Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO (DOAC) is about to hit a milestone. Few predicted this when the podcast started in 2017. Recent reports say the British entrepreneur’s interview series is nearly as popular as The Joe Rogan Experience. It might soon be the biggest podcast on YouTube.
Joe Rogan has long led the podcasting scene. However, Bartlett’s recent growth metrics show that competition is tightening. The shift shows the rise of Diary of a CEO. It also highlights how podcast consumption is changing. YouTube is now a key platform for long-form content.
- Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO recorded 308 million YouTube views between March and June 2026.
- Joe Rogan’s YouTube channel generated 148 million views during the same period.
- Bartlett gained 2.8 million subscribers in four months, bringing the total to 18.5 million.
- Around 28% of YouTube views now come from AI-dubbed international versions.
- The podcast reaches 90–100 million monthly views and listens across platforms.
- AI localisation and YouTube growth are key drivers behind the podcast’s global expansion.
- The podcast is popular. However, it gets criticism for some health interviews and its editorial standards.
Steven Bartlett Is Closing the Gap on Joe Rogan
For years, Joe Rogan’s podcast has been regarded as the benchmark for long-form interviews. However, new audience figures indicate that Steven Bartlett’s podcast is growing at a much faster pace.
From March to June 2026, Diary of a CEO racked up about 308 million YouTube views. That’s over double the 148 million views for The Joe Rogan Experience in the same time frame.
The subscriber race is also tightening. Bartlett gained about 2.8 million new YouTube subscribers in four months. His channel now has 18.5 million subscribers. Meanwhile, Rogan’s YouTube audience stays around 21 million.
Rogan still leads in brand recognition and Spotify listeners. However, YouTube data shows that Bartlett is quickly becoming the top podcast creator on the platform.
Who Is Steven Bartlett?
Steven Bartlett is a British entrepreneur, investor, author, and podcast host known for co-founding the social media marketing company Social Chain. Over the years, he has built a reputation as one of the UK’s most influential young business figures, expanding his career beyond entrepreneurship into media, investing, and personal development content.
AI Dubbing Is Fueling Global Growth
One of the biggest reasons behind Diary of a CEO’s rapid expansion is its aggressive international strategy.
FlightStory, Bartlett’s media company, is not only targeting English speakers. It has heavily invested in AI-powered dubbing technology. Episodes are now in many languages. This lets viewers watch interviews in their native tongue. They can enjoy the speaker’s natural tone too.
Recent reports show that about 28% of the podcast’s YouTube views come from dubbed versions. Spanish and Russian audiences play a big role in this growth.
This approach has transformed Diary of a CEO from a successful British podcast into a truly global media brand.
More Than Just a Business Podcast
Steven Bartlett started as an entrepreneur, but Diary of a CEO has grown to include much more than just business interviews.
Today’s episodes explore subjects including:
- Mental health
- Human psychology
- Longevity and nutrition
- Artificial intelligence
- Relationships
- Leadership
- Investing
- Neuroscience
- Elite performance
- Personal development
This wide range of topics has drawn in listeners of all ages and careers. The podcast appeals to more than just startup founders and business leaders.
The show lasts one to three hours. This longer format lets guests explore ideas more deeply than in regular TV interviews.
Celebrity Guests Continue to Drive Engagement
A major factor behind the podcast’s popularity is its ability to secure globally recognised guests.
Over the years, Diary of a CEO has showcased a variety of guests. It includes CEOs, scientists, bestselling authors, Olympic athletes, actors, psychologists, and medical experts. Bartlett prefers deep talks over promotional interviews. He believes in discussing failure, success, health, and personal experiences.
Many episodes get millions of views long after they’re published. Short clips also spread on TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube Shorts.
This multi-platform strategy keeps individual interviews relevant, even after the full episode airs.
Building a Modern Media Empire
Steven Bartlett’s ambitions now extend far beyond podcasting.
After co-founding Social Chain, he expanded into venture capital, publishing, and media production. FlightStory manages creator businesses, makes premium content, and invests in digital storytelling.
Bartlett has boosted his presence in the U.S. by moving to Los Angeles. He also joined Shark Tank, which has raised his visibility with American audiences.
Industry analysts think this wider media ecosystem is speeding up the growth of Diary of a CEO. It’s evolving from a single podcast into a global content brand.
Growth Has Not Been Without Criticism
Despite its success, Diary of a CEO has also faced criticism.
Some media commentators and health experts have raised concerns about the podcast. They say it can oversimplify complex medical and wellness topics. It often lacks the needed challenge or context.
The show has faced criticism for its sponsorship transparency. It also includes interviews with controversial public figures.
Bartlett has always supported the podcast’s format. He believes its goal is to promote open conversations. It aims to show audiences various perspectives instead of giving clear answers.
As the show’s influence grows, so do expectations for editorial responsibility.
Can Diary of a CEO Really Become the World’s Biggest Podcast?
The answer depends on how “biggest” is measured.
Podcast rankings differ on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. They also change based on downloads, streams, and overall audience reach. Unlike traditional television ratings, there is no single global measurement system.
YouTube is now one of the fastest-growing platforms for podcasts. This growth picked up speed after Google started promoting video podcasts.
Diary of a CEO reaches about 90 to 100 million views and listens each month. It also has around 30 million followers on social media. This makes it one of the world’s top creator-led media brands.
If it keeps growing like this, Bartlett might soon pass Joe Rogan on YouTube. However, who leads in podcasts is still up for debate.
Why This Matters
Steven Bartlett’s rise reflects a larger shift in digital media.
Audiences increasingly prefer long-form conversations over short, scripted interviews. They expect podcasts in audio and video formats. They want them accessible on many devices and localised for international viewers.
Diary of a CEO shows that creator-led businesses can compete with traditional broadcasters. They do this by blending strong storytelling with technology and global reach.
AI dubbing, YouTube-first publishing, and data-driven content will become standard for new podcast creators.
Summary
Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO is emerging as one of the fastest-growing podcasts in the world. The show is challenging Joe Rogan’s long-held dominance. It has millions of YouTube views, AI-driven language growth, and celebrity interviews. Its diverse media strategy also plays a key role. The term “world’s biggest podcast” can mean different things. Still, Bartlett’s quick rise shows a big change in the global podcast scene.
FAQs
Is Diary of a CEO bigger than Joe Rogan’s podcast?
Not overall. Recent YouTube data shows that Diary of a CEO is closing the gap fast. It might even surpass The Joe Rogan Experience if this growth keeps up.
Why is Steven Bartlett’s podcast growing so quickly?
High-profile guests and in-depth interviews boost its appeal. AI-powered multilingual dubbing helps reach a wider audience. Strong distribution on YouTube and social media fuels growth.
What is FlightStory?
FlightStory is Steven Bartlett’s media company. It creates content, supports creators, and helps grow Diary of a CEO internationally.
How many people watch Diary of a CEO each month?
Industry estimates show the podcast gets around 90 to 100 million views and listens each month on audio and video platforms.
Why is AI dubbing important?
AI dubbing lets viewers enjoy interviews in their own language. This helps creators connect with global audiences without needing to make different recordings.
Sources & References
- The Times (Primary Source) – Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO set to topple world’s No. 1 podcast
- The Diary of a CEO – Official Website (Podcast information and show details)
- Apple Podcasts – The Diary of a CEO (Podcast profile and episode listings)
- Spotify – The Diary of a CEO
- Steven Bartlett Official Website
- Social Blade
- The Diary of a CEO –YouTube
