🎙️ Podcast Revenue Calculator
Estimate your podcast income from ads, sponsorships, and listener support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do podcasters make per download?
Podcast revenue per download varies widely: Small podcasts (1K-5K downloads): $0.01-0.05 per download ($10-250/episode). Mid-size (5K-25K downloads): $0.05-0.15 per download ($250-3,750/episode). Large podcasts (25K-100K downloads): $0.15-0.30 per download ($3,750-30,000/episode). Mega podcasts (100K+ downloads): $0.30-1.00+ per download ($30,000-100,000+/episode). CPM rates: Pre-roll ads $15-25, Mid-roll $25-40, Post-roll $10-20. Mid-roll ads most valuable. Rule of thumb: 10,000 downloads = $200-400 per episode with 2 mid-roll ads.
What are the best ways to monetize a podcast?
7 podcast monetization strategies: (1) SPONSORSHIPS: Most lucrative. Reach out to brands in your niche. CPM-based ($18-40 per 1K downloads). (2) PATREON: Recurring revenue from fans. Offer bonus episodes, early access, ad-free versions. $3-10/month per patron. (3) AFFILIATE MARKETING: Promote products with unique codes. 5-10% commission. (4) PREMIUM CONTENT: Paid subscriptions via Apple Podcasts, Spotify. (5) LIVE EVENTS: Ticket sales for live recordings. (6) MERCHANDISE: T-shirts, mugs with podcast branding. (7) COURSES/COACHING: Leverage expertise showcased in podcast. Best ROI: Patreon + sponsorships combo.
How many downloads do I need to get sponsors?
Sponsorship requirements by show size: 500-1,000 downloads/episode: Local businesses, small brands ($50-200/episode). 1,000-5,000 downloads: Mid-tier brands, podcast networks ($200-1,000/episode). 5,000-10,000 downloads: Major brands interested ($1,000-3,000/episode). 10,000+ downloads: Premium sponsorships available ($3,000-10,000+/episode). However: Niche + engaged audience > large unfocused audience. 2,000 downloads in B2B SaaS niche worth MORE than 10,000 downloads in general news. Sponsors care about: (1) Audience demographics, (2) Engagement (reviews, social shares), (3) Niche relevance, (4) Download consistency. Start pitching at 500+ downloads if you have a valuable niche.
What is a good CPM rate for podcast ads?
Podcast CPM benchmarks by ad type: PRE-ROLL (first 15-30 seconds): $15-25 CPM. Lowest rates because listeners may skip. MID-ROLL (middle of episode): $25-40 CPM. Highest rates - listeners are engaged. POST-ROLL (end of episode): $10-20 CPM. Lower rates due to drop-off. HOST-READ ADS: 20-50% premium over produced ads. Dynamic ads: $18-25 CPM. Baked-in ads: $25-35 CPM. By category: True crime/comedy: $30-50 CPM (high engagement). Business/tech: $25-40 CPM (valuable audience). General interest: $18-28 CPM. TOP TIP: Don't just take CPM deals. 2 mid-roll ads at $30 CPM on 10K downloads = $600 per episode ($2,400/month for weekly show).
Should I join a podcast network or stay independent?
PODCAST NETWORKS (Midroll, Wondery, etc.) - PROS: (1) Guaranteed sponsorships. (2) Higher CPM rates through collective bargaining. (3) Production support and resources. (4) Cross-promotion with other shows. CONS: (1) 30-50% revenue share (you keep 50-70%). (2) Loss of creative control. (3) Exclusive contracts. (4) Minimum download requirements (usually 5K-10K). INDEPENDENT - PROS: (1) Keep 100% of revenue. (2) Full creative freedom. (3) Direct sponsor relationships. (4) Flexibility with monetization. CONS: (1) Harder to find sponsors. (2) Must handle all admin. (3) Lower CPM rates initially. RECOMMENDATION: Stay independent until 5,000+ downloads, then negotiate with networks while keeping direct deals. Hybrid approach: Use network for some sponsorships, keep others direct.
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Financial Disclaimer
This calculator is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The results are estimates based on the information you provide and should not be considered as financial, legal, or tax advice.
Actual results may vary based on your specific circumstances, market conditions, and other factors. Always consult with qualified financial, legal, and tax professionals before making any financial decisions.
We make no guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the calculations. Use this tool at your own risk.