Podtrac has launched a new global, multi-channel podcast ranker that measures consumption across various platforms and content types, including video clips on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts for the first time.
The MeidasTouch Podcast has claimed the top spot, with a significant portion of its audience engaging with video content. This new ranking system provides a more comprehensive view of podcast popularity, acknowledging the increasing integration of video into the podcasting landscape.
Video's Impact on Podcast Rankings
The inaugural global ranker reveals that The MeidasTouch Podcast is the number one podcast, with approximately 43% of its consumption coming from video clips. Joe Rogan is at number two, showing a more balanced consumption between audio and video, though video clips still represent only 9% of its total engagement.
Despite weaker video performance, The Rest Is History secures the third position. The data also highlights podcasts like The Daily and Up First, which derive almost all their consumption from traditional audio formats.
Across the top 50 ranked podcasts, video content accounts for 51% of total delivery, while audio makes up 49%. However, this trend diminishes further down the chart. YouTube clips see slightly more plays (53%) than full-length podcasts. It's important to note that these rankings measure total downloads, streams, and views, not duration, and are based on a combination of reported data and estimations.
Australian Podcast Ranker Updates
In other news, the Australian Podcast Ranker for December shows Hamish & Andy retaining their number one position. The Grade Cricketer has climbed into the top 5, coinciding with The Ashes cricket series. Demos+ data from the ranker indicates that 12% of monthly podcast listeners engage with Health & Fitness content, with 35% of those planning to purchase gym memberships or fitness equipment within the next year.
Shameless, a pop culture podcast previously at number four, has exited the ranker following a shift to full video episodes. The article notes that video podcasts hosted on platforms like Spotify or YouTube are challenging to measure using traditional logfile analysis tools, impacting like-for-like comparisons.
Advertiser and Industry News
Magellan AI's rankings for top podcast advertisers in the US show Aura Frames leading in December, spending $7.1 million, closely followed by Amazon and T-Mobile. IBM saw the most significant increase in podcast ad spending, investing an additional $2.6 million.
A new last-minute ad platform called SpotsNow has been launched, aiming to help publishers monetize unsold inventory by offering a real-time marketplace for podcast ads, likened to "Hotel Tonight for Host Read Podcast Ads."
In personnel news, JamPot Productions has appointed Craig Strachan as CEO. Additionally, The Rest Is History is set to launch a history festival in London, and Cue Podcasts and Limeblue have introduced a podcast booth experience for live recordings at conferences. Crowd Network has hired Shaunagh Brown as Brand Partnerships Consultant.
The Webby Awards Call for Entries
The 30th Annual Webby Awards are open for entries, with the extended deadline on February 6th, 2026. The awards recognize excellence in internet content, with a distinguished judging panel for podcasts including figures from The Ringer, Audiochuck, Apple, Spotify, and The New York Times.
Podcast Spotlights
Several new and rebranded podcasts are highlighted: Book Riot - The Podcast offers news from the book world. Create Magic At Work features its final episode of a mini-series on finding wisdom.
CRAFTED. has rebranded to Future Around & Find Out, shifting its focus to future-oriented content. Inspiration for the Nation with Yaakov Langer features an interview with an Iranian convert. The History Bureau from the BBC revisits pivotal historical events.
Game, Set & Chat offers daily tennis updates from father and son commentators. Finally, The Zooquarium Podcast is a new children's show exploring the natural world.
