BBC Sounds hits 1.1bn plays in 2020
December 17, 2020
The BBC has reported that there have been 1.1 billion UK plays of radio, music and podcasts on BBC Sounds so far in 2020 (January to November). Over a similar period in 2019 (February – November 2019) there were 630 million plays.
Data also shows there were 460 million plays of podcasts and on demand radio programmes on BBC Sounds in the UK in 2020, with a 21 per cent increase in podcast listening since the start of the year.
The most popular podcasts of 2020 in the UK (based on BBC Sounds plays between January and November) were:
1. That Peter Crouch Podcast – the most listened to episode this year featured Prince William
2. Newscast – the most popular episode was Lockdown 2.0
3. You’re Dead To Me – most indulged in episode was the History Of Chocolate
4. Grounded with Louis Theroux – In conversation with Jon Ronson proved the most popular
5. Fortunately… with Fi and Jane – Everything Is Elasticated With Jonathan Freedland was the most listened to
Jonathan Wall, Controller of BBC Sounds, says: “In such a difficult year it’s no surprise that people have listened to this mix of audio on BBC Sounds. Many turned to Newscast for in-depth but accessible information, Austen featured in efforts to educate youngsters, and the music team helped people hold at-home Glastonbury festivals and sound tracked outdoor exercising with mixes like Pace Setter. During a time of isolation for many, listeners enjoyed the company of Peter Crouch, Fi and Jane, and Louis Theroux, and the escapism of the Lovecraft dramas, full of the occult and secret government operations. With an unusual Christmas around the corner, BBC Sounds hopes to bring listeners some joy and festive cheer with podcast specials, new sci fi drama The Cipher, boxsets to indulge in and brilliant Christmas music.”