New 2022 Smart Audio Report from NPR & Edison Research Shows Slowing Smart Speaker and Voice Assistant Adoption

NPR and Edison Research released its annual Smart Audio Report, showcasing voice technology trends in the US. The 2022 Report highlights the increased usage of voice technology, with 35% of Americans 18+ now owning a smart speaker. In 2022, 62% of Americans 18+ use a voice assistant on any device – smart speakers, smartphones, TV remotes, in-car systems, a computer/laptop, and tablets. While suggesting growth, the report also shows adoption and usage is stalling.

Parks Associates is predicting that headphones and earphones are likely to experience sales spikes with the world changing to Work at Home, Home Schooling, and Entertainment-In-Place. The company's research highlights the need for enhanced user experience to aid with device integration as audio market shifts from whole-room home theater systems to standalone connected devices. Podcast, music, and news consumption habits are also changing as a result of the current public health crisis with COVID-19.

Triton Digital, the digital audio technology and advertising company which continuously monitors user behavior and media consumption in the U.S., released new data around both AM/FM streams and station formats during the COVID-19 disruption, from March 6th through March 19th. Triton and Edison Research also recently published The Infinite Dial 2020 report identifying interesting trends in the use of smart speakers, voice assistants, streaming services and podcasts.

New data from the latest installment of The Smart Audio Report from NPR and Edison Research confirms that smart speaker adoption continues to grow in the U.S. with 60M adults A18+ (24% of the population) now owning a smart speaker. And with spoken word audio listening up 20% from 2014, cutting into time spent with music, it's clear the audio landscape is changing dramatically – driven by technology advancements and content preferences alike.