With podcasting today, there’s nowhere to go but up. Listenership is booming. Revenue is flooding in. If you’ve been thinking about getting into the game but have yet to do it, this makes 2025 the year to start one of the best side hustles.
There are more than 500 million podcast listeners worldwide — with the industry projected to surpass $5 billion in revenue — showing there’s never been a better time to launch your show.
Also consider that today’s podcasters have more ways than ever to monetize: from traditional sponsorships and dynamic ads, to premium subscriptions, live events, and exclusive content on platforms like Patreon.
Whether you’re a niche expert or an entertaining personality, the opportunities to earn from your voice and ideas are truly limitless in what’s shaping up to be the golden age of podcasting.
How do podcasts make money?
Podcast monetization isn’t rocket science. The most common way is advertising — where sponsors pay to reach your listeners. Other methods include listener memberships, paid subscriptions and crowdfunding for exclusive content or perks.
There’s also a good chunk of change to be made selling branded merchandise, digital products or premium services like coaching or consulting. Some podcasters use their platform to promote books, courses or live events.
But the best approach really depends on your niche and audience. For example, what works for a true crime show probably won’t jive with a business podcast. With a deeper understanding of your people, you can choose strategies that work best for what you’re putting on the air.
15 ways to make money with a podcast
Pumped to get your podcast started? Good! Let’s take a look at 15 ways you can make money with your podcast. You can focus on just one or mix and match these strategies, which we’ll explore in greater detail below.
- Secure sponsorships and use dynamic ad insertion
- Leverage affiliate marketing
- Sell merchandising and branded products
- Offer dropshipping products to your listeners
- Offer paid membership tiers or exclusive content
- Host live events and virtual meetups
- Implement crowdfunding and value-for-value models
- Monetize through YouTube and video podcasts
- Launch online courses and workshops
- Provide consulting, coaching, and done-for-you services
- Repurposing content for ebooks or audiobooks
- License content to other platforms
- Join podcast networks and pursue revenue sharing
- Host branded or sponsored podcast seasons
- Leveraging AI tools for automated monetization streams
Please note, residents of California, Delaware, Maine, Missouri and New York may be required to file an LLC operating agreement before launching a podcast.
1. Secure sponsorships and use dynamic ad insertion
To get your foot in the door with sponsors, you need a loyal audience with strong engagement metrics. Brands are drawn to shows that have data demonstrating their popularity and the potential this represents for an advertiser.
To introduce yourself, you could pitch sponsors directly, with talking points that show how your audience lines up with the sponsor’s ideal customer. If direct engagement with sponsors is too heavy a lift, consider joining a podcast ad network to access a wider pool of advertisers.
Getting paid often follows the CPM (cost per mille) model, where sponsors pay a set rate per 1,000 downloads. Ads can be placed as pre-roll (before the show), mid-roll (during the show), or post-roll (after the show).
Take a look at dynamic ad insertion tools for an easier time swapping out ads automatically, to maximize revenue and relevancy for both new and back-catalog episodes.
2. Leverage affiliate marketing
If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn money from your podcast, check out affiliate marketing — promoting products or services relevant to your audience. To get started, join affiliate programs through networks like Amazon Associates, Awin, or you could even reach out directly to brands that fit your niche.
Each time a listener uses your unique link or promo code to make a purchase, you’ll get paid a commission, ranging from a small percentage to a significant share of the sale.
For the greatest chance of success, choose products that genuinely interest your listeners and make sure recommendations fit naturally into your show. Hard selling is a definite no-no, but authentic endorsements can build trust, encourage purchases, and create a consistent stream of passive income.
3. Sell merchandising and branded products
Once you get into a rhythm of releasing new episodes and have a steady audience, it’d be wise to look to brand your business — and that means merch.
Selling branded merchandise — like t-shirts, mugs, stickers, and tote bags — is a fantastic way to further build your community (not to mention generate extra income). Setting up a merch store is easier than ever with platforms like GoDaddy Online Store Builder.
Start by designing items that reflect your show’s unique personality or inside jokes your listeners love. Promote your merch during episodes, on social media and in your show to maximize visibility.
Best practices include offering limited-edition drops, running special discounts and encouraging listeners to share photos of their purchases — turning fans into brand ambassadors.
4. Offer dropshipping products to your listeners
Selling merch has a ton of benefits, but it can become a second job maintaining inventory and fulfilling orders — especially if you’re working alone. That’s where dropshipping is the perfect solution.
What is dropshipping, you ask? Well, dropshipping lets you sell products without the need to manage inventory or handle shipping. It starts with finding a dropshipping supplier, and then setting up a platform like GoDaddy Managed Hosting for WooCommerce.
With an online store running on Woo, you can feature products that reflect the unique culture of your podcast. When listeners make a purchase, the dropshipping supplier ships the item directly to them, making the process seamless and low-risk for you.
5. Offer paid membership tiers or exclusive content
Create paid memberships or subscription tiers to offer exclusive perks like bonus episodes, ad-free listening, behind-the-scenes content or early access to new shows. Platforms like Patreon and Apple Podcasts make it easy to set up subscription options and manage members.
If you customize tiers with different pricing and rewards, it’ll encourage listeners to support the show at a level that fits their budget.
Promoting these memberships on-air and through social media can help build community and even create a bit of FOMO, all while generating reliable monthly income. But never forget it’s all about the high-value content that keeps subscribers engaged.
6. Host live events and virtual meetups
Hosting live shows, events or meetups is an excellent way to generate revenue while deepening your connection to your audience.
In-person events — like live podcast recordings, Q&A sessions, or fan meetups — can generate income through ticket sales, merchandise and sponsorships. Virtual events, such as live-streamed episodes or online hangouts, have the same benefits, only without requiring fans to show up in person.
These experiences are fantastic for strengthening community and can even have some listeners walking away superfans.
7. Implement crowdfunding and value-for-value models
If you’re looking to raise funds for a special project — like launching a new season or upgrading your equipment — crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo are definitely worth looking at to help you get momentum going.
If it’s ongoing support you need, contribution tools including PayPal, Buy Me a Coffee or Ko-fi let make it easy for fans to make one-time or recurring donations. Just make sure to mention your handles during episodes.
When you mention these on your show, be sure to emphasize that listeners should contribute only the amount they feel the podcast is worth — in value-for-value fashion. Some other crowdfunding platforms to check out include:
- Patreon
- GoFundMe
- Podfund
- Seed&Spark
- Fundly
With platforms like these, you not only raise much-needed funds but also foster a deeper sense of community. This, in turn, can provide reliable support while making listeners feel like true partners in your show’s success.
8. Monetize through YouTube and video podcasts
Making money on YouTube can unlock powerful new monetization opportunities and help you reach a wider audience. By creating video versions of your episodes — either as full video or with engaging visuals — you can join the YouTube Partner Program, enabling you to earn revenue through AdSense on your content.
YouTube also offers additional income streams like Super Chats (where live viewers pay to highlight their messages during livestreams) and channel memberships, which let fans pay a monthly fee for exclusive perks.
YouTube’s massive platform can not only grow your podcast’s visibility but also add multiple ways to generate income beyond traditional audio channels.
9. Launch online courses and workshops
Turn your expertise into extra income through paid online courses or workshops. If your audience already enjoys your podcast episodes, they’ll likely sign up for video lessons, interactive workshops, or downloadable resources on platforms like Teachable, Udemy or your own website.
Get started with an educational site wireframe, and then work your way into topics like podcasting tips, storytelling, business strategies, marketing, personal finance, fitness, wellness, or any area where you have expert knowledge that’ll benefit your audience.
Feeling a little nervous about starting your own business? For inspiration, look to Darren W. Carter, who formerly held a high-paying job in the steel industry — which he left to start his own barbeque business.
10. Provide consulting, coaching, and done-for-you services
Set yourself up as the go-to for consulting, coaching or custom services by sharing insights, case studies and actionable advice in your podcast. Flexing your knowledge can build credibility and trust with listeners who may be seeking professional guidance.
For example, a business podcast can lead to consulting gigs in marketing or entrepreneurship, while a web design podcast might attract clients wondering how to make a website for a business.
Other possible niches include career coaching, public speaking training, podcast production and tech support. Whatever you take on, remember it’s all about your unique skills and clear calls-to-action to make your podcast a dynamic lead-generation tool.
11. Repurpose content for ebooks or audiobooks
Repurpose your podcast episodes into ebooks, audiobooks or other digital products for new revenue streams. It’s not terribly hard to create ebooks or guides tailored to your audience’s interests by putting together transcripts or interviews from popular episodes.
Recording these insights as audiobooks or exclusive audio series offers even more value. Once you add some engaging visuals, these products can be distributed through platforms like Amazon Kindle, Audible, Gumroad, or even sold directly on your podcast website.
Repurposing content not only maximizes the value of your existing work but also reaches audiences who prefer reading or on-demand learning.
12. License content to other platforms
It’s not uncommon for a podcast to make it as a full-fledged production. For example, the popular TV show “Lore” started as a podcast, and then got picked up for television production.
Licensing your podcast content is an exciting way for podcasters to expand their reach and generate significant revenue. Popular or compelling episodes can inspire everything from true crime documentaries to scripted dramas or nonfiction books.
To pursue this path, try following these steps:
- Research potential buyers
- Develop a strong pitch and media kit highlighting the show’s audience, unique stories and engagement.
- Approach a literary agent, production company or publisher with these materials.
- Consult with an entertainment lawyer to negotiate favorable terms and retain creative control.
13. Join podcast networks and pursue revenue sharing
A podcast network can offer bigtime benefits, like increased ad revenue, larger sponsorships and more exposure through cross-promotion with other shows. Networks often handle ad sales, negotiate better rates and provide production or marketing support — freeing you up to focus on content.
However, there are drawbacks. Networks usually take a percentage of ad revenue and may lock you into exclusive content or long-term contracts, limiting your independence.
To qualify, you usually need a consistent publishing schedule, a growing audience and professional-quality audio. Applying usually involves submitting your show’s stats and a pitch.
Carefully review network terms to ensure they line up with your goals before joining.
14. Host branded or sponsored podcast seasons
You can collaborate with brands to create sponsored podcasts, offering deep-dive storytelling that echoes a sponsor’s message while offering captivating content for listeners. In this model, brands pick up the tab for production — often built around a theme relevant to both the brand and the audience — in exchange for mentions throughout the episodes.
For example, the podcast “The Message” was a sci-fi thriller funded by GE to highlight innovation. These partnerships provide substantial funding, creative possibilities and the possibility of new listeners, while giving brands exposure beyond standard ads.
15. Leveraging AI tools for automated monetization streams
AI tools are changing the game when it comes to podcast monetization. This emerging technology automates otherwise time-consuming tasks and unlocks new revenue opportunities.
Platforms like Spotify’s Megaphone and Acast use AI to insert ads, ensuring the most relevant spots reach the right listeners for maximum earnings. Tools such as Descript and Riverside use AI for transcription, content repurposing, and editing — making it easy to create audiograms or social clips.
For audience analytics, Podbean gives you AI-powered insights to identify listener behavior and optimize content strategy. Adding these cutting-edge tools to your podcasting workflow can streamline your tasks, boost visibility, and maximize your podcast’s monetization potential.
Is your podcast ready for monetization?
A lot needs to happen on the back end before your podcast is ready for monetization. If you’re ready to go beyond podcasting as a hobby, look at the following as a checklist to set yourself up for success.
Research your target audience
Get to know your listeners. Tools like surveys and analytics platforms can yield a number of quantitative insights, while feedback like comments on episodes can give you leads on what your listeners want.
Assess your content quality
Evaluate your podcast episodes as if you were a listener. Check on things like audio quality, the structure of episodes and the overall value you're delivering to listeners. You might make big improvements by investing in a new microphone setup, or by using AI to help outline and even compose episodes.
Identify your unique value proposition
Decide what sets you apart from other podcasters and the unique trait that will keep listeners coming back. This could be your specialized knowledge of a subject, or it could just be your personality and sense of humor. Whatever it is, you need a unique value proposition that you can communicate to listeners and potential sponsors.
Set clear podcasting goals
Look to the future and decide where you’d ideally like to be. That means setting specific, measurable goals for metrics like downloads, revenue or listener engagement. It’s important to be realistic about your goals, but it’s also a good idea to challenge yourself in order to make your podcast as successful as possible.
Set a consistent content schedule
If you have unexplained gaps between episodes of your podcast, you risk alienating both listeners and potential sponsors. It’s key to be consistent with your schedule, so make sure it’s feasible to maintain in the long run. Strategies such as recording multiple episodes in one sitting can help create a buffer if you’re ever running short on content.
Tips for successful podcast monetization
There are a few things that veteran podcasters would likely tell you they wish they knew going into their new ventures. Let’s look at a few of these tips to give you a head start.
Prioritize listener trust
Your listeners are your guiding light. Don’t compromise the things that brought them to you. Make sure they’re always getting the experience they expect and deserve.
Balance value and promotion
Nobody wants to listen to content that’s purely promotional — but it’s hard to avoid completely. Make sure you're balancing promotional aspects of your podcasts with plenty of rich, engaging content.
Platform-specific tips
Now let’s look at a few of the most common podcasting platforms and how to get the most from them
Apple Podcasts
Optimize your show’s title, description, and episode notes with relevant keywords. Apple Podcasts search is a big way that podcasts get found today. Encourage listeners to leave ratings and reviews to boost your show’s visibility.
Spotify
Release episodes consistently and use Spotify’s “podcast playlists” feature to make it easier to find related content. Submit your show directly to Spotify for analytics and make sure your cover art meets their specs for the best display on mobile devices.
Google Podcasts
Make sure your podcast website is SEO-friendly and your RSS feed is properly formatted so Google's crawler can index all your episodes. Submit your show to Google Podcasts Manager to check on performance and troubleshoot any issues with search.
Podbean
Check out Podbean’s built-in monetization tools, like ad insertion and patron programs. You can also be active in the Podbean community by participating in live audio streams and using their analytics to refine your content strategy.
Diversify your monetization methods
Up to this point, we’ve covered quite a few ways you can monetize your podcast. Don’t pick one and ignore the others. Use a variety of methods to ensure you’re getting the best return on your monetization efforts.
Monitor engagement and feedback
Make sure you’re using an analytics platform and reviewing those metrics on a regular basis. It’s also important to check the comments for each episode to see how listeners feel about the content.
Looking ahead: your podcast monetization journey
Podcasting in 2025 offers more opportunities than ever to turn your passion for podcasting into profit. With a global audience, diverse monetization strategies, and the right tools at your disposal, you can build a sustainable, rewarding business around your voice and ideas.
The key is to know your audience, deliver consistent value, and experiment with multiple revenue streams — which we covered in detail.
By staying true to the value you offer listeners, you’ll not only grow your income but also continue building a supportive community. Now’s the time. Start your podcasting journey and make your mark in this golden age.
