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The role of podcasting in Youth Development
A Compiled Report:
Spain, Belgium, Greece, Portugal, Italy and Serbia
To find out what young people and youth workers think about podcasts and how podcasting can help to reduce the risk of exclusion in young people, we have designed a survey conducted by PODCast partner organisation in six European countries.
KEY RESULTS
Most young people surveyed listen to podcasts at least occasionally, with weekly listening (27%) being the most common. Serbia and Greece have more frequent (daily) listeners, while Portugal and Spain report higher rates of rare or no listening.
Young people prefer podcasts on entertainment (60%), storytelling (55%), and news or educational content (50–40%), with country-specific trends. There is a focus on mental health in Spain and Greece, or education in Serbia and Portugal.
Only 17% have created or participated in a podcast, with the highest rates in Italy, Serbia, and Belgium.
Those who did found it a positive learning experience, gaining technical and creative skills. Popular tools include Audacity, Capcut, and Spotify, while having the right equipment and engaging content was considered key.
A significant 86% believe podcasting is a powerful tool for expressing thoughts and emotions. Preferred topics include mental health, diversity, education, and personal stories. Crucially, 96% of respondents say having a space to express themselves freely and without judgment is important or very important. Podcasts are seen as platforms that promote self-confidence (55%), help fight isolation (50%), and foster community and belonging (70%).
“ 96% of young people say that having a safe, judgment-free space is important or very important. ”
Podcasting has a strong impact on teenagers and young people, with around 65% saying it offers a space for free expression and opinion-sharing. Many see it as a tool for mental health support, learning new skills, and drawing inspiration from others’ stories. About 70% value the sense of community it creates through shared experiences. Overall, 60% believe podcasts give youth a voice, 55% say it boosts self-confidence, and 50% think it helps fight social isolation.
However, young people face challenges when creating podcasts, including a lack of technical skills (~60%), equipment (~55%), and self-confidence (~45%). These issues vary by country, with Spain and Portugal citing technical skills, Italy noting confidence and tools, and Serbia and Belgium highlighting equipment and content planning.
“ 86% of young people see podcasting as a real tool for expression. ”
Young people see podcasting as much more than a media tool, it’s a way to build confidence, express themselves, and connect with others. Many feel that creating a podcast could help them speak up more freely and believe in their own voice, often for the first time.
It’s not just about talking into a microphone; it’s about gaining the courage to share personal stories and opinions.
Through podcasting, they develop valuable skills, from communication and creativity to teamwork and technical know-how. But the impact goes deeper.
“ 89% of young people believe podcasting would increase their confidence. ”
Podcasting helps create a sense of belonging by connecting people through shared experiences and open conversations. It opens doors to feeling included in their communities, reducing isolation and building trust. What truly excites young people is the chance to be part of something meaningful: learning through workshops, working together on community projects, and using storytelling to spotlight issues that matter to them. With the right support, especially access to tools, mentorship, and a space to collaborate, podcasting becomes a powerful way for youth to grow, be heard, and make an impact.
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