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How to Tell if a Podcast is Successful: 10 Podcast Metrics to Measure
Many of us struggle to know whether or not our podcasts are “successful”. This article outlines ten key metrics that podcasters can monitor to assess and enhance their show's performance. These metrics include subscribers, total downloads, downloads per episode, downloads over time, completion rate, audience by listening platform, reviews/ratings/rankings, peak times, website visits, and social media followers. Each metric provides unique insights into listener behavior and engagement, helping podcasters make informed decisions about content and marketing strategies.
For instance, tracking subscribers indicates the number of listeners who are consistently interested in new episodes, while analyzing downloads per episode can reveal which topics or formats resonate most with the audience. Monitoring completion rates helps identify if listeners are staying engaged throughout episodes, and understanding audience distribution across platforms can guide promotional efforts. Additionally, metrics like website visits and social media followers offer a broader view of a podcast's reach and influence beyond audio platforms. By regularly reviewing these metrics, podcasters can tailor their content and outreach to better meet their audience's preferences and grow their show's success. Read More
Article originally written by Katie Dunn and published on Ausha.
If you missed the news, last week we announced that Pat Flynn, one of the original members of the Podfest Podfam, the guy behind Smart Passive Income and Ask Pat, and an incredible entrepreneur involved in Switchpod, FuseBox, and other awesome companies will be coming to Podfest Expo 2026 to lead a Keynote conversation for you!
As part of this celebration, we also announced that Pat's newest book, Lean Learning: How to Achieve More by Learning Less, will be coming out tomorrow, June 3.
And to help him, we created a site where you can preorder Pat's book for just $33 and immediately save $99 on your Podfest 2026 tickets!
If you haven't preordered yet, for $33, you can preorder a copy of Pat's hardcover book here (including shipping anywhere in the US) and get an immediate $99 discount on a Creator, Editor, or VIP pass to Podfest 2026. (Books will ship in June.)
Let's help Pat land on a national bestseller list!
The 2025 Podcast Show revealed an industry in a stage of transformative growth. From the series of excellent talks, several key trends emerged, from legacy media, audio platforms, and creators adapting to new consumption patterns. Here are my essential findings from the talks I attended on the day:
1. How legacy media can succeed with podcasts
The Economist has successfully created a symbiotic relationship between print media and podcasting, with 2 million weekly listeners behind its paywall. Their true crime series Scam Inc. demonstrates the viability of premium podcast content, while their daily news show and five weekly programmes cater to different audience segments. Notably, their podcast audience is younger and skews more female than their traditional readership, making it appeal to more sought-after audience segments in the market. Moreover, The Economist also noticed that their podcast listeners are more likely to retain their print subscriptions. This makes the podcast a value add as well as a stand-alone opportunity. Read More
Original article written by Laura Fisher and published on Midia.
In a world where creators obsess over high-end gear, Studio Steve of PSS Creative Media challenges the myth that expensive always means better. This video compares a luxurious $10,000+ audio setup (featuring the Neumann U87 mic and Avalon 2022 preamp) with an $80 budget-friendly Samsung Q2U microphone.
Surprisingly, the takeaway is that proper technique, a controlled recording environment, and understanding the audio signal chain can often outweigh raw price tags. Steve also emphasizes how poor audio can negatively affect credibility, trust, and viewer engagement, backed by real studies from USC and Texas Tech. Watch Now
Huge congratulations to Jen Hardy on receiving the Silver YouTube Play Button for reaching 100,000 subscribers! This milestone is no small feat. It's a reflection of consistent effort, powerful storytelling, and a deep connection with an audience that clearly loves what she brings to the platform. The Silver Play Button is one of YouTube’s most prestigious recognitions, and Jen has absolutely earned it.
The Podfest community couldn’t be prouder. Jen represents what it means to create with heart and purpose, and her success is a win for creators everywhere who are building something meaningful. We’re cheering you on as you continue to inspire, educate, and grow. Here's to the next 100K! Learn More
Spotify is adding some new podcast-focused features to its mobile app to make it easier to help you keep track of podcasts you follow and more easily discover new ones.
If Spotify is your main podcast app, the new Following feed the company is introducing might be a welcome change. In a blog post, the company acknowledges that finding the latest episodes of podcasts you follow “has proved to be challenging,” so the new Following feed brings “gives you a dedicated place to catch all the latest releases from the podcasts you follow – all in one easy-to-access feed within your main Podcast feed on Home.” Read More
Article originally written by Jay Peters and published on The Verge.
🎤 🎧 Welcome to “Hacks and Hobbies with Junaid Ahmed – Passion to Profit Stories,” where we explore the journeys of creators turning hobbies into thriving ventures. Hosted by Junaid Ahmed, our in-depth conversations uncover strategies, insights, and success roadmaps from entrepreneurs, artisans, entertainers, and visionaries worldwide.
🎤 🎧 Book 101 Review is a concise and informative guide that offers an overview of the art of book reviewing. This comprehensive episodes covers the key aspects of writing insightful and engaging book reviews, including analyzing plot, characters, writing style, and themes. It provides valuable tips on structuring review, offering constructive criticism, and expressing your personal opinions in a balanced manner.
🎤🎧 Looking for daily inspiration, motivational quotes, and life lessons to boost your mindset? Relatable Wisdom is the podcast for you! Each episode delivers powerful quotes, timeless mottos, and real-life stories—from famous figures to everyday people—that will uplift, motivate, and inspire you. Whether you're searching for personal growth, self-improvement, or wisdom for daily life, our bite-sized episodes provide the encouragement you need.
🎤🎧 Welcome to Healthy Mind By Avik ™ - ”Healthy Mind, Healthy Life”, a podcast that explores the connection between mental health and overall well-being. Join us each week as we delve into topics related to positive psychology, mindfulness, and personal development, and provide practical tips and strategies for cultivating a healthy and balanced mind.
Morgan James Publishing has revolutionized book publishing—from the author’s standpoint.
Morgan James teaches authors strategies to leverage their books and grow their businesses—adding value while staying out of the way.
Ranked by Publishers Weekly as one of the fastest-growing publishers in the nation ten times in our short history. Morgan James is reported to be “the future of publishing.”