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When we put our earbuds in and search for something to listen to, we almost always turn to Spotify, the most popular music streaming platform. Spotify constantly helps us discover new tunes to jam to. If none of your playlists emit the right vibe, try turning on some of the best crime podcasts on Spotify. Crime podcasts will stimulate your brain will giving you a little scare.
True crime podcasts have always been a popular listen. Still, with the rise of serial killer documentaries such as Netflix’s Dahmer-Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, more listeners are flocking to the genre every day. With the sheer number of podcasts available, it may feel overwhelming trying to pick your new favorite listen, but we have you covered. Here are the best crime podcasts on Spotify.
Spotify Spotlight: The Best Crime Podcasts on Spotify
1. Rotten Mango
Taking over the #1 spot on Spotify’s True Crime podcasts is Rotten Mango by Stephanie Soo and her mysterious co-host, Ramble. This is a true crime podcast that also features all things spooky. They make it a goal to not leave out any details of the stories they tell, no matter how dark. From crime stories to a deep look into murderers, Rotten Mango somehow makes listening to even the darkest of stories a little bit lighter.
2. Crime Junkie
While it’s no longer in the first place rank that it’s held for so long on Spotify, Crime Junkie still falls into a close second, which is amazing considering it’s been publishing since 2017. The podcast uploads weekly and the co-hosts Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat love all things crime-related; Prawat even worked for a PI for a while. Flowers, who has a crime thriller novel on the New York Times Best Seller List, and another she’s releasing next year, is the founder of audiochuck, an independent media and podcast production company, through which Crime Junkie is produced.
3. MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
The MrBallen Podcast is in the top list of true crime podcasts on Spotify for good reason. MrBallen has been highly successful in his crime storytelling on YouTube, where he has almost 10 million subscribers. He is know for his strategic and captivating storytelling skills. He’s since started Ballen Studios, a production and management company, has released a graphic novel, and recently did a live tour.
4. Morbid
Next up is Morbid, a Wondery podcast featuring true crime, spooky stories, and more. It’s hosted by Alaina Urquhart and Ash Kelley. Urquhart is an autopsy technician, holding degrees in criminal justice, psychology, and biology. This gives her a great insight into some of these stories. She’s also published a best-selling psychological thriller novel, The Butcher and The Wren. Kelley is the younger sister of Urquhart and shares her love for storytelling.
5. Serial Killers
The Spotify Studios podcast, Serial Killers, is definitely on the list of best crime podcasts. This show focuses on direct serial killers and murderers, featuring some of the darkest stories. They release new episodes every Monday and each one dives into the psychological mindset of killers and what makes them commit such violent acts.
6. Dateline NBC
You may already recognize Dateline NBC as the staple news series of mystery documentaries premiering since 1992. With its longstanding popularity on television, it’s no surprise that Dateline NBC is also one of the best crime podcasts on Spotify. The podcast debuted in 2019, with hosts and NBC journalists Josh Mankiewicz, Keith Morrison, and Andrea Canning. This true crime classic is a perfect place to start your journey into crime podcasts, especially as it often reports on ongoing investigations.
7. Park Predators
This true crime podcast focuses on the specific dark secrets within the most beautiful national parks and forests around the world. The niche show of Park Predators is hosted by Delia D’Ambra, an investigative journalist and park enthusiast. Here, you’ll find stories of true crime that you may already know or discover an unsolved mystery that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
8. Murder in America
The Murder in America podcast on Spotify focuses on state-by-state homicide cases across the United States. Co-hosts Courtney Shannon and Colin Browen post a new podcast episode every week, focusing on a case from a different state every time. The two love talking about everything true crime and Colin even has a YouTube channel, The Paranormal Files, where he investigates paranormal activity.
9. Murder, Mystery, and Makeup
As a professional makeup artist, Bailey Sarian may not seem like a crime lover, but it’s true. In her hit YouTube series Murder, Mystery, and Makeup (usually published on Mondays), Sarian does her makeup while talking about a true crime story for millions of viewers. The YouTube sensation is now available to listen to on Spotify, and it is just as successful there as it is on YouTube. Sarian has 7.48 Million subscribers on YouTube and over 100 episodes of her podcast. Though her bubbly personality doesn’t seem like it would fit with cold cases, we’re obsessed.
10. Last Podcast on the Left
The Last Podcast on the Left is a crime podcast on Spotify that tells bone-chilling stories of both real crime and cryptic theories. With the combined humor of hosts Marcus Parks, Ed Larson, and Henry Zebrowski, these dark tales are a bit easier to hear. The Last Podcast on the Left comes out with new episodes weekly and each one is worth the listen!
