How much does a podcast make in 2026?
Short answer
Podcast ad revenue typically pays $18–$30 CPM for host-read mid-roll, $12–$22 for pre-roll, and $8–$15 for programmatic ads. A podcast averaging 10,000 downloads per episode with two 60-second host-read ads earns roughly $400–$600 per episode, or $1,600–$2,400/month at weekly cadence.
Podcast ad CPMs by format (2026)
| Ad format | Typical CPM | 10K-download episode |
|---|---|---|
| Host-read mid-roll (60s) | $18–$30 | $180–$300 |
| Host-read pre-roll (30s) | $12–$22 | $120–$220 |
| Programmatic | $8–$15 | $80–$150 |
| Full-episode sponsor | $40–$80 | $400–$800 |
Context
Podcast CPMs have held far better than YouTube RPMs because listener attention on host-read ads converts materially better than skippable video pre-roll. The catch: podcasts under 5K downloads/episode struggle to attract sponsors at all — advertisers usually require 10K+ before running a deal.
Methodology
CPM ranges from Podtrac, Libsyn, and ad marketplace disclosures (2024–2026).
Model your own numbers
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Last updated 2026-07-10.