Most podcasters think success means hitting thousands (or even millions) of downloads. But that’s a myth. You don’t need Joe Rogan or Call Her Daddy numbers to grow your business with a podcast.
According to Buzzsprout’s 2025 global podcast statistics, half of the top podcasts only get around 30 downloads per episode in the first seven days. Thirty. If you’re getting 100 downloads per episode, you’re in the top 25%. Hitting 500 puts you in the top 10%. And if you reach 5,000 downloads, you’re in the top 1%.
Those stats are fun for bragging rights, but here’s the truth: your download numbers don’t matter nearly as much as who’s downloading (and what they’re doing after they listen).
Why Podcast Downloads Don’t Equal Success
Yes, advertisers want to see big numbers before they’ll hand you a sponsorship deal. Sponsors typically want to see at least 5000 downloads per episode before they’ll consider sponsoring your podcast. They’ll offer to pay you a rate per thousand downloads. This is why podcasters think they need millions of listeners, because with just thousands, they’re really only covering their expenses.
But most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t need millions of listeners. They need the right listeners. Imagine 100 of your ideal clients sitting in a room every week, listening to you for 20 minutes. That’s influence. That’s authority. And that’s enough to grow your business. Compare that to 10,000 random listeners who will never buy, never hire you, and never take action. Those big numbers won’t move the needle for your business.
The Better Way to Monetize a Podcast
If you’ve listened to my show before, for example, episode 173 “How to Make Money from Podcasting,” then you know, spoiler, I think there’s a better way to monetize your podcast than waiting for a sponsor or network to throw money at you. Yes, a very small, I mean microscopic percentage of podcasters are making serious money from sponsorship, but way more podcasters make money by selling to their audience, not selling their audience.
When your podcast is set up right (aka feeding your business), 30–100 weekly listeners can generate new high-ticket clients worth far more than ad revenue.
I’ve seen clients with fewer than 100 downloads per episode land five-figure speaking gigs. I’ve seen others turn interviews into sales calls that convert at 80%. Success doesn’t come from chasing downloads. It comes from aligning your podcast with your business goals.
Metrics That Actually Matter for Podcasters
Instead of obsessing over downloads, track things like:
- Listener engagement (are they finishing episodes, reaching out, joining your list?)
- Conversions (calls booked, programs sold, clients onboarded)
- Visibility and authority (SEO growth, speaking invitations, recognition as the go-to in your niche)
These metrics tell you if your podcast is working. And they’ll make you more money than chasing downloads ever will.
Redefine Podcast Success for Your Business
Having 100 of the right listeners will grow your business more than 10,000 random ones. So stop comparing yourself to the top 1% of shows with massive reach. Get clear on why you’re podcasting, define your own success, and focus on attracting the right audience.
If you’ve been chasing numbers without seeing results, it might be time to realign your show. That’s exactly what we do in the Podcast Tune-Up. It’s a one-on-one program designed to set your podcast up for success in less than 60 days.
👉 Book your free 15-minute coaching call and let’s talk about getting you some big numbers… the kind with a dollar sign in front of them.
