Podcast vs Radio: Which is More Relevant and Popular Today?
In the past, if you wanted to listen to conversations, news, music, or simply something to accompany your journey, the easiest choice was to turn on the radio. Now, you only need to open your phone. There are thousands of podcasts to choose from, ranging from casual chats, comedy, horror stories, mental health, business, sports, and technology, to current news and issues.
Podcasts are no longer strictly identified with audio. Many podcasts now appear in video format, viewable via YouTube or other platforms such as Spotify. Listeners can choose whether to truly focus on the conversation or simply put on earphones while performing other activities.
A 2026 Snapcart survey of 1,638 respondents shows that podcasts have become part of the media habits of the Indonesian people, although most listeners do not yet make it a daily activity. Specifically, 43 per cent of respondents listen to podcasts less than once a week, 22 per cent once to twice a week, 18 per cent three to four times a week, and 17 per cent every day.
Does the development of podcasts mean that radio is being abandoned? It is not quite that simple.
One of the strengths of podcasts is the freedom of choice. Listeners do not have to wait for a specific time to follow a programme. Episodes can be played whenever desired and selected based on topics of interest. In the Snapcart survey, 47 per cent of respondents cited the discussion topic as the primary consideration when choosing a podcast, while 33 per cent considered the host or guest.
This provides podcasts with vast potential. Someone who enjoys comedy can find comedy podcasts; those interested in health can choose health discussions; sports fans can seek football or basketball discussions; and horror or true crime enthusiasts can find mystery stories. Some podcasts are created specifically for listening, while others are designed from the outset as video shows.
The Snapcart survey shows that YouTube and YouTube Music are the most used platforms for accessing podcasts, at 76 per cent, while Spotify stands at 16 per cent. This means that when people say they are “listening to a podcast”, they are not necessarily only listening to audio; they may be watching two or more people conversing in a studio.
The diversity of themes is a key reason for the popularity of podcasts. In Indonesia, for example, Deddy Corbuzier’s “Close The Door” features conversations on various issues, news, and inspiring stories. Similarly, Raditya Dika’s podcast covers daily life, work, relationships, and personal experiences. Meanwhile, “PODKESMAS” offers lighter, comedic talk. These examples demonstrate how programmes can blend radio-style talk with video formats.
This phenomenon is not unique to Indonesia. Globally, podcasts have evolved into a diverse industry. Examples include “The Joe Rogan Experience”, which covers entertainment, science, and business; “Call Her Daddy” by Alex Cooper, focusing on relationships and mental health; and “The Daily” from The New York Times, which provides in-depth news on US politics and economics. Additionally, “The Diary of a CEO” with Steven Bartlett explores business, psychology, and career development.
Despite these developments, radio is not going anywhere. However, the way people listen to radio has changed. While people once required a physical radio device, many stations now provide streaming via websites, applications, YouTube, and other digital platforms. This is evident in the efforts of stations like Prambors, which has brought back its iconic segment, “The Dandees”, through digital means.
The Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) noted in 2025 that radio audiences are persisting, even though access methods have diversified beyond terrestrial devices. Radio content continues to be enjoyed via digital platforms, as seen in the adaptation efforts of various broadcasting institutions. For instance, RRI is continuously developing its digital ecosystem and, as of 2026, has begun expanding podcast production to Spotify through Voice of Indonesia. In many cases, radio is not competing with podcasts but is instead entering the podcast world.