Soundwaves Across the Pond: A brief history of podcasting in the UK

Podcasting may have started as an American export, but the UK quickly made it its own. From humble beginnings in bedrooms and back rooms to award-winning audio empires, British podcasting has carved out a unique identity – equal parts irreverent, insightful, and innovative. Here’s how it all began, evolved, and continues to redefine the sound of storytelling in the UK.

The Early Days: Pioneers and Podcasts

While podcasting as a medium began gaining traction globally in the early 2000s, it wasn’t until around 2004–2005 that UK creators began to explore the format in earnest. One of the earliest adopters was The Ricky Gervais Show, launched in 2005. Featuring Gervais, Stephen Merchant, and Karl Pilkington, the show was a game-changer – it became the first podcast to top 250,000 downloads per episode and helped popularise the term “podcast” in the UK mainstream.

Soon after, the BBC stepped into the space. As one of the UK’s most trusted broadcasters, the BBC began offering downloadable versions of its radio shows, such as The Archers and Desert Island Discs, paving the way for broader podcast adoption.

A Growing Ecosystem

Throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s, podcasting in the UK grew steadily, though it remained a niche hobby for many. Independent creators began to find loyal audiences, and early successes like Answer Me This! and No Such Thing As A Fish proved that there was a growing appetite for content that was witty, offbeat, and proudly British.

As smartphones and mobile data became more accessible, listening habits shifted. Commuters and long-distance drivers embraced the format, and British podcasts expanded across genres – true crime, comedy, politics, history, and even football all found their voices.

The Boom Years

The late 2010s marked a tipping point. UK podcasting experienced a significant boom, catalysed by advancements in streaming platforms, increased funding, and high-profile talent entering the field.

Shows like Serial in the US had demonstrated the power of podcast storytelling, and UK counterparts weren’t far behind. The success of My Dad Wrote A Porno showcased British humour and became an international sensation. Meanwhile, investigative series like The Missing Cryptoqueen and Untold: The Daniel Morgan Murder highlighted British excellence in documentary audio journalism.

Commercial networks began to take podcasting seriously. Companies like Acast, Audioboom, and Somethin’ Else started investing in original content, while radio giants like Global and Bauer launched podcast networks of their own.

The Present Day: A New Audio Renaissance

Today, the UK podcasting scene is thriving. According to Ofcom, over 25% of adults in the UK now listen to podcasts weekly – a dramatic increase from just a few years ago. Creators come from all walks of life, offering diverse perspectives and filling gaps in traditional media coverage.

Podcasts like The Rest Is Politics, Off Menu, Diary of a CEO, and You’re Dead to Me consistently rank among the most-listened-to, with live tours, book deals, and spin-offs becoming increasingly common.

Funding models have also diversified. While advertising and sponsorship remain central, listener-supported models (Patreon, Apple Podcasts Subscriptions), brand partnerships, and licensing deals have given creators more options to sustain their work.

What’s Next?

The future of podcasting in the UK looks bright. With the rise of smart speakers, AI-driven content recommendations, and more inclusive voices entering the space, British podcasting is poised to grow in both volume and value.

As the lines between radio, podcasting, and streaming audio blur, one thing remains clear: the UK’s podcasting voice is only getting louder – and more interesting.