YouTube Unveils Weekly Podcast Charts, Topping Spotify and Apple with Diverse Favorites

In a significant development for the rapidly evolving podcast landscape, YouTube has released its inaugural weekly podcast charts, revealing a roster dominated by well-established names and reflecting the platform’s growing influence in the audio content space.

The Joe Rogan Experience leads the pack as the most popular podcast on YouTube, according to data compiled by Rephonic, which tracks podcast rankings across various platforms. Rogan’s long-form interview format, which typically features conversations lasting two to three hours with guests from diverse backgrounds, has consistently attracted millions of viewers and listeners, cementing his position at the top of the charts.

Crime-focused content continues to perform exceptionally well, with shows like Crime Junkie, Rotten Mango hosted by Stephanie Soo, and 48 Hours from CBS News all securing positions in the top tier. The true crime genre has maintained its grip on audience attention across platforms, and YouTube’s charts confirm this trend remains strong in 2025.

News and commentary podcasts also feature prominently, with The MeidasTouch Network, The Daily from The New York Times, and Up First from NPR appearing in the rankings. These shows have successfully adapted their formats to YouTube’s visual medium while maintaining their journalistic standards.

“YouTube’s entrance into formal podcast rankings represents a watershed moment for creators,” explains a podcast industry analyst quoted by The Verge. “The platform has been a de facto podcast destination for years, but this official recognition gives creators and advertisers more concrete metrics to work with.”

Personality-driven shows round out much of the chart, with Emma Chamberlain’s “Anything Goes,” Theo Von’s “The Past Weekend,” and the relatively new “IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson” all performing well. These podcasts leverage their hosts’ existing fan bases and personal brands to drive engagement.

The timing of YouTube’s chart launch comes as competition in the podcast space intensifies. Spotify recently took action against several podcasts promoting illegal substances, removing shows that allegedly marketed drugs and opioids from its platform. This moderation move highlights the growing scrutiny facing podcast platforms as they balance content freedom with legal and ethical responsibilities.

Industry experts note that YouTube’s visual component gives it a distinct advantage in the podcast ecosystem. While traditional audio-only platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify continue to draw substantial audiences, YouTube’s combination of video and audio appeals to creators looking to monetize through multiple channels.

“The visual element allows podcast hosts to build deeper connections with their audiences,” notes a digital content strategist quoted by CNBC. “Facial expressions, gestures, and studio setups all contribute to brand building in ways pure audio cannot match.”

For advertisers, YouTube’s podcast charts offer new targeting opportunities. Brands can now more confidently invest in podcast sponsorships with clearer visibility into show performance metrics, including estimated listener numbers, social reach, and engagement scores.

The diversity of content on YouTube’s podcast charts also reflects broader consumption trends. While comedy and interview formats remain popular, educational content like Huberman Lab and business-focused shows such as The Diary of a CEO have found substantial audiences, demonstrating listeners’ appetite for content that combines entertainment with practical value.

As platforms continue to compete for podcast listeners’ attention, YouTube’s formalization of its podcast ecosystem through these charts signals its intention to be a major player in the space for years to come. With over 50 million podcast listeners in the United States alone, the stakes are high, and YouTube’s vast user base gives it significant leverage in capturing this growing market.