How to Make Money on a Podcast: 8 Ways to Start & Earn More in 2026

Think about it: You’re making a living with your voice. Sitting in front of the mic and sharing things that you’ve learned from experience. Engaging with audiences who need the exact things you’re saying.

This is the dream for a lot of coaches, entrepreneurs and experts when they launch their podcast. 

While podcasting is a good way to expand your reach and build authority, many people wonder if it’s a platform to make money podcasting as well.

This guide breaks down exactly how to make money on a podcast, the different revenue streams, and podcast monetization methods per streaming platform. 

This also answers the question of how much you can make from podcasting and what you can do to make your podcast profitable.

Whether you host your own podcast for the first time or you’ve been publishing your podcast for years, learning how to make money podcasting changes everything.

How to Make Money on a Podcast

Podcasting doesn’t have to remain a passion project. Turn your show into a profitable venture and successful podcast by understanding where the money from your podcast actually comes from.

Let’s break down how podcasts make money using major revenue streams and what each one requires.

Podcast advertising and sponsorships 

This is the most common podcast monetization method for established shows. Brands pay you to mention their products during episodes, typically charging based on CPM (cost per thousand downloads).

Podcast advertising networks can help connect you with sponsors to promote your podcast and maximize revenue.

• Pros: A pretty straightforward way to make money from your podcast through cash payouts once you hit minimum download thresholds (e.g., $15 for 1,000 downloads).
• Cons: Needs a significant audience size, may need a minimum download quota (typically 5,000 to 10,000 downloads per episode), and brands can control the messaging.

Affiliate marketing

You earn commissions by promoting products through unique links or codes. 

You mention a product you genuinely use or recommend, share your code, and earn a percentage when podcast listeners purchase. 

• Pros: No need for huge download numbers, better for beginners wanting to make money as a podcaster.
• Cons: Persuasive and influential marketing strategies to actually get people to purchase.

Premium content and subscriptions

A great way to monetize your podcast and earn predictable income is by offering bonus episodes, ad-free listening, or exclusive community access via platforms like Patreon or Ko-fi.

• Pros: Monetize immediately, no matter your audience size, as long as your listeners are highly engaged.
• Cons: Extra production time to create subscriber-only content, ongoing efforts to keep paying members satisfied.

Listener support

You can earn through donations and tips from your fans who want to support your podcast.. Services like PayPal, Venmo, and Ko-fi let fans contribute what they want, when they want. 

• Pros: Works for niche shows with devoted communities, and supports podcast monetization without structured offerings.
• Cons: Unpredictable income (most shows only see 1%-3% of listeners actually supporting).

Merchandise sales

Turn many listeners into walking advertisements for your show. Selling t-shirts, mugs, stickers, and other branded items is a great way to make money while building community identity.

• Pros: Makes listeners feel more connected to you and each other, and more visibility for your podcast show.
• Cons: Time and financial investment to design and manage stores, and finding audiences willing to buy and wear your brand.

Consulting, coaching, and services

Your podcast acts as an audition tape to demonstrate your expertise, offering another way to monetize your podcast. 

Once they tune in and see the value of what you do, they’ll line up as paying clients.

• Pros: Income from your services pays way more per hour than ads.
• Cons: Not a passive income stream, so you’re still trading your time for money.

Digital products

You can create online courses, ebooks, and workshops that package your knowledge into scalable offers people can buy. Create once, sell repeatedly and start earning money anytime.

This works well for educational podcasts where listeners actively want to learn from you. 

• Pros: Earn even when you’re asleep and add value to your listener’s experience.
• Cons: Significant upfront time investment to create quality educational content.

Live events and meetups

Generate ticket revenue while strengthening community bonds and building a connection with your listeners. 

Whether virtual or in-person, events create memorable experiences that deepen listener loyalty.

• Pros: Providing an immersive experience that listeners will remember forever.
• Cons: Production and logistics can be hard to set up on your own and require established and engaged communities.

How to Make Money with a Podcast

Can you actually make money from a podcast? That depends.

If you want to make money podcasting, you need to know how each platform operates differently. That’s why, whether you’re on Spotify, Apple or YouTube, you need to adapt your podcast monetization strategy.

Each platform has unique requirements, payout structures, and audience behaviors that directly impact your earning potential.

How to start a podcast on Spotify and make money

Spotify offers multiple paths to monetize your podcast once you meet its requirements. Here’s how you can earn money as a podcast host on Spotify:

1. Get accepted into the Spotify Partner Program: You need to publish your show through Spotify for Creators, have at least two episodes live, and maintain 100 unique Spotify listeners over the previous 60 days. 
2. Enable Spotify’s automated ad insertion: The platform places ads in designated breaks you mark during episode editing. You earn based on qualified streams. 
3. Activate podcast subscription options: Create bonus and premium content for fans who want additional perks. Spotify collects subscriber emails (with permission), giving you direct contact with your most engaged listeners.
4. Optimize your show for Spotify’s discovery algorithm: Use relevant keywords in episode titles and descriptions, create eye-catching cover art, and maintain consistent episode lengths. 
5. Analyze your Spotify analytics: Track completion rates, skip rates, and demographic information. This data helps you make money on your podcast more effectively by showing which podcast content resonates and where to place ads for minimal disruption.
6. Upload consistently: Adjust your upload schedule based on when your Spotify audience is most active. Whether you publish weekly or biweekly, stick to your schedule so listeners know when to expect new podcast episodes.

How to make money on Apple Podcast

Apple Podcasts takes a different approach to creator monetization, focusing on premium subscriptions and maintaining the open podcast ecosystem. 

Apple doesn’t directly monetize podcasts through ads like Spotify, but it provides subscription tools.

Here’s what you need to start making money:

1. Create a podcast: Upload your show through any hosting platform that generates an RSS feed. Submit that feed to Apple Podcasts Connect and wait for approval (around 24-48 hours).
2. Make your show visible: Improve your show title, description and episode titles for Apple’s search algorithm, using relevant keywords in your metadata. 
3. Collect feedback: Encourage listeners to leave ratings and reviews. These impact discoverability in Apple’s charts and search results. 
4. Apply for Apple Podcasts Subscriptions: Once you have an established listener base, this lets you offer subscription tiers and offer exclusive content. Apple takes a 30% commission in year one and 15% in subsequent years.
5. Keep your main feed free: This hybrid approach helps you grow your podcast audience while generating subscription revenue from superfans.
6. Create a seamless experience: Connect your Apple Podcasts subscription with your podcast website or email list. Cross-platform promotion drives higher subscription conversion rates.
7. Leverage analytics data: Use your Apple Podcasts analytics to build sponsor pitch decks, showing download numbers, listener demographics, and engagement metrics.

If you want to gain sponsorship revenue from Apple Podcasts, it’s better to get direct sponsorship deals since it doesn’t have a built-in ad marketplace like Spotify. 

How to make money on YouTube Podcast

YouTube is one of the fastest-growing platforms for podcasting. This video-first platform offers unique monetization advantages beyond traditional audio-only shows.​

Here’s how a podcast makes money on YouTube Podcasts:

1. Grow your audience: Meet their monetization requirements (1,000 subscribers, 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months).
2. Cross-promote your YouTube channel: Tell listeners they can watch video versions of episodes on YouTube to see facial expressions, reactions, and any visual elements you reference during episodes. 
3. Consider YouTube’s algorithm: Use strategies like creating eye-catching thumbnails, using keyword-rich titles and descriptions and breaking videos into chapters. These can dramatically increase your discoverability.
4. Post YouTube Shorts: Take short clips from your long-form episodes and post them as Shorts to drive traffic back to your full episodes. 
5. Apply for the YouTube Partner Program: This gives you access to ad revenue from pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll ads that YouTube automatically inserts.
6. Apply affiliate marketing strategies: Add your affiliate links and product offers in video descriptions and pinned comments. YouTube allows clickable links, making it easier for viewers to take action. 
7. Enable Super Thanks and channel memberships: These features let viewers pay extra for special perks like custom emojis, members-only posts, or exclusive community access. Live streaming also opens Super Chat and Super Sticker revenue streams.

Learn more about the best monetization platforms for different types of podcasts.

How to Make Money Doing a Podcast

Gaining income from podcasting is more than just adding dollars to your bank account. It’s about making it an actual career and improving the production quality of your podcast.

It transforms a hobby into a business and changes your commitment level and your listener’s perception of your podcast. 

To get there, let’s look at how industry leaders monetize their podcast shows and tips for monetizing your show.

How do people make money on a podcast?

Looking at a popular podcast show can tell you exactly what’s possible when it comes to earning money from your podcast. 

Let’s look at actual podcasters and their best monetization strategy to learn from what they’re doing right.

1. Joe Rogan (The Joe Rogan Experience): He signed a $200 million exclusivity deal with Spotify and earns six figures per episode from platform payments and integrated sponsorships. His success stems from massive download numbers (over 10 million per episode) and his ability to book high-profile guests.
2. Tim Ferriss (The Time Ferriss Show): He earns approximately $60,000 per episode through strategic sponsor relationships with brands like Athletic Greens and Eight Sleep. He promotes only products he personally uses, which builds trust that translates to higher conversion rates for sponsors. 
3. John Lee Dumas (Entrepreneurs on Fire): He publishes daily episodes and generates over $100,000 monthly through a mix of podcast advertising, affiliate marketing, and his own digital courses. 
4. Pat Flynn (Smart Passive Income): He earns through affiliate deals, his own courses, and software products he’s developed. His audience size is moderate compared to Rogan’s, but his highly engaged community of entrepreneurs converts really well.
5. Elizabeth McCravy (Breakthrough Brand): She earns over $270,000 in affiliate income over three years, primarily because her recommendations are very authentic and natural. 
6. Jenna Kutcher (Gold Digger Podcast): She reports about $15,000 monthly in affiliate commissions from her podcast, plus additional revenue from speaking gigs directly from listener referrals. She provides value first, then naturally mentions products that solve problems discussed in episodes.​

8 Ways to make money with your podcast

Here are ten practical ways to make money podcasting today, no matter your current audience size:

1. Join affiliate partnerships: Feature three to five products you genuinely use and mention them naturally when relevant topics come up. 
2. Generate a simple listener support link: Use a Buy Me a Coffee or PayPal link, add it to your show notes and mention it once per episode. Even if only a few listeners contribute, it will grow as your audience size increases.
3. Develop one core digital product: Whether it’s a course, template, or guide, once it solves a core problem of your audience, it becomes an invaluable resource.
4. Pitch to sponsors: Reach out to 10-15 brands in your niche with a simple pitch deck. Focus on companies that already advertise on similar podcasts in your space.
5. Set up print-on-demand merch: Design a couple of products featuring your show’s catchphrases or inside jokes use services like Printful or Teespring. Promote your merch by wearing them in social posts and video episodes.
6. Host quarterly listener meetups: Organize small gatherings, virtual or local to earn from ticket sales and strengthen your community.
7. Publish your own book: Repurpose your best episodes into a self-published book, using Amazon KDP. Books build credibility that leads to speaking gigs and higher-value opportunities. 
8. Create a premium content tier: Offer bonuses and ad-free listening on Patreon. Start with just one bonus episode monthly and scale as you learn what subscribers value most. 

How to Start a Podcast and Make Money

Starting a podcast with monetization in mind sets you up to increase your podcasting income and start earning money right away. 

Most creators wait too long to think about revenue, and miss out on opportunities in the early stages when building systems is easier.

Let’s look at how to launch your podcast with this mindset and how you can actually earn at different stages.

How to start a podcast to make money

Creating a profitable podcast show starts long before you press record. Follow these steps to start a podcast designed for monetization from episode one:

1. Define your niche: Choose a specialty that solves specific problems for a defined audience. The more targeted your topic, the easier it is to monetize because brands pay premium rates to reach specific demographics. 
2. Invest in good tools: Use decent podcast recording equipment and podcast editing software but don’t overspend. Audio quality matters more than expensive gear. 
3. Choose a reliable podcast hosting platform: Look for features like analytics and easy distribution. For example, Buzzsprout, Transistor, or Libsyn handle RSS feed generation and publish your podcast widely.
4. Brainstorm ahead: Plan your first ten episodes before launching, so you can publish consistently while you build momentum. Batch recording also helps you get more done without setting up over and over again.
5. Design an eye-catching cover art: Use bold colors, clear text, and a design that reads well at thumbnail size. Your cover art is your first impression for new listeners scanning options, so make sure you stand out.
6. Optimize for search: Write compelling episode descriptions packed with relevant keywords. Think about what problems listeners are searching for and use that language naturally. 
7. Prepare your episodes early: Record and edit your first batch of episodes before launching publicly. Having a buffer of ready-to-publish content prevents missed weeks when life gets busy.
8. Build a podcast website: Have a home base for all things podcast. Even a simple one-page site gives you a platform that you can direct audiences to, where you can drive them to convert.
9. Curate your pre-launch email list: Offer early access or bonus content in exchange for email signups before your first episode drops. These early subscribers become your core community.
10. Launch multiple episodes immediately: With three to five episodes out, listeners can binge and get a strong understanding of your value. Front-load your best podcast content to hook early subscribers.

Check out more resources for beginners like how to start your podcast with no audience and podcasting 101.

How to start a podcast and get paid for it

Knowing how much you can realistically earn at each stage helps set proper expectations. You know exactly what to aim for and which monetization strategy works for where you are right now.

Here are the different growth stages of a podcast, what you expect to make, and suggested strategies for each one: 

• Launch phase: Don’t chase after sponsorships yet. Your priority should be creating great content, learning what resonates and building consistency.
• Traction phase: This is when you start monetizing your podcast more seriously. Grow your listener base through social media clips and guest collaborations.
• Scaling phase: It’s a good place to establish your roots when building avenues for monetizing.
• Diversification phase: Through multiple revenue streams, you can earn six figures easily. Your goal now shifts to retaining audiences, upping the quality of your content and building a loyal community.

Choose the best podcast monetization strategy that aligns with your podcast growth. You don’t have to wait to start making money from podcasting. Monetize early and work towards larger opportunities.

How to Make a Podcast Profitable

Making money from your show is great. But actually turning a profit is a whole different ball game.

Profitability isn’t just about how much cash flows in. You need income that actually exceeds your production costs and time investment. Otherwise, you’re just running an expensive hobby.

The real question is this: Can you build something that doesn’t burn you out while still paying the bills? 

Let’s break down exactly how to turn podcasts into profitable ventures.

How to make money on your podcast

Before you can start making real money, you need a solid foundation. Here are some simple but essential practices that lead to making money on podcasts:

1. Produce good audio quality: You don’t need a fancy studio, but your sound should be clear without background noise or echoes. People will forgive if your interview style isn’t perfect, but bad audio makes listeners tune out fast.
2. Engage with listeners: Respond to their comments, answer questions, and make them feel part of your community.
3. Know your numbers: Understand your average downloads, listener location, and how long people listen. This info helps you pitch sponsors confidently and find the best ways to grow your podcast.
4. Distribute across platforms: The more places you’re found, the better your chances to grow and monetize.
5. Build an email list: You can directly communicate with your listeners beyond podcast apps. Email subscribers are also more likely to buy your products or support your show.
6. Grow your online presence: Create a professional website and social media platforms to share your podcast episodes, show notes and links to your offers.
7. Cover your legal bases: Use affiliate disclosures, have guest agreement forms, and understand copyright rules. A little legal protection can save you big headaches later on.

The key to earning a consistent income is finding a strategy that works for you (e.g., putting VIP access behind a paywall). 

I found my path through virtual events. With my first virtual summit, I already made $50K and got people lining up to work with me. 

This holds true for podcasts, especially if you have a blueprint for growing your business.

How to make money off a podcast

Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s about layering your income streams in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step guide you can easily follow:

1. Set up passive income streams: These bring in some cash without much extra effort.
2. Build your system early: Create a Patreon or Supercast account, even if you only have one bonus episode. Also, make a sponsor pitch deck template so you can jump on opportunities fast.
3. Test different methods: Try out a few strategies at once. Run a month of affiliate promos, open a simple Patreon tier, and pitch a handful of sponsors. Keep track of what works best and what’s just a waste of time.
4. Double down on what works: If affiliates convert well, add more. If your Patreon grows, make a higher-tier offering. If sponsors bite, bump your rates and pitch to more brands.
5. Add scalable products: Make digital courses, templates, or ebooks that can sell to anyone, anywhere, without extra work on your part. This kind of income grows without you having to do more.
6. Get organized for sponsorships: Create templates for ad reads, standardize your reports, and batch your proposal sendouts. 
7. Keep evaluating: Every few months, check what you’re earning versus how much time you’re putting in. Do the math to see your true hourly rate. Focus your energy on what’s working.

6 Tips on monetizing your podcast

Here are some quick, practical tips that work right now to help you boost your podcast income: 

1. Bundle sponsorships: Try 90-day packages to give sponsors repeated exposure, stabilize your income, and free you from chasing after new sponsors every week.
2. Use branded short links for affiliate URLs: Instead of messy tracking links, create clean URLs with your own domain or brand name. 
3. Pre-sell your digital products: Announce your course or guide and open enrollment early. It can serve as your funding and validate your demand. 
4. Use dynamic ad insertion: You can monetize your entire back catalog without re-editing.
5. Plan seasonal promotions: Promote gift ideas late in the year, productivity tools in January, and summer-related products at mid-year for better conversions.
6. Mention your offers multiple times: Listeners tune in and out, so say it at the start, middle, and end. But vary your wording so it doesn’t feel repetitive.

How Much Money Can You Make from a Podcast?

Podcast earnings vary widely based on your audience size and strategies. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Smaller shows (0-1,000 listeners): Less than $50
• Mid-tier shows (10,000-25,000): $2,000-$5,000 monthly
• Larger shows (25,000-50,000 listeners): $5,000-$10,000+ monthly

Most successful podcasts combine several income streams for steady, scalable revenue.

How much money can a podcast generate?

Just from podcast advertising alone, you can already earn well, as long as you have the metrics to back you up. It also varies on what ad placements you offer and how effective your podcast is at driving actions.

Here’s a quick rundown of costs varying based on ad types:

• Pre-roll ads (before the show starts): $15-$25 CPM
• Mid-roll ads (in the middle of the show): $25-$50 CPM
• Post-roll ads (after the show ends): $10-$20 CPM

Combine all three, and a 5,000-download weekly podcast might earn $1,000-$1,900 a month from ads. Niches like business and health get higher rates than general entertainment, so these figures can go even higher.

Monetize Your Podcast

Knowing how to make money on a podcast is what separates hobbyists from professional podcasters. 

It’s not just about having a big following. You need to have the right approach that’s best for your podcast to make the most of where you are.

Seizing opportunities is the key to growing your brand. More than monetizing, you can start by strengthening your brand.

What if I told you there was a way to make relevant connections and up the value of your show? Would you say YES and try it out?

That’s what Talks does for you. 

It matches you with relevant thought leaders who can hop on your show to be interviewed. But without the hassle and back-and-forths of traditional pitching.

Don’t miss out on this awesome tool!

Sign Up for Talks and Create Your FREE Creators Profile While Slots Last.