Editor's note: All opinions, columns and letters reflect the views of the individual writer and not necessarily those of the IDS or its staffers.
I have always been a visual person, and I love watching movies and shows over listening, reading books or consuming other forms of media. However, this past summer, after a friend’s recommendation, I started listening to podcasts while walking or cooking. Being a horror and thriller fanatic, I was instantly drawn to true crime podcasts. What began as a love for murder mysteries grew into a habit that reshaped how I spend my free time, listening to both “Solved Murders” and “Unsolved Murders.”
What struck me most was how seamlessly podcasts fit into my routine. I usually filled that space with music, but it started getting boring and repetitive. My music taste is limited to the 2010s, and I have exhausted that playlist. This led me to transition into a world of podcasts which expanded beyond my imagination. Suddenly, I could turn everyday chores into moments of entertainment or learning. With categories ranging from news and education to conspiracy theories and comedy, there was something to match every mood and pocket of time.
As a loyal Spotify customer, thanks to the student discount, I turned to the platform to explore my new form of media and realized that many of my peers had made the same switch recently. According to Podcasthawk, podcast listenership is projected to climb from 450 million in 2023 to 619 million by 2026 — a surge that reflects their growing convenience and cultural relevance. Unlike movies or shows, podcasts don’t require tickets, long stretches of free time or even a screen.
As a student, I’ve found that listening to podcasts on the walk to class or during a workout is one of the best ways to use that time. Many IU students feel the same.
Tovah Blumenfeld, a senior, shared she sometimes listens to “Gems with Miles and Julian” when cooking. She explained that while she would love to watch television during that time, podcasts help her stay concentrated and prepare a better meal. This trend isn’t unique to IU; according to a YouGov study, about half of Americans (49%) who listen to podcasts do so while completing household chores.
Another reason podcasts are gaining popularity is the personal touch they bring. Just like books, the listener uses their imagination to create a world of their own. Audiobooks have also been gaining traction recently due to the convenience with which they can be integrated into students’ lives. For example, you can listen to your favorite authors while riding the bus — a moment when reading a physical book isn’t as easy — or after a long day of classes, when your eyes are tired and you just want to relax. According to Music Ally, 25% of Spotify Premium subscribers have been engaging with audiobooks since the feature launched.
Another senior at IU, Pavithra Krishnan, said audiobooks provide her a chance to escape from her busy school schedule. She said different authors use different voices when narrating their books that makes the experience of listening even more engaging.
The rise of podcasts and the growing popularity of audiobooks show more than just a change in what we consume; they reflect how we live our lives. They combine convenience with imagination and a personal touch, making them feel like companions rather than just content. While movies, shows and physical books will always have their place, audio media fits easily into our schedules and lets us enjoy stories on our own terms. In a world where time is always in short supply, having something that moves us, sparks our curiosity and keeps us connected makes all the difference.
Prakriti Khurana (she/her) is a senior studying finance and business analytics.
