How to start listening to podcasts in 2026

Over 500 million people worldwide listen to podcasts. If you're not one of them yet, you're not late; you're just getting started at the best possible time. There are more shows, better apps, and more ways to listen than ever before. This guide will take you from zero to a regular listener in about 15 minutes.

TL;DR

• You don't need anything special: just your phone and a free app
• Start with one show you're curious about, not ten
• Listen during something you already do: commuting, walking, cooking, exercising
• Short episodes are easier for beginners; try 15-30 minute shows first
• It's free: the vast majority of podcasts cost nothing to listen to

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What is a podcast, exactly?

A podcast is an on-demand audio show you can listen to whenever you want. Think of it like radio, but you choose what plays and when. Episodes download to your phone or stream over the internet, and new episodes appear automatically when the creator publishes them.

Most podcasts follow a regular schedule: weekly, biweekly, or daily. When you subscribe to a show, new episodes show up in your app without you doing anything. You don't need to check a website or set a reminder.

Podcasts cover every topic imaginable: news, comedy, true crime, history, science, sports, parenting, business, and thousands of niche interests. Whatever you're into, there's a podcast about it.

The best part? Almost all podcasts are completely free. Some shows offer premium tiers with bonus episodes, but the core content is available to anyone.

Step 1: Choose a podcast app

You need an app to listen to podcasts. Your phone probably already has one, but you have options:

If you have an iPhone

Apple Podcasts comes pre-installed. It works well for most people and has the largest catalog of shows. Open the purple Podcasts icon on your home screen and you're ready to go.

Other good options for iPhone:

• Overcast (free) — clean design with smart features like voice boost and smart speed
• Pocket Casts (free with premium option) — great for people who listen on multiple devices
• Podtastic — a full-featured player with AI-powered Pod-telligence features

If you have an Android phone

Samsung Podcasts or Google Podcasts may be pre-installed depending on your device. But most Android users prefer third-party apps:

• Pocket Casts (free with premium option) — widely considered the best Android podcast app
• Podcast Addict (free) — extremely customizable with every feature you might need
• Podtastic — available on Android with the same AI-powered Pod-telligence features as the iOS version

If you use Spotify

Spotify has a large podcast library built into the music app you might already use. The advantage is keeping music and podcasts in one place. The downside is fewer podcast-specific features (no OPML export, limited speed options, and some shows aren't available).

Our recommendation: Start with whatever app is already on your phone. You can always switch to a different app later, and your subscriptions will transfer.

For a detailed comparison of all the top apps, check out our guide to the best podcast apps.

Step 2: Find your first show

Don't start by subscribing to everything that looks interesting. Pick one show you're genuinely curious about and listen to a single episode. You can always add more later.

Where to look

Browse your app's charts. Every podcast app has a "Top Charts" or "Popular" section. Browse by category to find topics you care about. The top charts aren't perfect, but they're a solid starting point.

Ask friends and family. The best podcast recommendations come from people who know your taste. Ask someone you trust: "What podcast are you into right now?"

Search for a topic. Open your podcast app, tap the search icon, and type something you're interested in. "Running," "World War II," "meditation," "investing," "cooking." You'll get a list of relevant shows.

Check our recommendation lists. We've curated picks across genres:

• Best comedy podcasts
• Best true crime podcasts
• Best science podcasts
• Best news podcasts
• Best history podcasts
• Best business podcasts

Pick a short episode first

If you've never listened to a podcast, start with an episode that's 15-30 minutes long. Long-form shows (2+ hours) are popular, but they're easier to appreciate once you've built the habit. A short episode gives you a complete experience without a big time commitment.

Step 3: Press play

Tap on the show, pick an episode, and press the play button. That's it.

A few things to know about your first listen:

You don't have to start at episode one. Most shows are designed so you can jump in anywhere. News, interview, and commentary shows work fine from the latest episode. Only serialized narrative shows (like true crime series) need to be heard in order, and those usually say so in the description.

Adjust the volume and playback speed. If the host talks too slowly, tap the speed button (usually labeled "1x") and try 1.2x. It slightly speeds up the audio without sounding distorted. Most listeners find a slightly faster speed more engaging.

Use the skip buttons. Most apps have 15-second or 30-second skip buttons. Use them to jump past intros, ads, or segments that don't interest you. There's no rule that says you have to listen to every second.

Step 4: Subscribe to shows you like

When you find a show you enjoy, hit the Subscribe (or Follow) button. This tells your app to automatically download or notify you when new episodes come out. Subscribing is free and doesn't require an account on most apps.

Start with 3-5 subscriptions. You can always add more as you discover what you like. Too many subscriptions too early can make your feed overwhelming.

Step 5: Build a listening routine

The hardest part of podcasting isn't finding shows. It's building the habit of actually listening. The easiest way is to attach podcast listening to something you already do every day:

• Morning commute → One news podcast (15-20 minutes)
• Lunch walk → One interview or educational episode (30-45 minutes)
• Cooking dinner → One conversational or comedy show (30-60 minutes)
• Before bed → One storytelling show with a sleep timer set

After a week of this, you'll reach for your podcast app without thinking about it.

Step 6: Explore and expand

Once you're comfortable with a few shows, start exploring:

Try a genre you wouldn't normally pick. If you listen to business podcasts, try a storytelling show. If you listen to comedy, try a history podcast. Some of the best listening experiences come from unexpected places.

Download episodes for offline listening. If you commute through tunnels, fly frequently, or have limited data, downloading episodes ensures you always have something to listen to.

Create playlists or use queues. Most apps let you queue up episodes in the order you want to hear them. This is useful for planning listening around your week. Check out our queue management tips for ideas.

Explore ad-free options. Many creators offer ad-free versions of their shows through memberships (Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, Patreon, Supercast). These are the best way to support creators you love while getting a cleaner listening experience.

Tips that most guides forget

You can listen at different speeds for different shows. Most apps let you set a default speed per podcast. Try 1.2x for chatty interview shows and 1x for storytelling. This one tweak saves hours per month without feeling rushed.

Turn on auto-delete for played episodes. Your phone storage will thank you. Most apps have a setting to automatically remove episodes after you finish them. This keeps your library clean without manual effort.

Use the star/favorite feature. When you hear a great episode, mark it. You'll build a personal "best of" collection you can recommend to friends or re-listen to later. It also helps you remember which shows consistently deliver.

Don't feel guilty about quitting shows. It's fine to unsubscribe from a podcast you're no longer enjoying. Your listening time is limited; spend it on shows that earn your attention. There's no social obligation to finish every series you start.

Check for ad-free versions. Many podcast creators offer membership tiers through Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, Patreon, or Supercast. These are the best way to support shows you love while enjoying a cleaner listening experience.

Common beginner questions

Do I need Wi-Fi to listen to podcasts?

You need an internet connection to download or stream episodes. But once an episode is downloaded to your phone, you can listen anywhere, even in airplane mode. Most apps let you set up automatic downloads over Wi-Fi so episodes are ready when you need them.

Are podcasts really free?

The vast majority are, yes. Podcasters typically make money from ads within the episodes or from optional paid subscriptions. You'll never be charged for subscribing to a free show.

How do I know which episode to start with?

For interview and topic-based shows, start with the most recent episode or search for a topic that interests you. For narrative series (true crime, documentary), start at episode one. Most shows have a "Start Here" or "Best Of" collection for new listeners.

Can I listen on my computer?

Yes. Most shows are available through web players (like Spotify's web app or the podcast's own website). Apple Podcasts also has a web version and a Mac app. That said, most people find phone-based listening more convenient since you can take it anywhere.

What's the difference between subscribing and following?

Nothing. Different apps use different words. "Subscribe," "Follow," and "Add to Library" all do the same thing: they tell the app to track new episodes for that show. None of them cost money (unless the show specifically offers a paid subscription tier, which will always be clearly labeled).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many podcasts should a beginner subscribe to?

Start with 3-5 shows. Once you know your listening pace, you can add more. If your queue starts piling up with unplayed episodes, you've subscribed to more than you can keep up with.

What are the most popular podcast genres?

Comedy, true crime, news, and society & culture consistently rank as the most popular categories across all platforms. But popularity shouldn't drive your choices; pick what genuinely interests you.

Can I listen to podcasts while doing other things?

That's what most people do. Podcasts are designed for multitasking: commuting, exercising, cooking, cleaning, walking. Just match the complexity of the show to the task (save dense educational content for activities that don't require much mental focus).

Try Podtastic — Podcast Listening Magic

Love podcasts? Podtastic is a podcast player for iOS and Android powered by Pod-telligence:

• Smart Summaries — AI summaries for every podcast and episode, always evolving
• Smart Topics — Key topics highlighted so you can jump to what matters
• Smart Playback — A queue that fills itself based on your listening habits

Plus sleep timer, playback speed, offline downloads, and everything you'd expect.

Join the waitlist at podtastic.app to get early access.