Apple Podcasts has revealed its highly anticipated end-of-year wrap-up for 2024, showcasing the most successful podcasts of the year. Topping the charts is none other than The Diary of a CEO, hosted by Steven Bartlett. The podcast, celebrated for its candid, thought-provoking conversations with some of the world’s most influential figures, has solidified its position as a cultural and business phenomenon.
Dominating the Rankings
The Diary of a CEO was crowned the UK’s most popular podcast of 2024, surpassing strong competitors such as The Rest is Politics, which claimed the second spot, and The Rest is History, which placed third. Steven Bartlett’s show didn’t just secure the top spot overall—it also achieved remarkable feats with individual episodes.
The episode featuring entertainment mogul Simon Cowell was the most downloaded podcast episode of the year, resonating deeply with listeners for its raw, behind-the-scenes insights into Cowell’s extraordinary career and personal challenges. Additionally, the same episode became the most shared podcast episode of 2024, as audiences across the UK and beyond spread its compelling message of resilience and reinvention.
Flight Story Soars: The UK’s Leading Independent Podcast Network
The success of The Diary of a CEO is just one highlight in what has been a milestone year for Steven Bartlett’s media company, Flight Story. In Apple Podcasts’ rankings of podcast networks, Flight Story achieved an impressive third place, trailing only global heavyweights BBC and Wondery. This achievement cements Flight Story’s position as the UK’s largest independent podcast network.
Founded by Bartlett, Flight Story’s rapid ascent reflects its dedication to producing high-quality, engaging content. With multiple successful shows under its belt, the company has become a powerhouse in podcasting, consistently pushing creative boundaries and capturing diverse audiences. This accomplishment underscores the growing influence of independent media in an industry traditionally dominated by established giants.
Why The Diary of a CEO Resonates
Steven Bartlett’s unique ability to connect with guests and listeners alike has been key to the podcast’s enduring success. Known for his empathetic interviewing style and deep curiosity, Bartlett draws out stories that are as relatable as they are inspiring. From business leaders and entertainers to athletes and thinkers, his guests share unfiltered insights into their failures, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way.
Listeners describe the podcast as both educational and transformative, offering practical advice and emotional depth in equal measure. This winning formula has cultivated a fiercely loyal audience and made The Diary of a CEO a staple for anyone seeking inspiration, personal growth, or an honest look at the human side of success.
A Record-Breaking Year
2024 has been a year of record-breaking achievements for The Diary of a CEO and Flight Story. Highlights include:
• #1 UK Podcast: Crowned the most popular podcast of 2024 by Apple Podcasts.
• Most Downloaded Episode: Simon Cowell’s episode topped the charts.
• Most Shared Episode: The same Simon Cowell feature dominated social sharing metrics.
• Flight Story’s Rise: Ranked as the UK’s biggest independent podcast network and third overall.
Key stats about The Diary Of A CEO
- The Diary Of A CEO has been downloaded / viewed over 1 billion times!
- The Diary Of A CEO does 50 million downloads / views per month
- The Diary Of A CEO does roughly 3 million downloads per episode
- The Diary Of A CEO is the fastest growing YouTube Podcast in the world
- In 2023 Spotify announced that The Diary Of A CEO was one of the Top 10 biggest shows on their platform globally
Myth busting
- The Diary Of A CEO has never paid any guest to appear on the show.
- The Diary Of A CEO is recorded in London, New York and Los Angeles in FlightStory Studios
- The Diary Of A CEO is hosted and produced by Steven Bartlett an acclaimed British entrepreneur
What’s Next for Steven Bartlett and Flight Story?
With The Diary of a CEO reaching new heights, Steven Bartlett shows no signs of slowing down. His commitment to experimentation and innovation, core values of Flight Story, promises an exciting future for the company. New shows, bold concepts, and continued growth are all on the horizon as Bartlett and his team aim to redefine podcasting in the UK and beyond.
Conclusion
The success of The Diary of a CEO and Flight Story in 2024 is a testament to the power of authenticity and innovation. As audiences crave deeper, more meaningful content, Bartlett’s ability to deliver conversations that resonate has set a new standard for podcasting. The UK’s podcasting scene is stronger than ever, with independent creators like Flight Story leading the charge into an exciting new era.