The night hours are equally revealing. Fourteen percent of all podcast listening happens after 10pm. That is more than one in ten listeners engaging at a time when most creators assume the audience is asleep. This is an overlooked group that skews toward gamers, late-night news consumers, or international audiences. For podcasters in these niches, leaning into night owl culture can set a show apart.
Always-On Audio and the Rise of Ambient Listening
Perhaps the most striking finding is that podcast listening does not shut down. Even in overnight hours from 2am to 6am, three percent of listening occurs. That may sound small, but it confirms that podcasts are a genuine 24/7 medium. Unlike radio, which peaks at predictable times, podcasts hold steady across every daypart.
This constant availability shows how podcasts are moving from appointment listening to ambient listening. They are not just shows people plan around; they are companions for work, workouts, chores, and winding down before bed. For creators, that means experimenting with shorter, more frequent episodes or even companion formats that can live alongside playlists. By thinking of podcasts as “always on,” you expand the ways your content can fit into daily life.
What This Means for Podcasters
The data makes one thing clear: podcasts are no longer a niche, time-bound habit. They are woven into every hour of the day, with peaks at midday, steady morning audiences, and a surprisingly strong late-night presence. For creators, the opportunity is to align with these rhythms, release at the right times, and shape content that fits both productivity dips and moments of relaxation. Podcasts have officially joined the 24-hour cycle of modern media.