- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- Technology
- Where:
- World
- Date change rule:
- Every September 30
- Holiday emoji:
- 🎙️
International Podcast Day celebrates the transformative power of audio storytelling every September 30. Join millions of listeners and creators worldwide to acknowledge the medium’s innovation and influence. Tune into new shows, share your favorite episodes, or even launch your own podcast!
Want to sponsor International Podcast Day? Learn how
Expected International Podcast Day Deals
As International Podcast Day approaches, expect many industry players to offer special promotions and events. Look for hosting platforms like Libsyn and Buzzsprout to roll out discounts on new subscriptions or premium features. Audio equipment brands such as Shure and Rode may feature sales on microphones and recording gear. Content networks like Wondery and Gimlet Media often highlight special episodes or listener Q&As. Additionally, educational platforms like Podcasting Smarty Pants might offer free workshops or reduced rates on courses for aspiring podcasters. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 30 approaches.
Platform Guide for International Podcast Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalPodcastDay. Share insights on podcasting trends or highlight industry leaders.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #InternationalPodcastDay. Engage in real-time discussions about favorite podcasts or industry news.
YouTube
Subscribe to @NationalToday for holiday video content. Create video essays on podcasting’s influence or share clips from your favorite audio shows.
International Podcast Day Hero
Adam Curry
International Podcast Day FAQs
When is International Podcast Day?
International Podcast Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, September 30. It’s a prime mid-week opportunity to celebrate the global phenomenon of audio content.
How many podcasts are there in the world?
As of early 2026, there are estimated to be over 5 million podcasts globally, with a significant portion of those being actively updated. This vast number reflects the medium’s accessibility and diverse content.
How many people listen to podcasts?
Globally, hundreds of millions of people listen to podcasts regularly, with over 100 million monthly listeners in the U.S. alone as of 2026. This audience continues to expand across all demographics.
Who started International Podcast Day?
International Podcast Day was founded by Steve Lee in 2014, with the first official celebration taking place on September 30, 2014. Lee envisioned a day to recognize the power of podcasts worldwide.
International Podcast Day Activities
Find a new podcast
With apps like Pocket Cast (for Android) and Downcast (for iOS), it's never been easier to find an interesting podcast. Browse by category, or by popularity, and you're bound to find at least a dozen that you'll have a hard time turning off.
Create your own
You can create your very own podcast, and you've likely already got the tools you need to get started. Between your mobile phone and your computer, you've likely got a microphone, and some app like Garageband or Audacity. Recording the podcast is the easy part — the real challenge comes when you're trying to pick a topic worth listening to!
Donate to your favorite producer
Many of the most popular podcasts survive on minimal ad revenue, and donations "from viewers like you." As much as even hearing those words can put one to sleep, they're there for a reason! Consider throwing a few dollars toward your favorite podcasts so that they can keep on broadcasting.
Why We Love International Podcast Day
Get your kicks for cheap
If you're into podcasts, here's some good news: they're almost always free, or really cheap. You'll have to put up with an ad or two throughout your programming, but they're not long and obtrusive like the ones we've come to expect on television. If you've got a device with an audio output and an internet connection, you can listen to podcasts: it's that easy.
Binge heaven
If you've only recently discovered podcasts, this one's for you. Unlike your favorite radio shows of yesteryear, that new podcast you discovered likely has an easily-accessed library of every episode they've ever aired. Be careful, though — the fact that you need to sit still and watch a screen is what keeps your Netflix-binging in check. With podcasts, you can listen to them anywhere, so it's easy to get through a dozen episodes and wonder where your day went.
They allow for serialized storytelling
While we all have a special place in our hearts for shows like The Wonder Years or Happy Days, episodes were generally self-contained short stories, without much room for depth. Many podcasts take their cues from the current television trend of having story arcs that span multiple episodes or seasons. Check out NPR's Serial for a listening experience you won't be able to let go of.
International Podcast Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 30 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | September 30 | Thursday |
| 2028 | September 30 | Saturday |
| 2029 | September 30 | Sunday |
| 2030 | September 30 | Monday |
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