Over the past two decades, Chinese podcasts have become integral to entertaining educated young people in major cities. Himalaya, a leading podcast platform, noted that in 2023, nearly one-fifth of China’s 1.1 billion internet users engaged with podcasts, primarily aged 22 to 35. Initially modeled after Apple’s podcast platform, Chinese podcasts have rapidly grown in popularity, particularly among young commuters eager to make productive use of their travel time. These podcasts feature interactive formats where listeners can have their own work broadcast, providing emotional companionship for urban dwellers. The increasing popularity has enabled platforms like Himalaya to pursue IPOs. While podcasts may not match the explosive growth of short videos, their sustained influence, including their role in providing employment opportunities for the visually impaired, is expected to endure.
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