Up First from NPR

Up First from NPR delivers the top headlines in under 15 minutes, making it the shortest daily news podcast in the top 10. It outperforms #5 The Daily for listeners seeking a faster briefing, with episodes averaging just 13 minutes compared to The Daily's 22. This efficiency has helped it secure #9, capturing an audience that values brevity without sacrificing depth. The show's concise format offers a 40% shorter listening time than the average news podcast, appealing to busy commuters. As a result, Up First maintains a loyal base of over 1 million weekly downloads, proving that in a crowded market, speed and clarity are key.