Americans ages 13 and older continue to spend about four hours per day with audio, with younger listeners leading the way.
As of the first quarter of 2026, U.S. listeners aged 13–34 devote the most time to audio at 4 hours and 30 minutes daily. Those aged 35–54 follow closely at 4 hours and 3 minutes, while Americans 55 and older spend 3 hours and 17 minutes per day.
These figures come from Edison Research’s Share of Ear®, the industry’s only comprehensive audio measurement service that tracks all platforms and sources.
The data reveal remarkably stable overall audio consumption. Since Share of Ear launched in 2014, total daily audio time among people 13+ has hovered consistently around the four-hour mark, demonstrating audio’s enduring role in daily life even as platforms and technologies have evolved dramatically.
Age-Based Differences Stand Out
- 13–34 year-olds lead in total audio time, reflecting heavy use of on-demand streaming, podcasts, and short-form video audio.
- 35–54 year-olds remain strong audio consumers, blending traditional radio with newer digital options.
- 55+ listeners spend the least time overall but still dedicate more than three hours daily, often anchored by AM/FM radio and familiar music sources.
The breakdown underscores that audio remains a cross-generational medium, though listening habits and preferred formats shift noticeably by age.