Children hear differently — and even more consciously in 2025

What the new children, parents & audio study reveals about the listening habits of children and families — and why audio formats must do more than just entertain

Audio has long been more than just a nice side activity for children. It is relaxation, imagination, a source of knowledge — and sometimes a bit of retreat. Our new Kids, Parents & Audio Study 2025 shows:

Children's listening behavior has evolved significantly in the last two years.
More structure. More independence. More demands on stories, formats and devices.

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🎧 Hearing has arrived on the go

One of the most exciting changes compared to the 2023 study:
Audio will be significantly more common in 2025 “on the go” used.

• Fast 45% of children listen to audio content regularly on the go — whether in the car, on the train or on the bus

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Audio remains a constant companion even at home:

• 43.9% listen while playing, painting or crafting
• 36.1% listening while falling asleep
• 33.0% listen together with parents or siblings

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conclusion: Audio is not an either/or medium. It is a Everywhere format.

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Audio is a flexible companion for children:

• As a ritual in the evening
• As a background when playing
• As a haven of peace at home
• As a companion on the go
• As a social experience in a family context

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🧭 Adventure dominates the story world

84% of children claim to hear adventure stories regularly — a Plus of over 20% compared to 2023.

Kids want to:

• voltage
• Recognizable figures
• Structured story arcs

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Formats that use this not only stay in the ear, but become active Listened, Retold, recommended.

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🧒 Device selection = self-employment

2025 shows a A tie in device selection:

• 39.5% listen via mobile phone or tablet
• 39.5% via audio boxes such as Toniebox or Tigerbox

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What is important is: The child should be able to operate it himself.

That means:

• Clear user interface
• offline function
• Simple visual interface

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🎯 Audio is successful when it not only sounds good but also experienced independently can be.

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🧠 The thirst for knowledge grows — as long as it remains exciting

Knowledge formats are also being used more and more. The decisive factor is:

It is not the pure content that counts, but like It is packaged.

• Children like to listen to bits of knowledge, when they are embedded in stories
• For example, “Why does a train need electricity? ” or “What is an algorithm? “— tells of heroes in adventures

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conclusion: Knowledge transfer must playfully, episodic and emotive work.

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🎮 Participation encouraged: the new desire for interaction

A trend that was only hinted at in 2023 is clearly visible in 2025:
Children want to be part of the story.

examples:

• Quiz questions at the end of the episode
• Points for episodes listened to
• Decisions on how a story continues

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In combination with serial content A new format level is being created:
Audio becomes a game — without a screen.

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💬 Parents listen — and want control

This is also new compared to 2023:
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Parents are increasingly paying attention to:

• Reliability of content
• Freedom of advertising or transparent forms of advertising
• Curated platforms

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The willingness to pay is also increasing:

• 61% The parents surveyed would like to have child-friendly audio offerings Safety and quality pay.

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🔎 Conclusion: Audio is more of a world than a medium in 2025

What our new Kids & Audio study makes clear:

• Audio content is an integral part of everyday life — Not just in bed in the evening
• Format and accessibility are just as important as the content itself
• The demand for stories has increased: thrilling, Knowledge-rich, interactively

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For providers of children's content, platforms or brands related to families, this means:
who heard Will want, must Provide more than just sound.
It's about experence, responsibility — and about stories that grow with you.

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📢 Would you like to go deeper or talk to us about the application of the study?

Then get in touch — we're happy to help Real formats from insights to make.

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Frequently asked questions about the Children, Parents & Audio Study 2025:

1. How will children use audio content in everyday life in 2025?

Children today not only listen to audio content in the evening to fall asleep, but anywhere and anytime: when playing, traveling in the car or on the train, and together with the family. Audio is a flexible everyday companion became.

2nd Which content is particularly popular with children?

Adventure stories dominate — 84% of children listen to them regularly Decisive are Excitement, recognizable figures and structured actions, which invite you to continue listening and sharing.

3rd Which devices do children use to listen to audio?

2025 is the usage evenly distributed between Mobile phone/tablet (39.5%) and audio boxes such as Toniebox or Tigerbox (also 39.5%). Important here: Children want to be able to operate independently — with clear user guidance and offline mode.

4th What role does knowledge play in audio formats for children?

Knowledge formats are in demand — When they are attractively packaged. Kids like playful and episodic bits of knowledge, embedded in stories with heroes and adventures that arouse curiosity.

5th What do parents want from audio offerings for children?

Parents are paying more attention secure, ad-free, and curated content. Die Willingness to pay increasesif formats are of high quality and suitable for children — 61% would pay for corresponding offers.

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