AM/FM Radio Dominates In-Car Listening Despite Streaming Competition

In-Depth Analysis

Edison Research's Q2 2025 Share of Ear study provides a comprehensive look at in-car audio trends. The study reveals that AM/FM radio's strength lies in its broad appeal across various demographics and vehicle brands.

**Key Findings:**

**Overall In-Car Audio:** AM/FM radio leads with 56% share, followed by SiriusXM (13%) and Spotify (6%).
**Ad-Supported Audio:** AM/FM radio dominates with 85%, while podcasts account for 7%, ad-supported SiriusXM for 4%, and Spotify and Pandora for 2% each.
**Listening by Vehicle Brand:** AM/FM radio maintains a strong presence across major brands, including Chevrolet (64%), Honda (62%), Subaru (60%), Toyota (56%), and Ford (55%). Even luxury brands like BMW, Audi, and Lexus show AM/FM as the top in-car listening source.
**Tesla Drivers:** AM/FM radio holds a 51% share of total in-car audio time. For ad-supported audio, AM/FM captures 74% of listening among Tesla drivers.

**Rebound to Pre-Pandemic Levels:**

The study also notes that in-car AM/FM listening has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, with 50% of all AM/FM usage occurring in vehicles. This is a significant increase from the pandemic low of 40%.

**Actionable Takeaways:**

Automakers should consider the enduring role of AM/FM radio in the driver experience when designing infotainment systems.
Marketers should recognize radio's unmatched capacity to reach a captive audience.

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FAQ

Is AM/FM radio still relevant in the age of streaming?

Yes, AM/FM radio continues to be the dominant force in in-car audio entertainment, capturing a majority share of listening time.

How does AM/FM radio perform compared to streaming services like Spotify and SiriusXM?

AM/FM radio significantly outperforms streaming services in in-car listening, holding a 56% share compared to SiriusXM's 13% and Spotify's 6%.

Are electric vehicle drivers listening to AM/FM radio?

Yes, even among Tesla drivers, AM/FM radio maintains a strong presence, accounting for 51% of all in-car audio time.

Takeaways

AM/FM radio's continued dominance in in-car listening underscores its lasting appeal and relevance in the audio landscape. Despite the rise of streaming services, traditional radio remains a primary source of entertainment and information for drivers. This has significant implications for advertisers and automakers alike, highlighting the importance of radio as a powerful medium for reaching a broad audience.

Discussion

Do you think AM/FM radio will maintain its dominance in the future, or will streaming services eventually take over? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Sources

39 years later, there are still islands of excellent local radio AM/FM Crushes Spotify and SiriusXM in US In-Car Listening AM/FM Radio Continues To Dominate In-Car Listening.

Disclaimer

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