The Most Popular True Crime Podcast, Ranked

Choose the true crime podcast you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 10, 2024 06:53
True crime podcasts have surged in popularity, captivating listeners with their intriguing narratives and in-depth analysis of real criminal cases. With a growing number of shows diving into mysterious and often chilling stories, it can be overwhelming to choose which podcast to listen to next. A ranked list based on listener votes helps to highlight the most engaging and well-regarded series, guiding enthusiasts to high-quality content reflective of broader audience approval. By participating in the voting process, users contribute to a dynamic and current assessment of what resonates most within the true crime community. This communal approach not only ensures that the top picks are regularly updated according to public opinion but also empowers listeners to influence the ranking. Moreover, this interactive aspect fosters a sense of connection among the audience, as they see their individual preferences impact the broader collective taste.

What Is the Most Popular True Crime Podcast?

  1. 1
    28
    votes
    This podcast is considered the most popular true crime podcast, as it was the first to popularize the genre. It focuses on one story per season, with the first season delving into the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee and the subsequent trial of Adnan Syed.
    Serial is a highly acclaimed podcast that tells gripping true crime stories in a serialized format. Each season follows a single story, delving deep into the investigation and shedding light on compelling characters and complex narratives. With its immersive storytelling and thought-provoking exploration of the criminal justice system, Serial has become one of the most addicting and influential podcasts of all time.
    • Genre: True Crime
    • Format: Serialized
    • Episodes: Varies per season
    • Average Episode Length: Approximately 45-60 minutes
    • Release Date: October 3, 2014
  2. 2
    53
    votes
    Hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, this podcast is a comedic take on true crime stories. The hosts discuss famous and lesser-known murders, and their witty banter has gained a large following.
    My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast where hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark share and discuss their favorite murder cases in a lighthearted and humorous way. The podcast combines storytelling, comedy, and true crime to create an engaging and addictive listening experience.
    • Genre: True crime comedy
    • Format: Audio podcast
    • Language: English
    • Release Schedule: Weekly
    • Average Episode Length: 60-90 minutes
    My Favorite Murder in other rankings
  3. 3
    22
    votes

    Crime Junkie

    Ashley Flowers
    Hosted by Ashley Flowers, this podcast covers a variety of true crime cases, from missing persons to murders. The host's storytelling style and attention to detail have made it a fan favorite.
    Crime Junkie is a popular true crime podcast that delves into intriguing criminal cases and unsolved mysteries. Hosted by Ashley Flowers and produced by audiochuck, this podcast has gained a large following for its captivating storytelling and in-depth research. Each episode provides an in-depth look at different cases, covering details of the crimes, investigations, and key players involved. Crime Junkie keeps its listeners on the edge of their seats with its compelling narratives and dedication to seeking justice.
    • Genre: True Crime
    • Format: Podcast
    • Release Frequency: Weekly
    • Average Episode Length: 45-60 minutes
    • Debut Date: December 2017
    Crime Junkie in other rankings
  4. 4
    19
    votes

    Sword and Scale

    Mike Boudet
    This podcast covers some of the most gruesome and disturbing true crime cases, including serial killers, cults, and mass shootings. It is not for the faint of heart, but has gained a large following for its in-depth research and storytelling.
    Sword and Scale is a highly popular true crime podcast that delves into some of the most chilling and disturbing cases from around the world. With a focus on the darkest aspects of human nature, the podcast uses audio recordings, interviews, and storytelling techniques to provide a captivating narrative of each case.
    • Genre: True Crime
    • Format: Audio podcast
    • Release Frequency: Weekly
    • Length of Episodes: Approximately 1 to 2 hours
    • Narration Style: Single host
  5. 5
    11
    votes
    This Australian podcast covers lesser-known true crime cases from around the world. The host, who remains anonymous, delves deep into each case and presents it in a compelling way.
    Casefile is a true crime podcast that delves into real-life criminal cases from around the world. Each episode explores a different case, presenting detailed narratives that encompass the facts, evidence, and theories surrounding the crime. The podcast offers a mix of solved and unsolved cases, covering a wide range of criminal activities including murders, disappearances, and kidnappings. The episodes are well-researched and often include recordings of actual police interviews, witness testimonies, and audio from the trials. Casefile's gripping storytelling style and attention to detail have earned it a large and devoted following in the true crime genre.
    • Format: Podcast
    • Genre: True crime
    • Release Schedule: Weekly
    • Language: English
    • Episode Length: 60-120 minutes
  6. 6
    5
    votes
    Hosted by Nic and the Captain, this podcast covers both well-known and lesser-known true crime cases. The hosts have a casual style and often incorporate beer reviews into their episodes.
    True Crime Garage is a highly popular true crime podcast that dives deep into some of the most captivating and unsolved criminal cases. Each episode explores a different case with meticulous research and analysis, providing listeners with a compelling storytelling experience.
    • Launch Date: February 2015
    • Episodes: Over 300 episodes and counting
    • Episode Length: Average of 90 minutes
    • Format: Conversational style with a focus on case details
    • Case Coverage: Mix of both well-known and lesser-known cases
  7. 7
    12
    votes
    This podcast takes a unique approach to true crime, covering cases that are not necessarily murders. It covers white-collar crime, art heists, and other unusual cases.
    Criminal is a popular true crime podcast that explores stories of crime and the people involved in them. Each episode dives into a different case, ranging from mysterious disappearances to infamous heists, offering a unique and in-depth perspective on criminal activity.
    • Genre: True Crime
    • Format: Audio
    • Language: English
    • Release Schedule: Bi-weekly
    • Average Episode Length: 30-45 minutes
  8. 8
    4
    votes

    The Generation Why Podcast

    Aaron Habel and Justin Evans
    Hosted by Justin and Aaron, this podcast covers a variety of true crime cases, as well as other mysteries and conspiracy theories. The hosts have a conversational style and often present both sides of the story.
    The Generation Why Podcast is a popular true crime podcast that explores and discusses unsolved cases, murders, mysteries, and other criminal events. The podcast aims to delve into the psychology and motives behind these crimes, while also examining the evidence and theories surrounding each case. Hosted by Aaron Habel and Justin Evans, the show has gained a dedicated following for its in-depth analysis, engaging storytelling, and thought-provoking discussions.
    • Genre: True Crime
    • Format: Audio podcast
    • Release Schedule: Weekly
    • Episodes: Over 300 episodes
    • Length: Approximately 60 minutes per episode
  9. 9
    7
    votes

    Up and Vanished

    Payne Lindsey
    This podcast covers the disappearance of Tara Grinstead, a Georgia teacher and beauty queen who vanished in 2005. The host, Payne Lindsey, investigates the case and uncovers new information.
    Up and Vanished is a true crime podcast that explores cold cases and the stories behind them, as host Payne Lindsey dives deep into the mysterious disappearances of various individuals. Each season focuses on a different case, involving interviews with family members, investigators, and other relevant parties, attempting to shed light on the facts and potential leads. With its compelling narrative style and immersive storytelling, Up and Vanished has gained a large and dedicated following in the true crime podcast community.
    • Format: Podcast
    • Genre: True Crime
    • Host: Payne Lindsey
    • Seasons: Multiple
    • Release Schedule: Weekly
  10. 10
    10
    votes

    Dirty John

    Christopher Goffard
    This podcast tells the story of John Meehan, a man who posed as a doctor and swindled his way into the life of a wealthy Orange County woman. The podcast is now a television show and has gained a large following.
    Dirty John is a gripping crime podcast based on the true story of con artist John Meehan and his manipulation of Debra Newell, a successful businesswoman from Orange County, California. The podcast explores the twisted relationship between the two and the disastrous consequences that unfold.
    • Release Date: October 2, 2017
    • Genre: True Crime
    • Duration: Approximately 60 minutes per episode
    • Number of Episodes: 8
    • Format: Narrative storytelling with interviews and reenactments

Missing your favorite true crime podcast?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular true crime podcast

  1. Number of listeners and subscribers
    This is an obvious metric to consider. Podcasts with a high number of listeners and subscribers could be considered more popular than others.
  2. Ratings and reviews
    Review scores and ratings on platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts could be taken as an indicator of popularity.
  3. Critical acclaim
    Podcasts that have won awards or received praise from trusted sources in the podcast industry could be considered more popular.
  4. Social media following
    Podcasts with a large social media following could be considered more popular than those without.
  5. Brand recognition
    Podcasts that have built a strong brand and have a recognizable name or host may also be considered more popular.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular true crime podcast. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or true crime podcast is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2160 views
  • 171 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each true crime podcast once every 24 hours. The rank of each true crime podcast is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular true crime podcast

True crime podcasts have become a popular genre in the podcasting world, with many listeners tuning in to hear about real-life crime stories. These podcasts cover a wide range of topics, from unsolved mysteries to infamous criminal cases. The popularity of true crime podcasts can be attributed to the captivating storytelling and the fascination with the darker side of humanity. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which true crime podcasts are the most popular. At StrawPoll, we've gathered data from our community to determine the most popular true crime podcasts based on listener votes and rankings.

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