The digital landscape is shifting at its most rapid pace in decades, driven by a surge in technology adoption among older demos and the explosive rise of Generative AI, according to Edison Research’s 2026 Infinite Dial, the longest-running survey of digital consumer behaviour in America.

Based on an online survey of 2,050 Americans, 12+, weighted to U.S. population figures, this year’s survey found online audio has reached an all-time high, with 81% of the U.S. population (233 million people) tuning in monthly.

The “greying” of digital audio

While growth among younger listeners has plateaued, the 55+ demographic is now the primary engine of digital audio expansion, according to the study, with monthly online listening for that group jumping from 52% in 2024 to 70% in 2026.

“55+ has been radio’s core audience for aWhile,” noted James Cridland, radio futurologist & Editor of Podnews, during thursday’s webinar. “Your core audience is more comfortable with technology than it ever has been before. You can see that as a threat or an opportunity. YOUR opportunity is to provide a shared experience across all platforms.”

Weekly online audio listening went up year-over-year from 73% to 76% of Americans, 12+, led by Spotify (36%), followed by YouTube Music (34%).

In the vehicle, AM/FM radio remains the #1 audio source, used by 73% of drivers in the last month, down from 84% in 2016. Infinite Dial suggests the “digital migration” is accelerating in the dashboard: 48% of drivers now stream online audio while driving, while 83% of those who have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto use the systems actively. 37% of drivers are listening to podcasts behind the wheel.

Eighty-one per cent of those tuning AM/FM are 55+, with the majority of those 18-34 listening to online audio in-car (73%), followed by podcasts (55%). Still, 65% of the younger demo continues to listen to AM/FM while driving.

Podcast consumption hits new milestone

Podcast reach continues its record-breaking climb, with 58% of Americans (167 million) now consuming podcasts monthly, up from 55% in 2025. Weekly listenership is growing even faster, increased from 40% to 45% year-over-year. By demographic, 35-54-year-olds are leading podcast growth, jumping seven points to 68% of the population. Those 55+ follow with monthly listening rising from 38% to 44% this year. Among those aged 12-34, monthly listening actually fell two points to 64%.

The study indicates podcast listeners continue to skew male, with 62% of men listening monthly, compared to 54% of women.

YouTube has solidified its position as the podcast leader. Among weekly podcast consumers, 39% use YouTube most often, followed by Spotify (20%) and Apple Podcasts (11%). The study highlighted a significant shift toward a “dual-format” medium, as video integration becomes the norm. The study solidifies that the rise of video is not replacing audio podcasts, with 21% still only listeners, and just two per cent only watchers of podcast content. Fifty-seven per cent say they’ve done both.

“Video is making podcasts bigger,” Cridland said during the presentation. “Audiences are overwhelmingly consuming video and audio podcasts…they aren’t competing, they’re expanding the audience together.”

Social media

Overall social media usage dipped slightly from 86% to 85% year-over-year. Facebook remains the most used platform at 68% for those 12+, followed by Instagram (54%) and TikTok (42%), which is officially the #1 social media platform for those aged 12–34 (preferred by 29%). The study highlights the age and gender gap when it comes to preferred platforms, with Facebook used most often by those aged 55+. Reddit (45%) and X/Twitter (44%) lead with those 35-54.

The AI revolution

For the first time, Infinite Dial tracked Generative AI usage, revealing adoption rates that dwarf previous technologies like the smartphone or smart speaker. Ninety-three per cent of Americans, 12+ are aware of at least one Generative AI brand, with more than half of the population (57%) using one. Fifty-two per cent of respondents, 18+, say they use an AI chatbot weekly.

Edison found that AI users are more likely to be heavy media consumers: 87% of AI users listened to online audio in the past week, suggesting a “digitally curious” profile that is highly receptive to new content formats.