Can you make money from podcasts? Yes, you can. So, how do podcasts make money? That’s where it gets interesting because there are many strategies that podcasters can try out.
Sponsorships and ads? Sure. Those are two common ways when it comes to podcast monetization. But are they right option for you as a content creator? That’s the real question.
So, let’s jump into how to monetize a podcast to help you make an informed decision. Ready?
How to Monetize a Podcast: 9 Proven Ways
Here are 9 ways to make money from your podcast that you should check out:
1. Accept Fan Donations
- Beginner-Friendly: Yes
- Time to Earn: Relatively Short
- Potential Revenue: up to $50,000/month
- Source of Income: Audience
So, how do podcasts make money? Accepting donations is one of them, especially if you just start a podcast.
Fans often want to support their favorite shows to keep that channel running and to help creators produce more content.
Plus, this monetization method has a low barrier to entry, as you don’t need a huge audience or complex contracts. So, focus on making your podcast episodes interesting and invite your listeners to support you.
If you do things the right way, you could make between $19,000 and $50,000, just like The Dollop. The podcast by Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds explores historical events and people with a fun twist.
You can use platforms like Gank when you want to monetize your podcast this way.
Or you can look at The Truth. The podcast channel asks people to support them by donating on their website.
Here are the steps you need to follow to make money from your podcast:
- Pick the best platform for your topic and audience
- Create a donation page on that platform and set up different donation levels
- Talk about your donation option during your podcast and share it on your social media
- Connect with your fans who support your podcast to help it grow
2. Offer Premium Episodes
- Beginner-Friendly: Yes
- Generation Time: Medium
- Potential Revenue: Up to 20/month per user
- Source of Income: Audience
Crime Junkie is a good example of how to make money from a podcast by offering premium episodes. They use a subscription model, which means listeners pay a regular fee for access to the podcast.
Basically, they put that content behind a paywall, so only subscribers can access the exclusive, high-quality content.
This approach not only brings in money but also makes listeners value the content more, as it is seen as special and carefully selected.
Yes, you can listen to their regular podcast episodes for free on Spotify. But, if you want access to over 90 bonus episodes and exclusive content, you need to join the Crime Junkie Fan Club.
There are three subscription options for the channel that you can choose from. Each option has different benefits.
For example, one option lets you watch without ads, another lets you binge all of Counterclock Season, and the $20 a month plan gives you access to all bonus episodes.
Here’s how to make money from your podcast using this strategy:
- Make awesome free content as a teaser
- Choose a platform where people can subscribe and pay
- Pick the special content that you will charge people for
- Promote your subscription in your podcast or on social media
- Produce high-quality content to keep your subscribers happy
3. Boost Income with Paid Memberships
- Beginner-Friendly: Yes
- Generation Time: Medium
- Potential Revenue: $10 to $1000
- Source of Income: Audience
Curious about how podcasts can make money more reliably? Another great option is paid memberships.
You might wonder how this differs from the subscription model we mentioned earlier, right? Well, it looks similar: listeners pay for the episodes they enjoy.
But memberships go beyond that. They offer exclusive content and most of the time focus on providing access to a private community. For many fans, that added connection boosts the value rather than the exclusive episodes alone.
Subscriptions typically run for a month or a year, depending on your platform and your setup. This way, you can enjoy a steady income, rather than relying on random donations.
The great thing about this way to make money from a podcast is that you can use the same platform, like Gank, to accept donations and also collect money from membership content.
But you might find that many podcasts, like the Daily Stoic with Ryan Holiday, use the main platform like Apple Podcast to monetize their podcast channel instead of a separate membership platform.
So, how to monetize a podcast with membership?
- Create valuable content for your listeners
- Choose the platform for your membership
- Offer different membership tiers with unique perks
- Promote membership benefits in your episodes and on your website
4. Promote Products with Affiliate Links
- Beginner-Friendly: Yes
- Generation Time: Short to Medium
- Potential Revenue: 5% to 20% commissions per sale
- Source of Income: Affiliate Programs
How do podcasts make money without relying on their listener base? Becoming an affiliate can be an option, too.
So, how does it work? You promote products or services from other companies and earn a commission for every sale made through your unique referral link.
This strategy works especially well if your podcast has a clear niche, like technology or personal finance. If you’re into those podcast topics, this could be a nice way to monetize your podcast while connecting with your audience’s interests.
Take Pat Flynn from Smart Passive Income for example. He started as a blogger and later became a well-known podcaster.
He could earn up to $100,000 a month from affiliate earnings alone. He often promotes products like hosting services and online courses.
How do you make money from a podcast as an affiliate?
- Choose a good affiliate program, like Amazon Associates or eBay Partner
- Sign up and choose products that fit your podcast and audience
- Get your unique affiliate links to track sales
- Add affiliate links in the episode notes for easy access
5. Sell Podcast Merchandise to Your Fans
- Beginner-Friendly: Yes
- Generation Time: Medium
- Potential Revenue: 30% to 70% profit per item sold
- Source of Income: Audience
Not happy with just a 20% commission on sales? Why not create your own products to sell to your listeners?
Selling podcast merchandise is a good idea. It not only helps you make money but also strengthens your personal brand. Unique merch creates a real connection with your audience, building community and loyalty.
Your fans want to feel close to you, and what better way than by sporting your gear?
Also, when your listeners wear or use your merch, they become walking billboards, spreading the word and attracting new fans.
And let’s not forget: merchandise gives you a new revenue stream that’s independent of platform ads or affiliate deals. You get to control pricing and profits.
So, what should you sell? Think t-shirts, mugs, stickers, posters, anything that suits your audience. This approach works for all ages, just like the channels True Consequences and Food 4 Thot.
How to work on this podcast monetization method?
- Research your audience preferences and interests
- Create merchandise that resonates with them
- Partner with companies for production and shipping
- Sell on platforms like Gank or your website
- Promote merchandise in your podcasdt episodes and on social media
6. Insert Ads to Your Podcast
- Beginner-Friendly: No
- Generation Time: Medium to Long
- Potential Revenue: $10–$50 CPM
- Source of Income: Ad Networks
If you’re looking to monetize your podcast, dynamic ad insertion might be the way to go. The idea is to insert advertisements in real-time, rather than embedding them during your recording.
This can be a great source of income as a podcaster but keep in mind that there are some eligibility requirements you’ll need to meet before you can start earning from ads.
Let’s say, you’re a Spotify content creator, then you’ll need to join the Spotify for Creators program to take advantage of the Spotify Audience Network (SPAN) for automatic ad insertion.
To qualify, you need to be in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Plus, make sure you have at least 12 episodes, 10,000 global consumption hours, and a Spotify audience of 2,000 users in the last 30 days.
Or, you might want to check out platforms like Audioboom or AudioGO. They can help you get your podcast featured on popular sites like Soundcloud, Stitcher, and SiriusXM.
So, how do podcasters make money with the DAI?
- Choose a platform for dynamic ad insertion, such as Spotify, Captivate, or Blubrry
- Upload your episodes to the platform
- Specify ad placement (pre-roll, mid-roll, or post-roll)
- Use ad networks to connect with advertisers
- Use the platform’s tools to insert ads at the specified segments
Read Also: Best Podcast Software
7. Deliver Host-Read Ads in Your Own Voice
- Beginner-Friendly: Yes
- Generation Time: Medium
- Potential Revenue: $20–$70 CPM
- Source of Income: Brands
Auto-insert ads are simple. But, if you want to take your podcast to the next level, don’t skip host-read ads. Rich Dad Radio Show from Robert Kiyosaki often use this approach for podcast monetization.
In simple terms, it’s like you’re sharing your own recommendation. So your listeners are more likely to trust you than a recorded ad from a brand.
This makes your podcast feel less disruptive and keeps listeners more engaged. Plus, brands love host-read ads because they often perform better.
Host-read ads let you work directly with sponsors, giving you the freedom to pick and choose which ads you want to accept or decline. That’s a perk you won’t find with auto-insert ads.
Not to mention that they may also offer better pay and open doors for you to become a product influencer.
Making money from your podcast this way sounds good, but it can be hard for beginners. Advertisers prefer established podcasts with loyal audiences, making it tough to get those deals.
How do podcasts earn money with host-read ads?
- Create a Media Kit with your podcast stats, audience info, and ad rates
- Contact relevant brands and suggest ad opportunities
- Discuss payment options, like flat fees or CPM
- Write and record the ad script in your own voice to fit naturally into the episode
8. Get Brand Deals to Sponsor Your Podcast
- Beginner-Friendly: No
- Generation Time: Medium to Long
- Potential Revenue: Up to $100 million per contract
- Source of Income: Brands
Reaching out to brands for host-read ads is a good start. But getting exclusive deals can really boost your podcast. That’s how do podcasts make money when they’re at the top of their game.
Think about it: an exclusive sponsorship often means a bigger paycheck and a chance to create unique ad segments and branded content.
This kind of partnership helps you earn a steady income and makes your podcast look more appealing. This can attract more listeners and potential sponsors.
Plus, exclusive deals can open doors for cross-promotion, helping you grow your audience and strengthen your brand in your niche.
How do podcasts make money this way? It varies. Some hosts have a strong personal brand that draws sponsors directly, while others use platforms like Podcorn to connect with brands.
For example, Joe Rogan partnered with Kill Cliff to launch a CBD drink four years ago, and it became very successful.
Ready to monetize your podcast with brand deals? Here’s a quick guide:
- Focus on quality content to grow your audience
- Find brands that match your podcast’s audience
- Prepare a media kit with your stats and audience insights
- Pitch your own personalized proposals
- Finalize deal terms, including payment and deliverables
- Follow up for feedback and future collaborations
9. License Your Podcast Content
- Beginner-Friendly: No
- Generation Time: Long
- Potential Revenue: Up to $100 million per contract
- Source of Income: Media outlets, production companies
What’s podcast licensing? It’s all about giving someone the rights to use your podcast content like segments or entire episodes in exchange for payment.
This could mean your work gets featured in compilations, radio shows, or even as background music in other projects.
When it comes to podcast licensing, you have a few options:
- Exclusive agreements allow one group to share and profit from your podcast.
- Non-exclusive licenses let multiple platforms share your content.
- Revenue-sharing models enable partnerships to split earnings based on results.
Have you ever wondered why some podcast channels choose this method to make money? It lets you take your existing content and turn it into new income streams without a lot of extra work.
Alex Cooper’s podcast, Call Her Daddy, is a good example for this kind of monetization. She made a $125 million deal with SiriusXM giving the platform exclusive ads and distribution rights and events.
To license your podcast content and earn money from it, follow these steps:
- Learn how licensing lets you keep ownership while earning a fee
- Find media outlets or brands that match your audience
- Draft a clear contract covering usage rights and payment
- Finalize details with the interested party
- Announce your licensing deal to attract more listeners
How to Monetize a Podcast: A Wrap Up
It’s all in your hands now. We’ve talked about how podcasts make money, and now it’s time to find what works for you and your audience.
Starting with ads and donations can be a good strategy. Many great podcasters start this way. You might also think about a membership platform like Gank, which lets you offer different tiers of membership and even sell merchandise if you want to dive deeper into podcasting.
As you build your audience, you can also make money by getting brand deals or license your podcast content. So, pick your path, and best of luck!
