An independently created Australian children’s podcast is building a significant global audience, with Silly Stories for Kids recording 2.47 million listens and 1.373 million downloads in the past 30 days.
Created by Australian storyteller Sam Ramsden, the show has also generated more than 21.8 million listening minutes over the same period, with listeners increasingly from outside Australia.
Global growth led by North America
Audience data shows 52% of listeners are now based in United States and Canada, while 26% come from Australia and New Zealand, with a further 13% in the United Kingdom.
Image: Silly Stories for Kids
Recent analytics also show strong year-on-year growth. Monthly downloads rose by about 84%, increasing from 707,000 in January 2025 to more than 1.306 million in January 2026.
While major Australian podcast rankings often focus on network-backed productions, Silly Stories for Kids has largely grown through organic discovery and word-of-mouth among families.
The podcast has also been featured in a family listening list curated by Carsales, highlighting its growing place in family travel and screen-free listening habits.
Ramsden said the audience response reflects a simple demand for trusted storytelling.
“The growth of Silly Stories for Kids just shows that families are searching for creative, joy filled stories they can trust, enjoy together and share with their friends.”
Live shows and publishing expand the brand
The podcast is now extending beyond audio, with the launch of The Silly Stories Spectacular Live Show nationwide this year.
Image: Rare Air Agency
The tour opens with a six-show run at Sydney Comedy Festival in April, followed by dates in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide.
A previous Melbourne performance sold out within two hours and prompted an additional show.
The brand has also announced its first picture book, titled OK Let’s GO!, alongside a times-tables-themed album, EP, and additional character-led music releases.
Commercial partner Jeff Barnes said the growth reflects broader changes in how family entertainment is being built.
“What’s driving this isn’t just audience growth, it’s a shift in how family entertainment is being built,” Barnes said.
“Kids gravitate toward the stories they love, and when something captures their imagination, they return to it again and again. What Sam has created with Silly Stories for Kids shows how powerful, consistent storytelling can resonate with families around the world.”
High repeat listening strengthens engagement
The podcast is also seeing unusually strong repeat-listening metrics, with reported listen-through rates of about 98%.
A recent long-form Sydney special episode delivered 24,880 downloads and 75,105 listens, while the strongest single-day result so far came on 24 February, reaching 49,785 downloads.
On Yoto Player, the show generated 30.9 million listening minutes and 2.57 million plays over six months, ranking first among 112 podcast titles on the platform.
Commercial growth for the podcast is being supported by Rare Air Agency.
Top Image: Silly Stories for Kids