Podcasting has exploded in 2025 — and millions of listeners worldwide are tuning in daily to their favorite shows. But which is truly the biggest podcast in the world? Whether you are searching on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, the competition for the top spot is fierce. In this guide, we rank the top 10 biggest podcast in the world in 2025, answer your most searched questions, and help you discover what makes these shows so massively popular.
At PodcastColaReviews, we track the podcasting world closely — from Podcastle reviews and booking agency comparisons to global show rankings. Let’s dive in.
What is the #1 Podcast in the World?
The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE) is widely considered the number 1 podcast in the world on Spotify and globally across platforms in 2025. Hosted by comedian and commentator Joe Rogan, the show features long-form conversations with scientists, athletes, politicians, and entertainers. With an exclusive deal with Spotify and massive reach on YouTube, JRE consistently dominates every major podcast chart worldwide.
Joe Rogan is also widely reported as the highest paid biggest podcast in the world, with his Spotify deal estimated at over $200 million — making him not just the most listened-to host but the highest earning one too.
Top 10 Biggest Podcasts in the World in 2025
Here is the definitive biggest podcast in the world list for 2025, based on listenership data from Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Podscribe:
1. The Joe Rogan Experience Consistently ranked #1 globally on Spotify and among the top shows on Apple and YouTube. Joe Rogan’s long-form interview format — often running 2 to 3 hours — has built one of the most loyal audiences in podcasting history. If you are asking “What is the #1 podcast in the world?” — this is your answer. You can explore the show directly on Spotify.
2. The Daily — New York Times The Daily is the top subscriber show on Apple Podcasts and one of the highest in global audio reach. Hosted by Michael Barbaro, this daily news podcast delivers 20-minute episodes covering the biggest stories in the world. It is essential listening for anyone who wants to stay informed.
3. Crime Junkie Ranked #1 in global audio reach according to Podscribe data, Crime Junkie is a weekly true crime podcast hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat. Its clean, fast-paced storytelling style has made it one of the most addictive shows across all platforms.
4. The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett This show is a top performer globally, particularly dominating charts in the UK and South Africa. Steven Bartlett interviews world-class entrepreneurs, scientists, and thought leaders in deeply personal conversations. It is one of the biggest podcasts in the world on YouTube as well, making it a true cross-platform giant.
5. The Rest Is History Consistently highly ranked on Apple Podcast charts globally, The Rest Is History is hosted by historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook. The show brings historical events to life in an entertaining, conversational format that keeps listeners coming back episode after episode.
6. Relatos de la Noche Not all the biggest podcasts in the world are in English. Relatos de la Noche dominates podcast charts across Mexico and Latin America, proving that regional language podcasts can achieve massive global impact. It is a horror and mystery storytelling show with millions of devoted listeners.
7. Lentera Malam Indonesia’s most listened podcast, Lentera Malam, is proof that the biggest podcast in the world list is becoming increasingly diverse. As podcasting grows across Southeast Asia, Lentera Malam has emerged as a regional leader with massive engagement numbers.
8. Café Com Deus Pai Brazil’s top podcast, Café Com Deus Pai, is a daily faith and devotion show that dominates Spotify charts across South America. It demonstrates that spiritual and religious podcasts can achieve extraordinary global reach when they connect authentically with their audience.
9. Huberman Lab Dr. Andrew Huberman’s science-based health and performance podcast has become one of the biggest podcasts in the world on YouTube in 2025. With episodes covering sleep, nutrition, fitness, and mental performance, Huberman Lab has built a massive audience of health-conscious listeners globally.
10. SmartLess Hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, SmartLess is one of the most entertaining comedy interview podcasts in the world. Its surprise guest format keeps listeners engaged and sharing episodes — making it a consistent top performer on both Spotify and Apple.
What Makes the Biggest Podcast in the World So Successful?
After studying the biggest podcast in the world list, several common patterns emerge across every top-ranking show:
Consistency is the foundation of every successful podcast. The Joe Rogan Experience, The Daily, and Crime Junkie all publish on a reliable schedule that keeps their audiences coming back. Authenticity also plays a huge role — listeners can sense when a host is genuinely passionate, and that connection drives loyalty. Production quality matters too, though it does not need to be expensive. Even simple setups can deliver professional-sounding audio when done correctly.
If you want to get your show in front of more listeners, working with a professional podcast booking agency can dramatically accelerate your growth. Explore our top-rated podcast booking agency reviews to find the right partner for your show.
Where Can You Listen to the Biggest Podcasts in the World?
All of the shows listed above are available on multiple platforms. You can find them on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Most episodes are completely free to listen to, making podcasting one of the most accessible forms of entertainment and education available today.
For tools to record and produce your own podcast, platforms like Podcastle offer AI-powered recording, editing, and transcription features that make professional-quality podcast production accessible to everyone.
Final Thoughts
The biggest podcast in the world in 2025 is The Joe Rogan Experience — but the global podcasting landscape is richer and more diverse than ever before. From true crime to daily news, faith content to science deep-dives, the top shows all share one thing: they serve their audiences with consistency, authenticity, and genuine value.
Whether you are a listener looking for your next favorite show or a creator ready to launch your own podcast, PodcastColaReviews is here to guide you every step of the way. Read our latest blog posts for more podcasting tips, agency reviews, and industry insights
