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Podcasts Surpass AM/FM, Instagram Launches a New App, and TikTok Acting as a Search Engine

by Colling Media - March 04, 2026

Podcasts Lead AM/FM Radio in Spoken-Word Listening

Podcasts have officially surpassed AM/FM radio in spoken-word listening for the first time. Edison Research reports podcasts captured 40% of spoken-word audio time in Q4 2025, edging out radio at 39%. Marketers should rebalance audio investments toward on-demand and host-read formats, where attention is intentional and targeting is sharper.

Instagram Launches a Google TV App

Instagram has launched a Google TV app centered on Reels, bringing short-form social video to the living room. The app supports multi-account access and easy sign-in, making shared viewing seamless. Paid social creative may now need to perform not just in-feed on mobile but also as lean-back CTV-style inventory on the biggest screen in the house.

Nearly Half of Consumers Use TikTok as a Search Engine

Adobe Express reports that 49% of US consumers now use TikTok as a search engine, up significantly in just two years. Small businesses are leaning in, with 38% using TikTok influencers for sales and promotions. Search strategy is no longer confined to Google, and marketers need to optimize for discovery inside social platforms where intent is forming earlier.

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