BBC Sounds app gets over 1.3Bn plays in 2021 (January to November) an increase of 8% over a similar period in 2020 according to a recent blog post by the BBC. The latest figures also show there were 558 million plays of podcasts and on demand radio programmes in 2021, with a nearly 25% increase in podcast listening compared to the same period last year. On demand listening for music mixes on BBC Sounds also increased, up by 24% compared with the previous year.
Podcasts
Listeners regularly turn to BBC Sounds for digestible information on significant events, with Newscast the most popular podcast on the platform this year. Americast also appeared in the top ten, with the episode on the storming of the US Capitol its most listened to. You’re Dead To Me’s episode on Ivan The Terrible was its most popular as the podcast continued to provide knowledge on a range of historical topics with a side of funny, whilst Fortunately… with Fi and Jane offered some familiar and great company in a time of uncertainty. That Peter Crouch Podcast and Match of the Day: Top 10 also remained hugely popular for people looking to get their sporting and chat fix.
The top ten most popular podcasts of 2021 in the UK (based on BBC Sounds plays between January and November) were:
- Newscast
- You’re Dead To Me
- Fortunately… with Fi and Jane
- That Peter Crouch Podcast
- Americast
- Grounded with Louis Theroux
- Just One Thing with Michael Mosley
- Nuremberg: The Trial of the Nazi War Criminals
- The Battersea Poltergeist
- Match of the Day: Top 10
On demand radio programmes
On demand radio continues to grow with changing listening habits, giving people the ability to listen to their favourite radio programmes on BBC Sounds whenever they choose. The Archers was the most popular on demand programme as well as other long-running series such as Desert Island Discs, In Our Time, Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot. Under the helm of Emma Barnett and Anita Rani, Woman’s Hour also appeared in the top on demand radio programmes this year.
Music
More listeners came to BBC Sounds for a range of music mixes to soundtrack their year, from the soothing sounds of our Mindful Mix, to reinvigorating workouts with the Pace Setter mix. Nostalgic tunes continue to delight as Sounds of the 90s with Fearne Cotton holds the top spot for a consecutive year. Glastonbury sets brought the magic of live music to homes around the UK, with Summer Sounds and The Happy Hour from Radio 1 continuing to lift spirits throughout an unpredictable year.
The BBC Sounds app can be downloaded for iOS and Android mobile platforms.
