This Is How Much Money A Podcast With 50,000 Downloads Makes

Shelby Church
28 Mar 202012:33

TLDRThe video explores the podcasting industry, highlighting its rise in popularity and potential for monetization. It discusses various methods of earning income through podcasts, such as joining podcast networks and utilizing platforms like Anchor for ad monetization. The video also delves into the costs of starting a podcast and the significant earnings potential, especially when comparing podcasting to other content creation platforms like YouTube. The importance of choosing the right equipment, such as microphones, is emphasized to ensure quality content.

Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Podcasting has become mainstream, with many people, including celebrities and YouTubers, starting their own podcasts.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Monetizing podcasts is possible through various methods, depending on the audience size, with podcast networks being a common choice for larger audiences.
  • ๐Ÿ”— Podcast networks typically require a minimum of 50,000 downloads per episode to join and can secure sponsored ad breaks for their podcasts.
  • ๐ŸŽค Smaller podcasts can still monetize using platforms like Anchor, which allows for sponsored ads even with a smaller following.
  • ๐Ÿ’ต Earnings from podcasts can vary greatly depending on the number of ad breaks and the audience size, with some podcasts earning thousands of dollars per episode.
  • ๐Ÿ“Š The podcasting landscape is diverse, with some podcasts featuring no ads while others may have up to five ads per episode.
  • ๐Ÿค Podcast networks provide additional services such as editing, merchandising, and live tour setup, but they also take a percentage of earnings, often between 20-50%.
  • ๐ŸŽ™ Starting a podcast is relatively affordable, with quality microphones like the Blue Yeti available for under $200, and even earbuds with a mic can be used in a pinch.
  • ๐Ÿ† Successful podcasters like Tim Ferriss have shared their earnings, showing that podcasts can be more lucrative than other content platforms like YouTube.
  • ๐Ÿš€ Podcasting offers an opportunity for individuals to create content with potentially higher earnings compared to other platforms, especially for those with a moderate audience size.

Q & A

  • How has the popularity of podcasting evolved over the years?

    -Podcasting has been around for some time, but it has significantly gone mainstream within the last two years, especially in 2019, where there was a noticeable increase in the number of people starting podcasts, ranging from celebrities to YouTubers, and even individuals without a significant following.

  • What are some ways podcasts can be monetized?

    -Podcasts can be monetized through various methods, including joining a podcast network, which consolidates popular podcasts to sell ad space in bulk to advertisers, or using a service like Anchor that allows even smaller podcasts to monetize from the beginning.

  • What is the typical requirement for joining a podcast network?

    -Podcast networks usually require a minimum of 50,000 downloads per episode to join, as they aim to secure sponsored ad breaks for their podcasts.

  • How does Anchor help smaller podcasts to monetize?

    -Anchor provides a platform for smaller podcasts, even those without their first listener, to start monetizing through sponsored ads. It operates similarly to YouTube Adsense, offering a cost per thousand listens (CPM) model.

  • What is the estimated earning for a podcast episode with a thousand listeners?

    -For a podcast with around a thousand listeners per episode, the earnings could be just over or just under a hundred dollars, depending on the number of ad breaks and the CPM rate.

  • How does the earning potential for podcasts compare to YouTube for the same amount of views or listeners?

    -Podcasts can be more lucrative than YouTube for the same amount of views or listeners. The time and effort spent on creating a podcast are generally less compared to a YouTube video, and the earning potential is often higher.

  • What is the typical range of ad breaks in a podcast episode?

    -The number of ad breaks in a podcast episode can vary, but it typically ranges from one to three. Some podcast listeners may prefer fewer ad breaks to avoid interruptions, while others might not mind as long as the content is engaging.

  • What percentage does a podcast network typically take from the earnings?

    -Podcast networks can take anywhere from 20% to 50% of the earnings, depending on the services they provide, such as bringing in sponsors, editing, creating cover art, and setting up merch or live tours.

  • What are some microphone options for starting a podcast?

    -For starting a podcast, a Blue Yeti USB mic, which is under $200, is a solid choice. A less expensive option is using a pair of earbuds with a built-in microphone. For those willing to invest more, the Shure SM7B is a high-quality microphone option, though it might not be necessary for beginners.

  • How much can a podcast with 500,000 downloads per episode potentially earn?

    -A podcast with 500,000 downloads per episode could potentially earn $20,000 per episode with just two ad breaks. Over a year, with 52 episodes, this could amount to over a million dollars in earnings.

  • What are some factors that can affect the earnings of a podcast?

    -Several factors can affect a podcast's earnings, including the number of downloads, the number of ad breaks, the CPM rate, the podcast network's percentage cut, and the overall quality and engagement of the content.

Outlines

00:00

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ The Rise of Podcasting and Monetization

This paragraph discusses the mainstream adoption of podcasting, especially in 2019, where a wide range of individuals, from celebrities to everyday people, started their own podcasts. It highlights the lucrative nature of podcasts, which can be a significant source of income, especially for those with a large audience. The paragraph also delves into the process of monetizing podcasts through ad breaks and joining podcast networks, which can secure sponsorship deals and provide access to more advertising opportunities. The example of Tim Ferriss's podcast is used to illustrate the potential earnings, and the paragraph concludes by mentioning that podcasting can be a more profitable venture compared to blogging or YouTube content creation.

05:01

๐Ÿ’ฐ Earnings and Monetization Strategies for Podcasts

This paragraph explores the different monetization strategies available for podcasts, depending on the size of the audience. It explains that larger podcasts with a significant following often join podcast networks, which can negotiate better ad deals in bulk. For smaller podcasts, platforms like Anchor provide an opportunity to monetize from the start, even with a modest audience. The paragraph provides a detailed account of Jordan's experience with her podcast 'Work', including her use of Anchor for monetization and the earnings she has made. It also compares the earnings from podcasts to those from YouTube, emphasizing the ease and higher potential income from podcasting.

10:02

๐Ÿ“ˆ Podcast Earnings Based on Audience Size

This paragraph examines the relationship between podcast audience size and potential earnings. It discusses how podcasts with 30,000 to 50,000 downloads per episode can earn around $1,000 per ad break, and how the number of ad breaks can affect total earnings. The paragraph also touches on the role of podcast networks in providing additional services and securing sponsors, while taking a percentage of the earnings. It includes insights from Gretchen Garrity and Katie Pilate, who share their experiences with monetizing podcasts at this audience level. The paragraph concludes by emphasizing the lucrative nature of podcasts, especially when compared to other content creation platforms.

๐ŸŽง Equipment and Costs for Starting a Podcast

The final paragraph shifts focus to the practical aspects of starting a podcast, discussing the equipment needed and associated costs. It mentions various microphone options suitable for podcasting, from budget-friendly choices like earbuds with a built-in mic to professional-grade microphones like the Shure SM7B. The paragraph emphasizes that high-quality equipment is not necessary when starting a podcast and that even a relatively inexpensive microphone like the Blue Yeti can produce good results. It concludes by encouraging viewers to consider starting their own podcast and invites feedback on the topic.

Mindmap

Keywords

๐Ÿ’กpodcast mainstream

The term 'podcast mainstream' refers to the widespread adoption and popularity of podcasts in recent years, similar to the rise of blogs in 2008. In the context of the video, it highlights how podcasts have become a common medium for content creation and consumption, with various influencers, celebrities, and even everyday individuals starting their own podcasts.

๐Ÿ’กmonetizing podcasts

Monetizing podcasts refers to the process of generating income from podcast content. This can be achieved through various methods such as sponsorships, advertisements, and joining podcast networks. The video discusses different ways podcasters can monetize their content, depending on the size of their audience and the number of downloads per episode.

๐Ÿ’กpodcast network

A podcast network is a group of podcasts that come together to sell advertising space to sponsors at a collective rate. Networks typically require a minimum number of downloads per episode to ensure advertisers get value for their investment. These networks provide additional services such as editing, merchandising, and live tour setup, but they also take a percentage of the earnings.

๐Ÿ’กAnchor

Anchor is a podcast hosting platform that allows users to create, distribute, and monetize their podcasts. It is particularly popular among smaller podcasters as it does not require a minimum number of listeners to start monetizing. Anchor operates similarly to YouTube's AdSense, offering a cost per thousand listens (CPM) model for ad revenue.

๐Ÿ’กCPM (Cost Per Thousand Listens)

CPM, or Cost Per Thousand Listens, is a metric used in advertising to measure the cost an advertiser pays for every thousand listens or impressions of their ad within a podcast. It is a common way to monetize podcasts, where podcasters earn money based on the number of times their ads are heard.

๐Ÿ’กYouTube AdSense

YouTube AdSense is a program run by Google that allows content creators to earn money by placing advertisements on their videos. Similar to Anchor's model for podcasts, AdSense pays creators based on the number of ad views or clicks their content generates.

๐Ÿ’กmicrophone

A microphone is an essential piece of equipment for podcasting, used to capture and record audio. The quality of the microphone can significantly impact the listening experience. Podcasters often invest in good quality microphones to ensure clear and professional sounding audio.

๐Ÿ’กdownloads per episode

Downloads per episode refer to the number of times a particular podcast episode has been downloaded or streamed by listeners. This metric is crucial for podcasters as it affects their potential earnings from advertisements and sponsorships.

๐Ÿ’กad breaks

Ad breaks are pauses within a podcast episode specifically designated for playing advertisements. The number and placement of ad breaks can impact a podcast's monetization, as more ad breaks typically allow for more revenue from advertisers.

๐Ÿ’กYouTube

YouTube is a video-sharing platform where users can upload, view, rate, share, and comment on videos. It is also a platform where content creators can monetize their videos through ads, sponsorships, and other revenue streams.

๐Ÿ’กside hustle

A side hustle refers to an additional job or venture that someone undertakes alongside their primary job to earn extra income. In the context of the video, it highlights how podcasting can serve as a side hustle for individuals looking to supplement their main income.

Highlights

Podcasting has become mainstream, with a significant increase in popularity over the last two years.

In 2019, there was a podcast creation boom, with everyone from celebrities to everyday individuals starting their own podcasts.

Podcasting has become akin to blogging in 2008, where it's now a widespread method of content creation and sharing.

Podcasts can be monetized through joining podcast networks, which consolidate popular podcasts to sell ad space in bulk to advertisers.

Podcast networks typically require a minimum of 50,000 downloads per episode to join and offer more sponsorship opportunities.

Anchor is a platform that allows even small podcasts to monetize, regardless of their audience size.

Anchor operates similarly to YouTube Adsense, offering a cost per thousand listens (CPM) model for ad revenue.

Jordan's podcast, 'Work', interviews inspirational individuals and provides career advice, and has been monetized using Anchor for the past six months.

For podcasts with 30,000 to 50,000 downloads, an ad break can earn around $1,000.

The number of ad breaks in a podcast can vary, with some podcasts having one to three ad breaks depending on the episode length and content.

Podcast networks can take a percentage of earnings, ranging from 20% to 50%, for the services they provide.

Podcasts with 500,000 downloads can earn $20,000 per episode with just two ad breaks.

Podcasting can be more lucrative than YouTube for the amount of time invested, and it's also less expensive to start.

A good quality, affordable microphone for podcasting is the Blue Yeti USB mic, priced under $200.

The Shure SM7B is a high-end microphone option for podcasting, priced at around $400.

Podcasts can offer a realistic side hustle for individuals, even with a modest listener count.

Jordan, Gretchen, and Katie shared their experiences and earnings, providing insight into the podcasting landscape.