In 2025, YouTube has become the #1 platform for podcast lovers in the USA—and for good reason. With over 1 billion podcast channels globally and more than 400 million hours of podcast content consumed in 2024 alone, the platform has transformed from a video-sharing site into the world’s most Podcasts in USA on YouTube .
Why the shift? American audiences crave more than just audio—they want the visual connection, real-time reactions, and immersive studio vibes that YouTube delivers. Whether it’s sitting in on celebrity interviews, catching behind-the-scenes drama, or watching live podcast streams, YouTube Podcasts in USA 2025 offer unmatched access to content across every genre imaginable.
If you’re searching for the top podcasts in USA 2025 YouTube edition, you’re in for a treat. From edge-of-your-seat true crime and thought-provoking cultural deep dives, to comedy gold, business smarts, and breaking news, these shows don’t just entertain—they shape conversations across America.
In this blog, we’re highlighting the Top 10 YouTube-first podcasts that dominate charts, stir up discussions, and rack up millions of views. These are the shows fans can’t stop watching—and for good reason.
Let’s dive into the most engaging and influential video podcasts in the U.S. right now.
YouTube Podcasting: A New Era
Podcasting is entering a bold new era — and YouTube is at the heart of it. With the rise of video podcasts, creators are turning to YouTube not just for visibility, but for growth, monetization, and audience engagement like never before.
Unlike traditional audio platforms, YouTube offers powerful visual engagement. Viewers can see hosts’ expressions, guest reactions, and behind-the-scenes moments — making conversations feel more authentic and personal. This added layer keeps audiences hooked longer and improves watch time, a major factor in YouTube’s algorithm.
From a business perspective, YouTube podcasts in the US are becoming increasingly attractive. The platform offers higher CPMs (Cost Per Mille) compared to many audio-only networks, meaning podcasters can earn more per 1,000 views. Combine this with YouTube’s massive user base and strong discovery features, and it’s no surprise that more creators are uploading full podcast episodes, highlights, and shorts.
Even YouTube has taken notice — launching a dedicated podcast page and investing in creator tools to support this format. As competition grows, standing out among the top podcasts on YouTube US will require quality content, smart SEO, and an engaging visual presence.
For creators, the message is clear: the future of podcasting is not just heard — it’s seen.
Methodology & Inclusion Criteria
ensure a fair and data-driven selection of the best podcasts in the U.S., we used a blend of performance metrics and credible research sources. Key factors included total reach, average watch-time, subscriber growth, and ranking consistency on official YouTube Charts. Insights were also pulled from industry-trusted platforms such as Rephonic, Edison Research, and YouTube’s official analytics.
We referenced reports from BusinessInsider.com and TheCut.com to cross-verify podcast popularity in both media coverage and listener engagement. Google Trends and “Best Podcast in US” search signals also guided us in identifying audience preferences.
Only podcasts that demonstrated consistent performance, strong listener retention, and cultural relevance in the U.S. were considered. This methodology ensures our list reflects real-time popularity, impact, and audience trust—not just hype.
Top 10 Youtube Podcast Channel in USA 2025
YouTube continues to dominate the podcasting world in 2025, blending video content with talk-show storytelling. Based on YouTube stats, Edison Research, and listener buzz, here are the top 10 podcasts in the USA you should be watching:
1. The Joe Rogan Experience
Hosted by UFC commentator and comedian Joe Rogan, this long-form podcast remains unmatched. With over 20 million subscribers and a staggering 6.1 billion+ views, it consistently ranks #1 in watch time and global influence. Known for hosting everyone from Elon Musk to neuroscientists, JRE’s freeform conversations make it both entertaining and insightful.
2. Rotten Mango (Stephanie Soo)
Stephanie Soo brings chilling true-crime stories to life through immersive storytelling and emotional depth. Recently listed in Edison Q1 2025’s top 10, Rotten Mango thrives on YouTube thanks to Soo’s loyal fanbase and cinematic style. It’s perfect for true-crime fans who enjoy both mystery and empathy.
3. 48 Hours (CBS News)
As a broadcast veteran, 48 Hours has transitioned smoothly to YouTube. Ranked 4th on U.S. YouTube podcast charts, it offers in-depth true-crime journalism with the credibility of CBS. Its high production quality and gripping narratives earn it millions of loyal weekly viewers.
4. The MeidasTouch Podcast
This progressive political podcast surged into the top 5 on YouTube shortly after launch. Hosted by the Meiselas brothers, it combines sharp political analysis with viral segments that resonate on social media. Backed by multiple viral moments, it’s become a must-watch in the political space.
5. H3 Podcast
Hosted by Ethan and Hila Klein, the H3 Podcast blends humor, internet culture, and candid interviews. With 2.69 million subscribers and over 1.44 billion views, it’s the 6th most-watched podcast on YouTube. Their mix of serious topics, funny commentary, and controversial moments keeps fans returning weekly.
- Breaking Points
Founded by Krystal Ball and Saagar Enjeti, Breaking Points stands out for its balanced, left-right political coverage. With 1.42 million subscribers and 814 million views, it delivers independent news that challenges mainstream narratives. Ranked consistently in top charts, it offers sharp insight minus the corporate filter.
7. The Daily (NYT)
The New York Times’ flagship podcast, The Daily, has made a smooth YouTube transition. Its short, informative video episodes are ideal for viewers seeking a quick news fix. Backed by top Edison chart rankings, its clean format and strong branding help it dominate daily news podcasts.
8. Crime Junkie
A podcast juggernaut, Crime Junkie is ranked #2 on Edison’s Q1 2025 chart. Hosted by Ashley Flowers, it’s beloved for its crisp delivery and addicting true-crime storytelling. Its YouTube presence is growing fast, fueled by a loyal community and visual story enhancements.
9. Call Her Daddy
Known for breaking taboos, Call Her Daddy—hosted by Alex Cooper—is a cultural phenomenon. It ranks #4 on the Edison chart and scores high on YouTube for its candid interviews and raw humor. With celebrity guests and viral sex-positive discussions, it’s redefining modern podcasting.
10. This Past Weekend (Theo Von)
Comedian Theo Von’s mix of humor and heartfelt stories has pushed This Past Weekend into the YouTube Top 10 and #5 on Edison. His Southern charm, reflective tangents, and viral guest clips make it one of 2025’s most relatable and shareable podcasts.
Other Notable Mentions
- SmartLess, New Heights (Jason & Travis Kelce), Stuff You Should Know, The Trench
- Why they didn’t make top 10: slightly lower watch-time, still rising stars.
Key Trends for 2025
As 2025 unfolds, the podcasting world is shifting rapidly—and video-first content is no longer optional. According to Edison Research and insights from Onthefly.stream, podcast audiences increasingly expect visual engagement, not just audio. Creators who incorporate dynamic video formats—like studio-style setups, animated shorts, or interactive screen-sharing—are seeing significantly higher reach and retention.
Why? Because video podcasts, especially on platforms like YouTube, tap into broader discovery algorithms, making content easier to find, share, and binge-watch. This trend is echoed by reports from Podnews and Business Insider, highlighting how visual production quality now impacts credibility and click-through rates.
In addition, interactive formats are gaining momentum. Polls, live comments, and Q&A segments are keeping audiences engaged—blending the best of social media interactivity with traditional podcasting depth.
Platform dominance is also taking a new shape. YouTube continues to outpace Spotify and Apple in user engagement, especially for Gen Z and millennial listeners, as noted by Vanity Fair and the New York Post. While Spotify leads in personalized audio experiences, YouTube is winning as the go-to hub for video podcasts, partly because users are already spending hours on the platform for other content.
In short, 2025 is the year of visual storytelling in podcasting. Creators who embrace video, polish their production game, and leverage platform strengths will stay ahead of the curve.
Conclusion
In 2025, podcasts on YouTube are more than just entertainment—they’re shaping conversations across the U.S. From pop culture commentary to deep-dive interviews, the top trending shows reflect what audiences truly care about. Whether you’re into laughs, learning, or raw stories, there’s a podcast here for you.
Don’t forget to subscribe to your favorites and drop a comment below with the ones you love—or recommend! Want to see what’s trending this week? Check out YouTube’s Weekly Top Podcast Shows for the latest rankings and rising stars.
