What if starting a podcast didn’t just boost your reach… but actually made you money too?
You’re probably not looking to become the next Joe Rogan. And honestly, you don’t have to be. You just want to know how do podcasts make money and if there’s a way for you to get in on it.
There is.
And after 400+ interviews, 100,000+ leads, and 3,000+ sales calls booked, I’ve tested just about every podcast monetization angle out there and seen what’s worth your time.
This guide breaks it all down: how podcasters make money podcasting, how much you can actually earn as a podcast host, and how to avoid the common mistakes that keep most podcast hosts wasting time with the wrong approach.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make podcasting work for you and how to use it to build something real.
Does a Podcast Make Money?
Yes. Podcasts absolutely do make money.
But not just from big-brand sponsors or seven-figure downloads.
The real opportunity? It’s in using podcasts strategically to grow your list, book sales calls, land high-ticket clients, and build authority in your space.
Some people host their own shows and turn podcast listeners into leads. Others get featured as guests on successful podcasts and walk away with clients.
I’ve done both.
And I can tell you, podcasting works as a revenue stream when you treat it like a business channel, not just a passion project.
The money’s there. You just need the right setup to monetize a podcast and reach it.
Can You Make Money from a Podcast?
Yes, you can make money from a podcast. But let’s set some real expectations.
Most people don’t make much from podcasting. That’s just the truth. Around 99% of podcasts aren’t profitable, and many never make it past episode seven.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t earn money once you start a podcast. It just means most people aren’t approaching it the right way.
You don’t need millions of downloads or a celebrity-sized audience. But you do need the right model, a consistent setup, and a reason for people to keep listening.
What percentage of podcasts make money?
It’s tough to say exactly what percentage of podcasts make money, but here’s what the data shows:
- Only about 7% of podcasts hit 5,000+ downloads per episode (the point where even small podcast ads become an option).
- Just 2% reach 20,000+ downloads, a range where consistent offers start showing up.
- A slim 1% break through with 37,000+ downloads, which is where real ad income starts managing itself.
At the same time, advertisers are pouring serious money into podcasting. The U.S. ad spend hit $1.4 billion in 2021 and is projected to top $2.55 billion in 2025, with global spend expected to reach $4.5 billion.
Crunching those numbers: only a small slice of creators tap into that spend, but there’s room for more.
With strong strategy and consistent content, you’re positioning yourself to earn from both ads and loyal listeners, not just luck.
How many listeners do you need to make money on a podcast?
For ad revenue, you usually need at least 5,000 downloads per episode to start seeing offers, and most podcast sponsorships kick in at around 20,000 to 40,000 downloads.
Here’s why it matters:
- The average CPM (cost per 1,000 downloads) was $21.37 in September 2024 for a 60-second ad, according to Libsyn.
- If you run two ads per episode and hit 5,000 downloads, that’s roughly $213 per episode.
- Run weekly? You’re looking at $850+ per month just from ads. And that’s before adding in affiliate offers, merch, or premium content.
How much money do average podcasts make?
The average podcast gets around 129 downloads per episode. That’s about $2.58 per ad if we’re using $20 CPM. So, not much.
But that’s not where most podcasts stop. Many creators supplement with:
- Patreon or fan support
- High-ticket offers
- Affiliate promotions
- Courses and coaching
- YouTube ad revenue
- Direct brand deals
And some are earning serious money. Platforms like Spotify for Podcasters have paid out over $100 million in Q1 2025, with creators like Kinda Funny Gamescast earning $10,000+ and We’re All Insane pulling $17,000 in a single month.
It’s not just about downloads. It’s about loyalty, consistency, and picking the right ways to make money podcasting for your brand.
What types of podcasts make money?
The types of podcasts that serve a specific audience with a clear problem, not just anyone with a mic and an opinion make money from podcasting.
Top monetizing categories include:
- Business and entrepreneurship: Great for coaching, consulting, and course sales.
- Health and fitness: High podcast advertising demand and loyal listeners.
- Personal finance and investing: Attracts high-paying sponsors and affiliate deals.
- Parenting, relationships, and self-help: Ideal for premium content and memberships.
- Technology and software: Strong CPMs and potential for B2B services.
These podcasts work well because they:
- Hit high-CPM niches (think $25+ CPM rates)
- Attract a niche, engaged audience
- Have natural upsells like coaching, products, or services
Entertainment-style podcasts (e.g., comedy or pop culture) can also make money, but usually need bigger numbers or a strong brand to pull it off.
How Do Podcasts Make Money?
Podcasts make money by combining smart podcast content with the right monetization setup. It’s not just about slapping ads on your episodes; you’ll need a strategy that fits your podcast audience and how they consume your content.
From paid podcast subscriptions and sponsorships to digital products and coaching, popular podcasts don’t rely on one income stream. They stack them.
If your goal is to start monetizing your podcast episodes and build something that pays, treat your podcast like a business. Know your numbers, grow your podcast and audience, and pick monetization tools for your podcast business plan that actually help you make money from your podcast.
How do podcasts make money directly?
Direct monetization means your listeners pay you, not a third-party platform or sponsor.
Here’s how any popular podcast can earn directly:
- Paid subscriptions via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Supercast.
- Merchandise or digital products sold on platforms like Gumroad or Podia.
- Live events and workshops, either virtual or in person.
- Courses or coaching tied to your podcast topic.
Diary of a CEO turned deep interviews into a $1.2 million/year brand, with most of it from direct sponsor deals and subscriptions, no middleman.
New podcasters with a niche audience can start charging sooner than those chasing mass appeal. The key? Deliver something so useful or entertaining that listeners are more likely to pay for more.
How to make money on podcasts
If you want to make money as a podcaster, here’s the starting point:
- Pick a niche that supports monetization (like business, finance, or fitness).
- Build an engaged audience, not just download spikes.
- Test income streams like post-roll ads, affiliate links, listener donations, products, or services.
- Use platforms that simplify the setup (like RedCircle, Patreon, or Spotify for Podcasters).
Even with 500 to 1,000 loyal listeners, podcasts can generate a way to earn money as long as your offer fits your audience.
How to make money with a podcast
Here are ten proven ways podcasters are making money with their podcast show right now:
- Sponsorships: Paid brand deals based on CPM or flat fees.
- Affiliate marketing: Promote tools or services with your referral link.
- Crowdfunding: Ongoing support via Patreon or Ko-fi.
- Digital products: Courses, checklists, templates, guides.
- Coaching or consulting: Sell your expertise.
- Paid communities: Offer a private Slack, Discord, or newsletter.
- YouTube monetization: Repurpose audio with video and earn ad revenue.
- Podcast networks: Join the best podcast platforms for monetization that plug ads into your show.
- Live events and virtual summits: Charge for access, replays, or upsells.
- Books and bundles: Package podcast insights into a sellable format.
Strategies to maximize the podcast revenue
You don’t need millions of downloads, you need the right mix of tactics. Here’s what actually works to maximize your podcast revenue:
- Stack income streams: Don’t rely on one method. Mix ads, products, and services.
- Use dynamic ad insertion: Platforms like RedCircle, Acast, and Buzzsprout let you swap in current ads any time.
- Track performance: Know your CPM, downloads, listener retention, and conversion rates so you can sell smarter.
- Repurpose content: Turn episodes into YouTube videos, blog posts, and social clips to reach new listeners (and more ad income).
- Monetize the back catalog: Don’t just focus on new episodes. Use old ones to drive sales, leads, or views.
Example: Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast increased watch time 30% and cashed in with Spotify’s ad and video monetization.
How do podcasts make money with popular advertising networks?
Podcast advertising networks connect podcasters with brands and handle ad placements for you. Most use CPM pricing, meaning you’re paid per 1,000 downloads. The higher your audience and engagement, the more you can earn money from your podcast.
Libsyn’s average CPM in September 2024 was $21.37, with government ($31), tech ($29), and health and fitness ($24) topping the charts.
Here are the main types of networks and what they offer:
Top networks for reach and brand deals
- Spotify Audience Network: Dynamic ads and brand access.
- iHeartPodcasts: Big reach and built-in sponsors.
- Wondery: Story-driven shows with premium brands.
- SiriusXM Podcast Network: Bundled ads across top shows.
- The New York Times: Great for news and narrative formats.
Networks that work well for independent shows
- RedCircle: Ads, subscriptions, and listener donations.
- Podbean Ads Marketplace: Set your CPM and get matched.
- Buzzsprout Ads: Easy automated placements.
- Spreaker: Monetize your podcast with no minimum audience.
- Acast: Full control with access to advertisers.
Specialized or niche-focused networks
- HubSpot Podcast Network: Ideal for business and marketing shows
- NPR: Educational and journalistic podcasts
- Earwolf: Comedy
- Blue Wire: Sports
- Maximum Fun: Fan-supported creative content
Each platform has different requirements. Bigger networks often want 10,000+ downloads per episode, while platforms like RedCircle and Spreaker accept smaller shows.
The key is to match your podcast niche and size to a network that can deliver consistent ad placements.
How Much Money Do Podcasts Make?
There’s no fixed number of how much money a podcast makes. Podcast income varies wildly based on your niche, audience size, and how you monetize. But here’s what the range looks like.
How much money do podcasts earn?
Most podcasts don’t earn anything until they hit 5,000+ downloads per episode. Even then, income is modest.
At a $20 CPM (cost per 1,000 downloads), here’s the quick math:
- 5,000 downloads = $100 per ad
- 2 ads per episode = $200
- Weekly publishing = $800/month
Stack that with coaching, affiliate links, or paid content, and earnings start to climb. But downloads alone don’t guarantee income; loyalty and monetization strategy do.
How much money can you make from a podcast?
There are podcasters earning thousands per month (even with small audiences) by combining income streams. Examples:
- Small shows using Ko-fi, affiliate links, or workshops often make $500-$3,000/month.
- Mid-size shows (20k+ downloads) can earn $4,000-$10,000/month through ads, digital products, and brand deals.
- Top-tier shows can clear $20,000-$100,000+ per month, especially when cutting out ad networks and selling direct.
The Ringer pulled in 420 million downloads in 2018 and made around $15 million in ad revenue that year.
How Much Money Do Podcasts Make on Spotify?
Spotify’s become a serious player in podcast payouts, but only if your show’s pulling numbers. In Q1 2025 alone, Spotify paid creators over $100 million, mostly through video, ads, and paid subs.
How do podcasts make money on Spotify?
Spotify offers three main ways for podcasters to make money.
- Spotify Subscriptions: Let fans pay monthly for exclusive content. To qualify, you’ll need at least two public episodes and 100 unique Spotify listeners in the past 60 days.
- Spotify Partner Program: Pays for ads and video views. You’ll need 12+ episodes, 10,000 listening hours in 30 days, and 2,000 unique listeners to join.
- Spotify Open Access: Connect platforms like Patreon or Supporting Cast so paid subscribers can unlock bonus content directly in Spotify.
- Video monetization: Eligible shows can earn from ad placements on video episodes streamed on Spotify. CPMs increase for highly engaged or niche audiences.
- Baked-in brand deals: You can still run your own ads in episodes, even if you’re not using Spotify’s ad tools. Great for sponsorships you book directly.
How Much Money Do Podcasts Make on YouTube?
Podcasts on YouTube can earn solid cash, especially with video. Top shows like Flow Podcast and Cerbero Podcast make between $600,000 and $1.2 million per year through YouTube alone.
How do podcasts make money on YouTube?
YouTube pays roughly $3,000 to $5,000 per million views. But ad revenue isn’t the only play. Here’s how podcasts make money on the platform:
- Ad revenue: YouTube pays around $0.003-$0.005 per view. If your podcast gets 500,000 monthly views, you could earn $1,500-$2,500.
- Sponsorships: Brands pay for shoutouts or placements in your episodes. Rates depend on your views and niche.
- Affiliate marketing: Drop referral links in your video description. You earn when someone clicks and buys.
- Memberships: Offer fans bonus content or perks for a monthly fee using YouTube Channel Memberships.
- Super Chats: If you livestream your show, viewers can tip during live chats or premieres.
- YouTube Premium: You get a cut when Premium users watch your content. No ads needed.
Want to get paid? Aim for high retention, good thumbnails, and consistent uploads. Podcasts with 1,000+ downloads per episode can pull in $150-$200/month just from YouTube ads.
How Do Podcasts Make Money on iTunes?
Apple is one of the biggest podcast directories that offers niche podcasts a way to monetize a podcast by selling subscriptions right on their platform. Join the Apple Podcasters Program, set your prices, and offer perks your listeners will pay for to start earning money.
- Paid subscriptions: Offer ad-free episodes, bonus content, early access, or subscriber-only shows.
- Flexible pricing: Set monthly or annual plans, and even offer free trials to get listeners hooked.
- Revenue share: You keep 70% of each subscription’s price at first, which increases your podcast earnings to 85% after a subscriber’s been with you for a year.
- Full control: Ads outside of subscriptions are 100% yours to keep.
- Easy setup: Sign up via Apple Podcasts Connect, upload subscriber-only audio protected by DRM, and add subscription benefits.
Apple handles payments and tech, so you just focus on making great content and getting paid directly through iTunes.
Examples of the Highest Earning Podcasts
Top-tier podcasts show what’s possible with the right audience and effective ways to make money with your podcasts. Here are some real-world numbers:
- Tim Ferriss: Around 500,000 downloads per episode, charging $60 CPM with 2 ads. That’s roughly $60,000 per episode or $3 million yearly.
- Joe Rogan: Estimated 1 million downloads per episode, 4 ads at $20 CPM. About $80,000 per episode, 3 episodes weekly, making multiple millions a year.
- John Lee Dumas: Makes over $100,000 monthly from daily episodes packed with ads and affiliate links.
- Jordan Harbinger: Runs 60+ ad slots monthly, earning $2 million+ a year.
- Steven Bartlett (Diary of a CEO): Built a $1.2 million/year podcast through direct brand deals, pulling in $100,000+ monthly.
Big networks like Wondery, The New York Times, and This American Life pull in millions every month from ads alone.
Speak Loud, Earn Well
Knowing the answer to the question, “How do podcasts make money?” helps you focus on what actually works.
Podcast income isn’t handed out randomly. It takes the right mix of audience, content, and smart monetization. Whether it’s ads, sponsorships, subscriptions, or selling your own products and services, your podcast can turn into a solid income stream.
Don’t wait for luck. Build your presence with a clear plan and keep testing what clicks with your listeners.
And if you want a leg up, create your free Talks Creator profile today. It’s the fastest way to connect with podcasts ready to feature you and start earning sooner.
Create Your Free Talks Creator Profile Now and get discovered by the right podcasts.
