Podcast FAQ

how do you make money off a podcast

by Anais Barrows III Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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4 Ways to Make Money From Your Podcast

  1. Affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing is essentially getting paid to refer listeners to another company’s product.
  2. Sponsorships. Popular podcasts will draw the attention of advertisers that will pay you to plug their products in ads...
  3. Donations. Get financial support directly from your listeners through one-time and...

Sponsorships are the most common way podcasters make money. This is when the podcast promotes the sponsor during the show. You probably hear your favorite shows plug their advertisers a few times in every episode. How much you earn from a sponsor depends on the number of downloads your episodes earn.

Full Answer

How can you monetize your podcast?

Ways to Monetize a Podcast

  1. Traditional Advertising and Sponsorships. This is by far the easiest method of monetizing a podcast because it requires minimal effort on your part.
  2. Join an advertising network. If you feel daunted by the idea of finding your own sponsor for your podcast, then you might prefer the idea of enlisting the services ...
  3. Sell Subscriptions To Your Podcast. ...

More items...

What to do when your podcast Make Money?

How Do Podcasts Make Money?: 10 Ways to Monetize

  1. Offer Courses. Offering educational courses or something to do with your passion and hobby is one of the best and topmost ways to make money from podcasts.
  2. Provide Services. Providing various services is also possible through podcasts. ...
  3. Sponsors and Advertising. ...
  4. Consulting. ...
  5. Crowdfunding. ...
  6. Premium Content. ...
  7. Events. ...
  8. Merchandise. ...
  9. Books. ...
  10. Public Speaking. ...

How to make more money from your channel or podcast?

Course Summary

  • 38 in-depth lessons
  • 36 video tutorials
  • 2 text guides
  • 2 action-prompting tasks
  • 47.35 minutes of video tutorials

How to monetize your podcast effectively?

TIPS FOR RUNNINING A GREAT PODCAST

  • Provide clear direction on subscription. ...
  • Send link email following guest interview. ...
  • Give something in exchange for reviews. ...
  • Get the best of ‘New and Noteworthy’. ...
  • Use CommentCast. ...
  • Prepare attractive artwork. ...
  • Read negative reviews of competitors. ...
  • Include several segments. ...
  • Use a generic name. ...

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How much money can you make from a podcast?

As an estimate, if your podcast has about 10,000 downloads per episode, you can expect to make between $500 – $900 per episode in affiliate sales.

How many views do you need to make money on a podcast?

You usually need a larger audience of at least 5K or 10K listeners per month to work with them. One of the largest ad networks is Midroll, another popular network is Authentic, and many of the podcast hosting companies have their own networks as well.

Can you make good money with a podcast?

Sponsorships Popular podcasts will draw the attention of advertisers that will pay you to plug their products in ads that air during your show. (Sponsorships are one way people make money on TikTok, too.) Sponsors typically pay $18 to $25 for every thousand monthly downloads, also referred to as CPM.

Does Spotify pay you for podcasts?

Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts pay out for streams, but the payout tends to be very low. Podcast sponsorships are one way, but for new podcasts, the likelihood of finding a high-paying sponsorship is slim unless you're already a well-established figure.

Can you make a living off a podcast?

All you have to do is read your ads on your podcast recording according to your agreement. In fact, sponsorships are the most lucrative way to make money from your podcast. According to IAB and PwC, advertisers spent $678 million in 2019 and will spend more than a billion in 2020.

How much does it cost to start a podcast?

In fact, if you already have a computer and you're operating on a shoestring budget, you can record, edit, and launch a podcast for less than $200. On the other hand, if you want to use higher-end equipment, starting a podcast can cost a few thousand dollars.

How hard is it to start a podcast?

Starting a podcast isn't difficult, but there are a number of steps you'll need to go through in order to get it launched. In this podcasting tutorial, we'll walk you through every step of the process: Choosing a topic & name. Show and episode format.

How do I become a podcaster?

Table of ContentsChoose a Podcast Topic You Can Commit To.Pick Your Podcast Name.Write a Compelling Podcast Description.Decide on Your Podcast Format.Get Your Podcast Artwork and Music Created.Purchase Your Podcast Equipment and Test Your Podcasting Software.Choose Your Podcast Hosting Service.More items...

How to sell podcast ads?

There’s a lot of nuance to this, but you can sell ads on your podcast in three main ways: 1 Direct to brand: If you represent a podcast that meets a brand’s audience and demographic thresholds, you can sell ads on your show via preroll, midroll, or postroll advertisements directly to the brand based on a cost determined by both parties, which is usually represented on a CPM (cost per 1,000 downloads) model. These ads are usually product endorsements, direct response, and host-read. 2 Through an agency: Podcast advertising agencies operate either as an intermediary or broker for the brand, or as a marketplace. For example, agencies like Veritone One , Ad Results, or Havas Edge represent clients like LinkedIn , Noemie, and Embark. These agencies will vet the podcast and associated talent, and will plan a large, cohesive campaign on behalf of their clients. They have a very particular and specific way of purchasing ads, and usually plan quarterly. There are also podcast marketplaces such as Advertisecast that allow podcasters to list their shows and inventory for brands to browse and select. 3 Programmatic: One of the fastest growing segments in the podcast advertising marketplace is programmatic advertising, which you may recognize as non host-read ads that appear in podcasts. Brands will usually purchase programmatic space using audience demographics as opposed to selecting specific shows and genres. Some of the players in this field include Megaphone’s Targeted Marketplace , Art19, and Acast.

What is podcast advertising?

Through an agency: Podcast advertising agencies operate either as an intermediary or broker for the brand, or as a marketplace. For example, agencies like Veritone One , Ad Results, or Havas Edge represent clients like LinkedIn , Noemie, and Embark. These agencies will vet the podcast and associated talent, and will plan a large, cohesive campaign on behalf of their clients. They have a very particular and specific way of purchasing ads, and usually plan quarterly. There are also podcast marketplaces such as Advertisecast that allow podcasters to list their shows and inventory for brands to browse and select.

Is there a subscription for podcasts?

Subscriptions: Podcast subscriptions have sprung up in a few different forms in recent years, but are by no means new. It’s a simple enough concept – if you put your podcast behind a paywall, you’re typically transitioning from a free, ad-supported podcast to a subscription based service.

How much money can a podcast make?

According to Forbes, the stand-up comic earned $30 million from his show in 2019.

How much did podcast ads cost in 2018?

Ever listened to a show that took a quick break to run an ad? There’s a good reason. According to the Interactive Advertising Bureau, marketers spent $479 million on podcast ads in 2018.

How long will it take me to monetize my show?

The answer is… it depends. Before you can start making money from your podcast, you need to get in front of the right listeners first.

What do I do first?

The reality is, making money from a podcast in your first year is hard work but it’s entirely possible to build an profitable income. Podcasts are a powerful way to build your authority—and develop a deep connection with your audience.

Why are podcast listeners loyal?

Listeners are loyal. A lot of people play episodes while they’re driving somewhere, as they cook dinner at home, or when they hit the gym for a workout. In other words, podcast listeners are inviting you into their personal space. This builds instant rapport.

How many modules are there in podcast production school?

For those of you who are ready to skip the learning curve, we’ve got you covered! Our self-paced course, Podcast Production School, will walk you through the entire podcasting process with 6 comprehensive modules, plug-and-play templates, and in-depth tutorials.

Why do advertisers like to air spots on podcasts?

Sponsors and advertisers love to air spots on podcasts because they usually have highly engaged audiences. More than half of podcast audiences listen to a full episode of a show—and 41% of listeners will play through most of an episode. This means the majority of listeners will actually listen to an ad!

When do you start seeing earnings?

Much like other creative occupations, you won't start seeing earnings until your audience decides that you add value. As such, when your listener base grows, your opportunity to make money from your craft grows with it.

What is the best thing about advertising networks?

The best thing about advertising networks is that you have the opportunity to grow. When you first start out, you'll have little control over rates, but, as you gain popularity, you'll be able to charge more for advertising slots. Crowdfunding.

Is affiliate marketing good for podcasts?

The same goes for unique discount codes that people can use at checkout. All things considered, affiliate marketing is a great way to keep the money trickling in with minimal additional work.

Can podcasts be used for advertising?

You can also go down the route of podcast ad networks for your advertisements. Not only do they provide a solution to finding deals, but they also do a lot of the heavy lifting for you.

Can you ask for money for a podcast?

Asking your listeners for money may seem rather unusual, but if your podcast and personality are interesting and enjoyable, most people will happily donate a few dollars to keep the great content coming.

Can you get paid for doing what you love?

Nothing quite beats getting paid for doing what you love. The good news is that there are numerous proven strategies you can use to achieve this ultimate goal with your podcast. Whether it’s affiliate marketing, sponsorships and advertisements, crowdfunding or selling your very own custom merch, the opportunities are there to make a living off an enjoyable passion.

Do you charge for preroll ads on podcasts?

For instance, pre-roll ads will usually be charged at a lower price than mid-rolls. At the end of the day though, the rates will be subject to change and can increase alongside your listener base.

How do podcast hosts make money?

Podcast hosts can earn money through affiliate marketing, donations and selling their own merchandise.

What is a Patreon podcast?

Patreon is a popular platform for podcast hosts to solicit and maintain monthly memberships. You can also accept payments through PayPal or Stripe, adding a donation button right on your website.

What is affiliate marketing?

Affiliate marketing is essentially getting paid to refer listeners to another company’s product. Where do you find those partners? The most efficient way is to go through a network like Amazon, Buzzsprout or Podcorn.

Is disclosing that you earn money from your recommendations good practice?

Keeping your audience’s trust is crucial. So disclosing that you earn money from your recommendations is good practice.

Is podcasting a get rich quick scheme?

Podcasting is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Making money from the medium takes time. You need to build a loyal, engaged following willing to buy what you’re selling, literally and figuratively. Even then, earning a living from your show may prove an elusive goal.

Do sponsorships pay for potential business?

Unlike affiliate marketing, which pays you a commission for actual business, sponsorships essentially pay for potential business . There is, of course, the risk your listeners won’t be enticed to buy. That’s why advertisers are particular about which shows they invest in.

What to do if you haven't started a podcast?

If you have not started a podcast yet, choose a topic that has the potential of attracting a large listener base. You can do a quick search in an iTunes library to see if there is a demand for a topic you would choose for your podcast. If there is a demand for that niche, aim to create the best possible content for it.

What does "sponsored by" mean on podcasts?

These sponsors are advertisers that have paid to be mentioned on the show.

How much does Joe Rogan make?

Joe Rogan hosts an entertaining podcast that discusses trending topics and interviews public figures of interest. He is estimated to make about $30,000 per episode. With about 5 episodes per week produced, his estimated monthly podcast income is $600,000.

What is the most commonly sold affiliate product?

The amount of money you could earn depends on the product. The most commonly sold affiliate products are Amazon products.

Is podcasting equipment expensive?

If there are few search results, there isn’t much demand – so you have little chance of growing to a point of earning an impressive income. Podcasting equipment can be costly. Not everyone has the ability to invest into podcasting equipment.

1. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based form of marketing where a business offers rewards to affiliates who are able to successfully bring customers to them. Affiliate marketing is a great way for any creator to monetize their content.

2. Sell custom merchandise to fans

Give your fans the opportunity to show their support for your podcast by selling custom merchandise like t-shirts, stickers, posters, mugs, tote bags, journals, and more.

3. Offer tiered memberships through Patreon

Patreon is a very popular platform for monetizing podcasts because it allows fans (called “patrons”) to offer support in regular monthly payments. Creators can sort subscription options into different “tiers,” with each tier receiving different benefits.

4. Host live podcasts and collect tips

Hosting a live in-person event can be a great way to make extra money as a podcaster, but finding gigs is tricky for new podcasts. Live venues may allow you to perform, but unless your podcast is big enough to bring a lot of business, they’re less likely to pay you to perform.

5. Write and self-publish a book for your fans

Like authors, podcast hosts are typically viewed as being a voice of authority on a particular subject, making the transition from podcast host to writer almost seamless. Perhaps that’s why so many popular podcasts have been spun off into books written by their creators.

6. Join a podcast advertising network

A podcast advertising network is a platform that connects brands and podcasts that have a shared target audience, acting as liaisons for brands looking to advertise to podcast listeners.

Podcasts make money when they have multiple income streams

The most profitable independent podcasts use multiple revenue streams to create a steady flow of income as they focus their attention on growing their audience.

How long does it take to monetize a podcast?

Around three months is typically what we recommend before monetizing or looking for podcast sponsorships.

What is the best thing about podcasts?

The best thing about podcasts is their ease of consumption. Podcasts are perfect for people who are always on the go and those who don’t have time to watch TV.

Why do podcasters create online courses?

Many podcasters create their online courses to teach their podcast audience something new.

Why is podcasting important?

Podcasting can bring you tons of benefits. For instance, it can help you find your voice, establish a community and so much more.

Why are podcasts good?

Podcasts are a great way to make passive income, achieve financial freedom and help other people improve their lives.

What is the most important thing to do when you become a podcaster?

When you become a podcaster, one of the most important things to do is find sponsors. It can be challenging and time-consuming, but it’s definitely worth doing because it makes up most of your podcast income.

What is the second thing to consider when making money?

The second thing we need to consider is your audience size. The bigger the number, the more money you’ll make.

What is monetization strategy for podcasts?

Essentially, podcast monetization strategies can be divided into two categories: direct and indirect. Direct monetization involves the selling of your podcast itself — we’ll explain how you can do this. By contrast, indirect monetization involves using your podcast as the means to sell other things. Regardless of your monetization strategies, just remember that your primary responsibility is to your audience. If you don’t cater to them and keep them entertained before all else, no monetization strategy is going to be worth the effort.

How many listeners does a podcast have?

Colin Gray of thepodcasthost.com writes that sponsorship agencies tend to require that a podcast has 3000-5000 listeners per episode before taking them on, but that it’s possible to earn decent sponsorship income with 1000-2000 listeners per episode, particularly if you have a devoted niche audience.

Is it hard to monetize a podcast?

However, even if you have a solid idea for a podcast and begin to build an audience, monetizing a podcast can prove difficult. Monetizing a podcast to the point where you stand to earn a life-sustaining amount of money is even more difficult.

Is there a monetization formula for podcasts?

No two podcasts are the same , so there isn’t any particular monetization formula that will work equally well for all podcasters. This means that, once you’ve built an audience, you’ll have to experiment with different monetization methods before you find the right mix of techniques.

Is there a way to advertise on podcasts?

Affiliate marketing is all the rage these days, but there’s still room for “regular” marketing and advertising to supplement your podcasting revenue. Look into the various podcast ad networks out there — these networks can connect you to advertisers and will take care of the details for you, though you’ll need a sizable audience to get their business.

Can you leave podcasts outside of paywall?

Now, you can experiment with your free-content-to-paid-content ratio, but it’s generally a good idea to leave a portion of your podcast episodes outside your paywall to attract more casual listeners.

Can you sell consulting services on podcasts?

You can also offer paid access to such things as online courses, exclusive interviews, and other content that leverages demand for your product (that would be you). You can even sell your consulting services if your podcast touches on a subject with which you have considerable expertise.

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Affiliate Marketing

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Affiliate marketing or performance marketing is where you get a commission when you refer people to other companies. You will typically earn money when someone makes a purchase. Affiliate marketing works best when you promote products or services that you use or are familiar with, so you can authentically promote them. …
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Courses

  • Many popular podcasters create their own online courses to teach similar content to what they talk about on their podcast. Online coursesare a great way to teach something in an easy-to-follow way where someone can get a specific result once they’ve completed it. It helps to have an email list so you can let your audience know about your course both on your podcast and throug…
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Services

  • You can offer services that tie in with the content on your podcast. I used to analyze and critique online ads on a podcast and the service I offered was Google AdWords and Facebook Ads management. By showing that I knew what I was an expert on the topic, people knew that they would get expert-level ad management. This made it much easier to get clients without having t…
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Coaching & Consulting

  • Coaching & Consulting is somewhat similar to offering a service, but you usually don’t do the work for them. Instead, you help or guide them on how to improve. Common industries that have a lot of consultants and coaches are fitness, diet, business, and teaching, but I’m sure there are consultants in every industry.
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Crowdfunding & Donations

  • You can ask for donations to help support you and your podcast. More entertainment-focused podcasts would be a good fit to monetize in this way. A common platform for accepting donations is Patreon. They make it really easy to offer additional content or bonuses depending on the amount of money people support you with. They even give you the ability to have a separ…
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Premium Content

  • Premium content can really be anything you want, but some of the common ways podcasters offer premium content are with: 1. Additional interviews 2. Behind-the-scenes content 3. Ad-free RSS feed 4. Early-access RSS feed 5. Q&A with the hosts Have fun coming up unique ways to deliver additional value to your community for a few dollars per month. The Daily Wireis a podca…
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Events

  • Hosting events is not only a great way to make money, but bring together your best fans and bring them even more value. One example I heard of from Pat Flynn was the Walker Stalkerconference. It was started by a podcast that talked about The Walking Dead TV show. They do events all over the world and even get the actors involved. That sounds awesome! Another example from Sam …
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Physical Products

  • Physical products are things like t-shirts, mugs, and other swag. The Generation Why Podcast offers a ton of different products, plus premium content, and a very active Patreon page. You can use a site like Teespringto make sure you get enough sales before they get printed – that way you don’t get stuck with a bunch of products.
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Books

  • Leveraging a popular podcast into book sales is another excellent way to make money and increase your authority. You can use your podcast audience to get those initial sales and reviews that will help your book stand out too. Two examples that I’m familiar with (and have purchased) are: 1. Pat Flynn wrote the WSJ bestseller Will It Fly? 2. Chris Ducker recently came out with Ris…
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