BBC Sounds streams 617 million plays in Q4 2023 with on-demand plays up 16.8% year on year according to recent figures released by the BBC. On-demand listening of the BBC’s audio content grew between October and December with BBC Sounds achieving a record 231 million plays for on-demand radio programmes, podcasts and music mixes. Christmas music contributed to a record 6.2 million plays for music mixes on BBC Sounds, up 32% from last year.
Key highlights on BBC Sounds in Q4 2023
- Christmas music proved popular with listeners over the festive period driving a record 6.2 million plays of music mixes on BBC Sounds this quarter, followed by The Sleeping Forecast, Mindful Mix, Sounds of the 90s with Fearne Cotton and Cillian Murphy’s Limited Edition.
- The top ten most popular on demand radio programmes for all ages is made up entirely of BBC Radio 4 shows including listener favourites Desert Island Discs, In Our Time, I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue and Life Changing.
- Audio dramas proved a hit this quarter with The Archers, Drama on 4, Whodunnits and The Lovecraft Investigations all among the top ten most listened to on demand radio programmes.
- Newscast and Uncanny were the most popular podcasts for all ages and for listeners under 35 with You’re Dead To Me, Just One Thing with Michael Mosley, Intrigue: Million Dollar Lover and Limelight also included in both lists.
- New flagship music podcast from the BBC Sidetracked with Annie and Nick had one of the highest proportion of listeners under 35, along with popular sports titles including new football strand The Players Channel, Tailenders and Match Of The Day: Top Ten.
- There were 222 million downloads for BBC podcasts around the world this quarter, with The Global News Podcast the most popular on third party platforms followed by Newscast.
To get the BBC Sounds Q4 Report 2023 which contains complete podcast charts amongst other details go here.
