Radio Streaming Peaks In The Evening

Streaming now accounts for 14% of all AM/FM radio listening time among U.S. adults 18 and older, double the share recorded a decade ago.

Edison Research’s Share of Ear data for the second quarter of 2026 shows streaming’s portion of total AM/FM listening climbed from 7% in the second quarter of 2017 to 14% today. Among adults who listen to AM/FM radio every day, 10% consume both the traditional over-the-air signal and a stream, while 6% listen exclusively via streaming.

The streaming share fluctuates throughout the day and is highest in the evening. On weekdays in Q2 2026, streaming represented 17% to 18% of AM/FM listening minutes between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.—the peak period—and reached 17% again during the 8 a.m. hour. It dropped to a daily low of 8% between 11 a.m. and noon. 

This elevated nighttime share highlights a potential growth opportunity for an often underappreciated and undervalued radio daypart.

Edison Share of Ear data shows smart speaker AM/FM streaming minutes rose 73% since 2020. Of those minutes:

• Baby Boomers: 38%
• Gen X: 36%
• Millennials: 17%
• Gen Z: 9%

Older generations drive disproportionate listening volume on these devices (often at home, including evenings), while younger users lean more toward mobile phones or connected TVs for audio. Smart speaker owners overall spend more time with audio daily than non-owners (typically +6–12% in various Share of Ear periods) and are heavy streaming users.

Some secondary reports note peak ownership shares in the 45–54 age band, followed closely by 55+.

Supporting the overall rise, Radio Ink reported in January that AM/FM streaming minutes on smart speakers have surged 73% since 2020, as household ownership of the devices approaches 75%. Listening on smart speakers skews older: Baby Boomers account for 38% of those streaming minutes, Gen X for 36%, Millennials for 17%, and Gen Z for just 9%.