New Irish Audio Report reveals a thriving audio landscape, with radio accounting for 70.5% of all listening time and 85.2% of commercially accessible audio

Audio continues to play a central role in everyday life in Ireland, with 97% of adults – representing 4.35 million people – listening to some form of audio every week, according to The Irish Audio Report 2026, published today by Radiocentre Ireland.

The report, based on research conducted by Ipsos B&A as part of the Joint National Listenership Research (JNLR), provides a comprehensive picture of how Irish people consume audio across live radio, music streaming, podcasts, YouTube Music and other formats.

The findings reveal a vibrant and increasingly diverse audio landscape, with consumers enjoying more choice than ever before. Live radio remains the most popular audio format, reaching 90% of adults every week.

Music streaming continues to grow, reaching 45% of adults weekly, an increase of five percentage points year on year. Podcast listening stands at 23%, while YouTube Music reaches 27% of adults.

Radio Accounts for 70.5% of All Audio Listening Time

While Iris consumers have more audio choices than ever before, live radio continues to account for the largest share of listening time. The Irish Audio Report 2026 reveals that live radio accounts for 70.5% of all audio listening time among adults, with music streaming the second-largest format at 15.7%, up from 13.5% n 2025. YouTube Music accounts for a further 6%, while podcasts represent 4.2% of total listening time.

Among younger audiences aged 15–24, listening time is more evenly distributed, with live radio accounting for 38.9% of all audio listening time, closely followed by music streaming at 37.9%.

The report also examines the share of audio listening time available to advertisers, taking account of the growing popularity of premium, ad-free subscription services.

When potentially ad-free subscription listening is excluded, live radio accounts for 85.2% of commercially accessible audio listening time among adults, with other audio formats accounting for the remaining 14.8%. Even among younger audiences aged 15–24, live radio accounts for 61% of commercially accessible audio listening time.

These findings highlight radio's significant share of both total audio consumption and commercially accessible listening, alongside the continued growth and diversity of the wider audio market.

Younger Audiences Enjoy a Broad Mix of Audio

Younger audiences are particularly enthusiastic audio consumers, with 97% of 15–24-year-olds listening to some form of audio every week.

Live radio reaches 85% of this age group weekly, while music streaming reaches 78%, YouTube Music 41% and podcasts 27%.

The findings highlight the breadth of audio choices available to younger listeners and the important role that different formats play in their daily lives.

Growth in Paid Audio Subscriptions

The report also highlights the continued growth of paid audio services, with 40% of Irish adults now paying for at least one premium audio-related subscription, an increase of two percentage points year on year.

Music streaming is driving this growth, with 36% of adults subscribing to a premium music streaming service such as Spotify Premium.

Paid subscriptions are particularly popular among younger audiences, with 56% of 15–24-year-olds paying for premium music streaming.

The report also highlights how different audio formats complement each other in delivering audience reach. Radio reaches approximately nine in ten adults weekly, while combining radio with music streaming increases reach to 95%. Adding podcasts brings this to 96%, with YouTube Music extending total reach to 97%.

Audio Remains Part of Everyday Life

Audio accompanies Irish people throughout their daily routines, whether at home, in the car, at work or on the move.

Home remains the most popular listening environment, with 70% of adults listening to audio at home on an average day, while almost half (49%) listen in the car.

Technology is also creating more ways to enjoy audio. Some 38% of adults now use a smartphone to listen each day, an increase of six percentage points year on year. Among15–24-year-olds, smartphone audio listening reaches 66%.

Traditional radio and music systems also remain widely used, with 67% of adults listening through these devices daily.

You can download the Irish Audio Report 2026  by clicking the button below.

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