
- Sponsorships. Sponsorships are the most common way podcasters make money. This is when the podcast promotes the sponsor during the show.
- Direct support including premium content. Direct support is when you simply ask your fans to send you money to support your show. ...
- Affiliate sales. Affiliate sales are similar to sponsorships, but instead of getting paid by the download, you get paid based on what you sell for another company.
- Complementary products. The fourth common way to monetize a podcast is to sell complementary products. This might include merchandise, courses, consulting services, books, or access to live events.
- Sponsorships. Sponsorships are the most common way podcasters make money. ...
- Direct support including premium content. Direct support is when you simply ask your fans to send you money to support your show. ...
- Affiliate sales. ...
- Complementary products.
What to do when your podcast Make Money?
How Do Podcasts Make Money?: 10 Ways to Monetize
- 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.
- Provide Services. Providing various services is also possible through podcasts. ...
- Sponsors and Advertising. ...
- Consulting. ...
- Crowdfunding. ...
- Premium Content. ...
- Events. ...
- Merchandise. ...
- Books. ...
- Public Speaking. ...
How many people do you need to start a podcast?
How to Start a Podcast: Every Single Step for 2021
- What's Your Podcast For? So firstly, why do you want to make a podcast? ...
- Who is Your Podcast For? So first day, get the big question in: Who are you making this podcast for? ...
- Give Them a Reason to Listen Whether you're providing information that will help someone to lose weight (in the case of our personal trainer), or doing a really entertaining ...
How many listeners does a podcast need to make money?
If your new episode gets, within 7 days of its release:
- more than 26 downloads, you're in the top 50% of podcasts.
- more than 72 downloads, you're in the top 25% of podcasts.
- more than 231 downloads, you're in the top 10% of podcasts.
- more than 539 downloads, you're in the top 5% of podcasts.
- more than 3062 downloads, you're in the top 1% of podcasts.
Can you really make money podcasting?
Yet, despite what many claim, it's absolutely possible to make money with a podcast. Plenty of show-runners are making a living doing that, right now. Others are happy to bring in enough to cover their hosting costs, or pay for a takeaway every few weeks.

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.
Can you make good money with a podcast?
Do podcasts make money? Of course they do! Big names are getting large amounts of listeners and large amounts of ad revenue in return. According to AdvertiseCast, average 30-second CPM (cost per 1K listeners) rates are $18, while 60-second CPMs are $25.
How do you start a podcast and make money?
Steps to Start a PodcastDecide why you want to start a podcast.Choose a podcast topic, theme, and name.Select a podcast format and structure.Create podcast branding.Set up your podcast equipment.Find the best podcast recording software.Prepare for your first few podcast episodes.More items...•
How many streams do you need on a podcast to make money?
10,000 listeners per episode allow you to make money with podcasting ads.
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.
Do podcasts on Spotify make money?
Commissions From Affiliate Marketing: Affiliate marketing is another primary avenue for earning money on Spotify podcasts. You quote a unique link in your podcast through which your listeners can purchase products. The seller pays you commissions on purchases customers make through your link.
How much does it cost to put a podcast on Spotify?
Podcasters will be able to select one of three price tiers for subscriptions through Spotify: $2.99, $4.99 or $7.99 per month. “We felt like rather than put the burden on creators [to set pricing], we should make a recommendation on what we feel are strong price points,” said Mignano.
How long does it take for a podcast to make money?
Relying on the experience of Marc Clair, a podcast host, and producer, it may take as long as 18 months before you start seeing results. That's if you produce a show weekly. In his words, things can be faster than stated if you have luck, a marketing budget, and irresistible content.
What makes a podcast successful?
A podcast with focus is going to be much easier for potential listeners to understand. You might think a wide appeal will get a wider audience but more often a narrow appeal means there's less likelihood others are doing the same thing. And the listeners you get will be very excited to find you.
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.
Is my podcast successful?
Download numbers are one of the most obvious metrics for measuring the success of your podcast. Download stats are immediately accessible to you, from the minute you launch your first episode. Watching the numbers climb can be rewarding. Some might even say addictive.
How much money do you need to start a podcast?
A good podcast microphone can be purchased for around $100. If you’re not planning on doing too much mixing, you can use free audio editing softw...
How much money can you make from a podcast?
The amount of money you make from a podcast can vary greatly, depending on the size of your audience, the number of monetization channels you have,...
How do people make money from podcasts?
The best way for new podcasters to make money is to use different monetization methods, which can run in the background while you work on building...
Can you make money podcasting on YouTube?
Yes, but it’s best to diversify and make your podcast available on other platforms in order to expand the scope of your attainable audience. That b...
What equipment do you need to make money podcasting?
Podcasting requires microphones for each podcaster and audio-editing software to edit and export your podcast. You may also benefit from a conferen...
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 much money did Joe Rogan make from his podcast?
According to Forbes, the stand-up comic earned $30 million from his show in 2019. But this wasn’t an overnight success story.
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!
Why is affiliate marketing important for podcasts?
Affiliate marketing is a smart place to start for new podcasters because you don’t have to pitch anyone or set up deals with a sponsor. You just have to sign up with a company who runs a program.
How many affiliate offers does Jenna have?
Jenna only shares five affiliate offers with her audience over the course of a year. They just happen to be products that she loves—that is the key to affiliate marketing. (Just make sure you disclose any affiliate links with your audience. For legal reasons and to make sure you’re building trust with your listeners!)
What do content creators worry about?
Many content creators worry about feeling sales-y or bugging their audience members. We’ve all been there. Don’t worry, if you focus on sharing incredible content with your people, you’ll naturally open the door to recommending your own products.
Do you have to sell on the show?
You don’t have to sell directly on the show . If you’re a service provider, you can offer a free 15-minute consultation where people can book a call with you. Just make sure to set up a special link so that you can track who comes in from your show!
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 much will podcasts make in 2024?
Advertising revenue for podcasts is expected to surpass $1.6 billion in 2024. There’s no lack of ways to make money doing podcasts. Various ways include affiliate marketing, sponsorship, ad placements, merchandise, eBooks, online courses, membership, and premium content.
Why do people listen to podcasts?
People can listen to podcasts while they are driving, exercising, or doing other tasks because all you need are your ears to engage. YouTube and Netflix require both ears and eyes to be attentive. Twitter, Facebook, and blogs all require eyes to read tweets, posts, and articles.
What are some of the most popular podcast topics?
Some of the most common and popular podcast topics include: True Crime. Comedy. News. Current Affairs and Politic s. Commentary on Shows and Movies.
Why do people want to buy merchandise with their podcast logo?
Your fans will want to purchase merchandise with your podcast’s logo because they’ve fallen for your podcast. Merchandising usually works best for the podcasts that’re able to build a community out of their listener base.
What is the branding of a podcast?
Branding is about creating your podcast style, visual style, cover art, tagline, logo, and intro/outro to add that professional feel to your podcasts.
Does NordVPN sponsor podcasts?
For example, NordVPN sponsors podcasts, YouTube videos, and blogs. In sponsored podcasts, the hosts are required to advertise NordVPN and as an incentive, the followers of the channel or podcast can use a special link to receive exclusive discounts and promotion offers that would otherwise not be available to them.
Can you sell ebooks on podcasts?
If you have a podcast that is academic or technical in nature then you can offer your own ebooks or you can even deliver books to your followers.
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.
What happens when you record a podcast?
When recording a podcast for a long time, ultimately, you will become a proficient speaker. Leverage those skills and become a professional speaker that gets invited to host conferences and events.
Is Kickstarter good for podcasts?
Kickstarter can be a great way to open a new chapter in your podcasting business career. When going to Kickstarter, I recommend you to have a prototype of a product you want to launch and a good idea of how you are going to deliver it to final consumers.
Is podcasting a good way to market your business?
Podcasting is obviously a great way to market your physical business. So why not reverse engineer that model and start with a podcast discussing a range of products and then after gathering following launching a physical store where you can offer your products and services.
Is a podcast a marketing channel?
A podcast can be both a product and a marketing channel. Once you complete your journey of creating a show, having a website, mailing list, monetizing, etc. you should be quite knowledgeable about online marketing and engaging online audiences.
Is podcasting a priority?
Podcasting is currently on the rise so diversification of assets and sources of income is not a top priority for creators. But it should be in the long run especially if you currently are working in a small niche and are heavily dependent on one source of income.
Is a podcast a valuable asset?
A podcast can be a very valuable asset. If you structure it correctly and build a community around problems and solutions, you may decide to sell that podcast later to a new owner. This way of monetizing has been extremely popular with blogs and even YouTube channels.
Benefits of Making Money From Your Podcast
Podcasting can bring you tons of benefits. For instance, it can help you find your voice, establish a community and so much more.
When Can You Start Making Money From Your Podcast?
If you have around 10 people listening to your podcast, you probably won’t earn much. So when is the ideal time to start making money from your podcast?
What Niches Are Best to Make Money From Podcasting?
Any niche can make money from their podcast, but some are easier than others. Usually, the best niches are the ones that are around topics where people struggle a lot.
Final Thoughts
Starting your own podcast can be a lucrative opportunity to make a ton of money without putting a lot of work into it.
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.
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.
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.
How long should a podcast be?
Most podcast experts agree that 20-45 minutes is an ideal show length. Some podcasters post daily, while most posts weekly. However, you can post monthly if that’s what it takes to produce a solid show full of value for your audience.
Why is podcasting important?
Podcasting is an excellent option if you create a product or service targeted to your podcast listeners. For example, if you have a bookkeeping service, you can have a podcast on bookkeeping secrets for small business owners. You can use the show to share tips, but also, share your expertise and services.
What to do before recording a show?
Before you record your first real show, have a test run to learn how to use your equipment and software, and fix your glitches. For example, make sure your recorder is actually recording your Skype call. You don’t want to interview someone only to discover the call wasn’t recorded.
How much time do you need to advertise a show?
You’ll need to have developed a show with a good number of listeners before you can offer to advertise, but once you do, you can sell 20 to 30 seconds of time for other offers. You can also have these ads on your website with the episode of the show.
Can I edit podcasts on Garageband?
A long time, affordable (as in free) option for podcast editing has been Audacity. Mac users have Garageband standards on their machines. There are other audio editing options as well, but you’ll want to find one that allows you to fix sound issues, cut segments, and add elements (i.e. your intro and outro). Another option is to outsource audio editing. If you’re doing a videocast, you’ll want the same elements except it should edit video.
Do you want to read a podcast?
The most interesting podcasts are conversational in nature. So while you may want a script to stay focused and avoid rambling, you don’t want to read your show. If you’ll be interviewing a guest, get or share questions in advance so you both know what’s going to be covered.
Is podcasting a business?
Podcasting is a fun and affordable way to promote your business, connect with influencers, and tout your expertise. Or you can start a podcast as a home business. The challenge for many who are interested in starting a profitable podcast is that technical know-how and logistics can seem overwhelming. While there is a lot to plan and do ...

Affiliate Marketing
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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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 …
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.
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…