BBC Sounds reports two billion plays of audio in 2023

Two billion plays of radio, music and podcasts were made on BBC Sounds in 2023 according to the corporation.

Podcast listening saw an uplift of 34% compared to the same period of January to November last year.

New and popular returning podcast titles helped drive listeners to BBC Sounds with a wide range of topics from history, comedy, current affairs, drama and true crime.

Jonathan Wall, Director of BBC Sounds said: “It’s fantastic to see the continued growth and popularity of BBC Sounds. Our aim has always been to provide easy access to brilliant live and on-demand audio, whenever and however our audiences choose to listen.

“From news, investigations, live sport and music mixes for every occasion, BBC Sounds is the destination for top quality content. 2023 has been a great year for BBC Sounds and we look forward to continuing to work with the industry to continue delivering knock-out content for our audiences.”

The top ten most popular podcasts of 2023 in the UK (based on BBC Sounds plays between January and November):

1. Newscast

2. Just One Thing – with Michael Mosley

3. You’re Dead To Me

4. Uncanny

5. Limelight

6. Gangster: The Story Of John Palmer

7. Sliced Bread

8. I’m Not a Monster – The Shamima Begum Story

9. Lady Killers with Lucy Worsley

10. Americast

Mohit Bakaya, BBC Director of Speech said: “It’s been a remarkable year for our speech titles, winning a record number of awards in 2023, across all genres from news, science and investigations though to drama, comedy and factual storytelling.

“This is reflected in the wonderful range of podcasts and programmes, commissioned by Radio 4 and Radio 5 Live, that have dominated listening on BBC Sounds and ensured that our digital offer for audiences goes from strength to strength.”