Key stat: 45% of US digital audio listeners tune in during the afternoon (12pm–5pm), making it the top daypart for digital audio, according to a March survey from Harris Poll and EMARKETER.

Beyond the chart:

• The midday-to-afternoon window owns digital audio across formats, not just the broad listener base. Podcast listening peaks between 10am and 2pm, which captures 29% of all daily podcast time, while the 2pm-6pm block adds another 21%, according to Edison Research's Share of Ear study.
• Meanwhile, the afternoon lean separates digital formats from legacy radio. Streaming music, podcasts, and audiobooks all peak during midday hours, while AM/FM radio still draws its biggest audience during the 6am-10am morning drive, according to Edison Research.

Use this chart: Drop this into a media-planning deck to challenge the morning-drive default. Show clients that afternoon and evening, not the AM commute, are when digital audio reach concentrates. Use it to defend shifting audio budgets into midday and afternoon slots where your listeners actually tune in.

Methodology: Data is from the April 2026 Harris Poll and EMARKETER Survey titled "Digital Audio" conducted by Harris Poll. 2,039 US adults ages 18+, including 1,639 who listen to digital audio at least monthly, were surveyed during March 12-28, 2026. Data is weighted to be representative of the US adult population.

Related EMARKETER reports:

• Radio and Digital Audio Ad Spending Benchmarks: Q2 2026 (EMARKETER subscription required)
• US Digital Audio Forecast Overview 2026 (EMARKETER subscription required)