How do you keep your nonprofit in the public eye?

It's one of the many challenges facing most nonprofits, but solving it is vital to raising awareness and keeping donations and other funding rolling in.

Public relations is one way to keep your organization's visibility high. But if you're a small organization with a tiny team of volunteers, you may be wondering what PR is and how you can use it to get the word out about your cause.

We've put together a guide to PR for Nonprofit organizations to help you plan a strategy to get your nonprofit the positive attention it needs.

What is PR for nonprofits?

Public relations (PR) is all about your nonprofit organization building relationships and a good reputation in the public arena through positive media coverage. That attracts your target audience, meaning people may actively seek you out or be more receptive to help if you contact them.

Good PR helps you raise awareness of your work. In turn, that leads to increased donations, more volunteers signing on, more projects started or completed and so on.

Marketing and public relations are related. However, marketing often uses paid (e.g., advertisements) or owned media (blogs, social media), while public relations concentrates on earned media (news stories, mentions on other websites, press coverage by local media, feature articles etc.)

How to create a nonprofit PR strategy

1. Identify your main goals

Great PR reflects your organization's mission, values and objectives and works when you understand precisely where your nonprofit is now, who you want to attract, and what you want to achieve through your public relations strategy.

Do you want to:

• Raise awareness about the organization's cause, mission, and impact?
• Build and maintain a positive reputation and public image?
• Attract potential donors, volunteers, and supporters?
• Influence public opinion and policy on issues related to the organization's cause?
• Foster community engagement and support?
• Educate the public about the problems your nonprofit solves?
• Nurture relationships with businesses and supporters?
• Build reliable financial support through monthly sponsorships or regular business contributions?

Identify your goal. Research your organization's current position in relation to that goal, what your target audience thinks or feels about it and what sort of communications they prefer.

Now, you can start planning your PR strategy.

2. Be realistic about how much time you have

Nonprofit teams are often juggling a million things at once, with most of the work being done by a handful of staff and outstanding volunteers.

So, be honest about how much time you really have and focus on the PR efforts that will give you the best bang for your buck.

Develop mutually beneficial relationships with local organizations so you can ask for help when you need it. Try looking for easy wins that won’t add too much to your plate. That way, you can boost awareness and support without burning out your team.

3. Find your story

More than ever, people are looking for genuine connections and personal relationships. Humans relate to stories on a fundamental level. They're one of our oldest traditions and found in all ancient and modern countries and cultures.

That's why human interest stories are so popular and effective. Larger nonprofits know how vital they are in marketing and PR. That's why they communicate their before-and-after stories so often, so donors understand their contribution is making a difference.

Smaller nonprofits need genuine, impactful stories, too.

• Stories that showcase your work to existing and new audiences.
• Newsworthy stories to attract journalists and reporters.
• Education stories to demonstrate the need and your success in meeting it
• Tales to demonstrate the vital contributions from local donors

4. Identify and build contacts

Who can help you with your PR efforts?

Think about local media, businesses, service clubs, schools, reporters, influencers, volunteers, board members, national media, and regular donors who might want to get more involved.

Nurturing relationships and communications with interested organizations and individuals in the community is a vital part of your public relations strategy. How can you help them, and how can they return the favor?

5. Pitch

People need to know about your nonprofit before they can help, so you need to get comfortable pitching your stories to the media.

Media sources include reporters and journalists, social media posts from influencers, and your own media channels (website, newsletter, Facebook, YouTube, etc.)

Again, this is where personal relationships can help. If you've built trust with your local newspaper, for example, you might be able to pop into the office or phone a reporter and invite them to cover your fundraising event.

You can also pitch journalists, podcast hosts and influencers by email. Check out How to Pitch a Podcast for ideas on reaching out to podcasters. The same ideas can apply when you want to reach out to reporters, social media influencers, or business leaders who might be interested.

Nine effective PR ideas for nonprofit organizations

Podcast guesting

Podcasts can be an excellent way to get the word out to the world. Find the sort of podcasts that your target audience enjoys and pitch your story to the host or producer.

Sounds daunting?

Rephonic's podcast database can help you find podcasts that might be interested in featuring you on their show. The Rephonic blog has a heap of articles on how to approach podcasters and how to be an effective and memorable podcast guest.

Start learning with our guide How to Get Interviewed on Podcasts.

Example: Listen to Zach Green's episode on the Storytelling Lab for inspiration on how and why to tell stories that resonate and as an example of how podcast guesting can raise awareness of your organization.

Work with influencers

With influencer PR, you can work with one or more influencers who align with your mission. They'll share your organization's message and play an essential role in advocating for your cause.

Influencers may be in the public eye—e.g., TV presenters, actors, social media personalities, sports stars and local or national heroes. They may also have political influence, such as current or former politicians, respected commentators, noted journalists, leaders and activists.

It helps if the influencers have a personal connection with your cause in some way. Perhaps they or members of their family have experienced the illness, condition or trauma you work with. Maybe they came from a similar background to those you help. Or they may simply believe in your nonprofit's mission and want to use their influence to help a worthwhile cause.

Example:  Anthony Nolan is a UK charity dedicated to saving the lives of people with blood cancer and blood disorders by matching stem cell donors with patients in need of life-saving transplants. Their patron is respected actor Olivia Colman, and they partner with several other prominent UK personalities who have in some way experienced blood cancer to support their cause.

Influencers may represent you on a podcast or attend your fundraising event. Popular TV quiz shows like The Chase regularly record episodes where celebrities play to win money for a charity of their choice. Those charities are often smaller nonprofits dear to that person's heart, and being represented on such a show could earn you substantial donations and recognition.

Issue a press release whenever you have news to share

Media outlets are unlikely to know about your newsworthy events, achievements and updates unless you tell your media contacts about them.

There's an art to crafting an effective press release. Check out Mailchimp's How to craft compelling press releases to learn about relevant press release strategies and access a ready‑to‑use template.

Example: Your press releases have more than one job. As well as alerting the media, your press releases and the articles they generate can live on your website, creating resources for any visitors to find. Build a dedicated media page, like this example from The Smith Family nonprofit, which helps young Australians overcome educational inequalities caused by poverty.

Connect with supporters on social media

Designate someone to create and share engaging content on platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Your posts can include news items, information, acknowledgments, announcements, stories, images, videos and more.

Then, engage supporters by responding to comments and messages and participating in relevant conversations.

Example: This New Zealand food-sharing nonprofit's PR efforts are chatty, informative and sprinkled with emojis, reflecting its relaxed, family-oriented vibe. Most of On The House's posts gather many likes, comments and shares, showing that its supporters appreciate its efforts.

Host events

Many nonprofits are very inventive with their fundraising. Some run established events like charity runs, galas, fairs, auctions and online campaigns every year to raise funds and awareness.

You might also organize workshops, seminars, or community service events to involve, engage and educate supporters and potential donors.

Example: This US-based water charity encourages its supporters to create their own campaign to raise money for clean water projects by highlighting past and present campaign ideas. These include running lemonade stands, asking people to give money to the cause instead of buying birthday presents, themed parties, pop-up ukulele concerts and more.

They've encouraged the next generation to join in by creating Tiny Heroes, an annual award celebrating the incredible efforts of some of their youngest supporters.

ANYTHING

Speak in public

Perhaps you can further your PR goals with public speaking engagements. Attending conferences,  contributing to panel discussions, presenting keynote addresses and opening events all represent opportunities to raise awareness and get media coverage.

If you enjoy speaking in front of an audience, craft an impactful speech relating to the work your nonprofit does and use it as a TED talk.

Communicate through content marketing

Posting informative and inspirational videos, blogs and articles on your website is another way to build relationships with your audience.

Email newsletters can engage and encourage your supporters by including regular updates to subscribers about your activities and impact.

Example: Who could resist an adorable puppy? New Zealand charity Assistance Dogs breeds, raises and trains special dogs to partner with people with many different disabilities or needs. Their monthly newsletter keeps donors up-to-date with their activities and draws readers in by including cute dog photos in every issue.

Consider collaborations

Work with other nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies to amplify your message.

Consider:

• Teaming up for fundraising events or community activities
• Partnering on awareness campaigns
• Exchanging resources (e.g., volunteers, office space, equipment) to help each other out
• Co-hosting community education workshops or seminars on issues you both care about
• Promoting each other’s work on social media and newsletters to widen your audience and show solidarity.

Example: In Australia, the Healthy Waters Partnership for the Dry Tropics brings together local and federal government agencies, environmental organisations, scientific bodies and local businesses to "support the production of an annual report card on the health of Townsville’s Dry Tropics catchments and waterways, and encourage collective action for waterway improvements."

Partners help through sponsorships, advocacy, informing their own audiences about their involvement and by collecting data for the healthy waters report card. The partnership's website names all their partners and many of the businesses publicize their involvement on their own websites and social media posts.

Do some community outreach

Working with people in your local community is another way to build nonprofit public relations. You might:

• Participate in local events and initiatives
• Build partnerships with community organizations and businesses
• Run in-person activities

If the media isn't already involved, chat to your local media outlet and let them know what's happening and why it's newsworthy.

Example: In 2018, UK farmer Ronnie Kendall decided to address loneliness and support well-being by building a community workshop on a disused farm. The nonprofit holds get-togethers and supports projects to encourage people to socialize, create and rediscover their sense of purpose and fulfillment by being part of a supportive community.

Final thoughts

Feeling inspired? How many of our public relations ideas can you envisage working for your organization?

Now that you've explored our guide to PR ideas for non-profits take a moment to plan your next steps. Start with the ideas that click with your nonprofit's goals and your team's strengths. Look for things you can use again and again, and find ways to make them smoother each time.

If you want even more ideas, check out our Best Free PR Ideas for Small Businesses.

Public relations work takes time and effort, but if done well, the results are more than worth it.

About the Author

James Potter started Rephonic in 2020 to answer a simple question: how many people actually listen to this podcast? The platform now estimates audiences for more than 4 million shows, and PR teams lean on those numbers to decide where a pitch is worth sending.

Let's imagine that you're the communications director for a House candidate in a competitive district. Your media plan is heavy on local TV and mailers, and you already know the weak spot in it. The voters you most need to move stopped watching local news years ago, and a lot of them are listening to podcasts instead.

We track more than 4 million podcasts at Rephonic, and every week we watch PR and marketing teams use that database to get booked on the right shows. We don't run campaigns, but a lot of that playbook looks like it should carry over to a candidate. Here's what 2024 and the early 2026 race suggest, and how you'd go about finding the shows your voters actually listen to.

Key Takeaways

• Podcasts stopped being a novelty in 2024. Trump's three-hour sit-down with Joe Rogan alone passed 38 million views on YouTube, an audience cable news can't match.
• More than 130 million Americans listen to a podcast every week, and about a third of US adults now get news this way.
• Podcast listeners lean civic. Weekly listeners are more likely than the average adult to vote in primaries and to have volunteered on a campaign, according to YouGov.
• The channel looks underpriced. Podcasts take up 4.8% of the time Americans spend with digital media but 0.8% of digital ad dollars.
• For most campaigns the opening is likely down the ballot. A few niche shows inside the district can matter more than one hard-to-land national booking.
• Vet the host before your candidate says yes. A hostile or fringe show can cost you more than a friendly one gains.

Why 2024 got called the podcast election

Trump spent the last stretch of the 2024 race on a podcast tour. He started in June on Logan Paul's Impaulsive and sat for something like two dozen long interviews on shows with big young-male audiences, among them Theo Von, Lex Fridman and Andrew Schulz's Flagrant. Eight days before the vote he taped nearly three hours with Joe Rogan. The through-line was young men who had drifted from cable news and, in a lot of cases, from voting, and the campaign was courting them in the open.

That single episode passed 38 million views on YouTube, while Fox News, the most-watched cable network, averaged about 2.65 million primetime viewers across all of 2025. The two numbers aren't measured the same way, a cumulative view count isn't an average nightly audience, but the gap is hard to ignore. People will sit through a long, unedited conversation when they'd never watch a debate.

Harris used podcasts too, taping Call Her Daddy with Alex Cooper to reach young women on abortion. But Democrats came to the format late, and much of the analysis afterward argued they had handed the space to the other side. How much any of it actually moved votes is hard to say. What's clearer is that both parties now treat where a candidate shows up to talk as part of the plan.

The audience is big, and it votes

Podcast listening isn't a fringe habit anymore. Weekly listening in the US hit an all-time high in 2026, 45% of Americans age 12 and up, roughly 130 million people, up from 15% in 2017. About a third of US adults now get news from podcasts.

Podcast listeners also lean civic. YouGov found that weekly listeners are more likely than the average adult to always vote in primaries, and sizeable shares have attended a campaign event or volunteered recently. They also tend to trust what they hear. Among people who get news on podcasts, 87% expect it to be mostly accurate, and most trust it about as much as their other sources. People spend hours a week with a host's voice in their ears, and they tend to act on a host's recommendation more than on a paid spot.

There may be a pricing gap, too. Podcasts take up 4.8% of the time Americans spend with digital media but only 0.8% of digital ad dollars, so the ad market hasn't fully caught up to the attention.

The biggest shows usually aren't the target

Once a comms team buys into podcasts, the pull is to go straight for the giants, the shows everyone read about. For a presidential campaign that can land those bookings, fine. For a House candidate or a state legislator, it usually isn't worth the chase.

A booking on a national comedy show reaches millions of people who mostly can't vote for your candidate. A local show with a few thousand listeners inside the district can be worth more of the candidate's time, even if its download number looks tiny next to Rogan's. It's the same point we make to brands. The download count is the least useful number on the page, and who listens and where they live usually matters more than how many.

It already happens down the ballot. Republican businessman Nate Morris launched his 2026 Kentucky Senate campaign in a 20-minute interview on Donald Trump Jr.'s Triggered podcast. In Texas, Democratic state representative James Talarico went on Rogan in the summer of 2025 and watched his following jump past a million before he entered the Senate race. Both were after the part of that audience that could actually vote for them.

If you're a Democrat that hunts, go on hunting shows.

Richard Fawal, CEO of Voxtopica, in Campaigns & Elections.

Worth one caution. Eric Wilson, a Republican digital strategist who runs the Center for Campaign Innovation, calls "do more podcasts" the wrong takeaway from 2024. Getting booked is the easy part. An appearance only does something if your candidate has something worth saying to people who otherwise skip the news.

Imagine we're running comms for a Senate campaign

Imagine we're running communications for a Senate campaign in Arizona. Our candidate is strong on veterans' issues and cost of living, and we need independent men in Maricopa County who don't watch the news and have never opened a campaign email.

We wouldn't open by emailing Joe Rogan. The first job is a list. In Rephonic we'd search more than 4 million shows by topic, so veterans, Arizona politics and the outdoors, then filter by audience, narrowing to shows with listeners in Arizona, in the age and gender range we're after, with the interests our voters tend to share. Out of millions of podcasts, that leaves a few dozen worth pitching.

For each one we'd check the listener estimate and demographics to confirm the audience is genuinely local, read a recent transcript to hear how the host treats a guest, then pull the host or producer's verified email and send a short, specific pitch. That's the point of a database built for outreach rather than listening. Apple Podcasts and Spotify are made for people who want something to play. They won't tell you how many listeners a show has in Arizona, or hand you the producer's email. Rephonic does both.

Vet the show before your candidate says yes

Not every booking is worth taking. A candidate can walk into a show whose host turns hostile, or whose audience is the opposite of the one they need, and the clip that comes out follows them for the rest of the race. When Benjamin Netanyahu went on the Nelk Boys' Full Send podcast in 2025, the criticism came from both the left and the right and the channel lost more than 10,000 subscribers in a day. Harris had the opposite regret, later saying she wanted to do Rogan and let her team talk her out of it. A podcast runs unedited, so a weak moment airs with no producer to cut it.

So it's worth vetting first. Before your candidate accepts, you'd want to know who the host is, what they've said, who else they've platformed, and who's actually listening. That's what Rephonic's episode data is for. You can read transcripts, see a show's past guests and sponsors, check the topics and tone it leans toward, and size up its audience before anyone commits.

Run it like a program

A single podcast hit gives you a clip and not much else. To get more out of it, it helps to treat podcast outreach like the rest of your media plan rather than a one-off.

1. Build targeted lists and keep them fresh. Save your searches so new shows that fit your criteria surface as they launch, instead of starting discovery from scratch every week.
2. Track the pipeline. Prospected, pitched, followed up, booked. If a host doesn't reply, send one follow-up and move on.
3. Watch combined reach, not single-show reach. Add up the listener estimates across the shows you book, and check where two shows share an audience so you're not reaching the same ears twice.
4. Keep an ear on the wider conversation. Set alerts for your candidate's name, the opponent's, and your core issues across more than 4 million shows, so you hear when you're being talked about.

Final thoughts

A podcast tour helped carry a national campaign in 2024, and the rest of the field has spent the last year catching up. Democratic donors are weighing tens of millions of dollars to build their own podcast and creator bench, and governors and senators in both parties have started their own shows.

For most campaigns, though, the better bet is probably quieter than a marquee booking or a nine-figure project. Find the few dozen shows your voters listen to, check that the audience and the host are a fit, and send your candidate in prepared. Done well, that reaches people your ad buys won't.

Rephonic is the most complete podcast database for finding and qualifying the right shows, whoever you need to reach. Want to see which podcasts your district is listening to before your opponent does?

Start your 7-day Rephonic trial and build your campaign's list from more than 4 million shows.

About the Author

James Potter started Rephonic in 2020 to answer a simple question: how many people actually listen to this podcast? The platform now estimates audiences for more than 4 million shows, and PR teams lean on those numbers to decide where a pitch is worth sending.

You’re here because you’ve heard that podcast guesting is a powerful way to get noticed — and it is. But finding the right shows manually using Google and Spotify takes more time than most people can spare.

Perhaps you’re looking for a shortcut, something like PodPitch, to help generate outreach at scale and land interviews without the usual hassle. But there's one burning question: how much will it cost?

PodPitch requires you to schedule a live demo before revealing any pricing details, which means there’s no upfront transparency about their plans or costs. This article reveals the monthly price of PodPitch and offers an interesting alternative.

What is PodPitch?

At Rephonic, we like to think of ourselves as PR and marketing’s leading podcast database, so we’re always curious to see how new podcast pitching tools stack up. PodPitch is a database of approximately 3.85 million podcasts, used to automate podcast guest outreach.

Users start by searching for a keyword or topic, and the platform then generates pitch emails in their preferred style and sends them from their own inbox.

So, let's see what using PodPitch will cost you each month.

PodPitch pricing

PodPitch's pricing structure isn't immediately available on their website. You have to book a 15-minute demo of the system to find out what it costs.

Like many other tools and competing platforms, PodPitch does not display transparent pricing upfront and requires a demo before revealing costs. A reliable source mentioned $299/mo per guest profile but some customers also report they’ve been offered a special discount of $199/mo. It’s unclear how widespread that offer is.

PodPitch reviews

If you’re looking for PodPitch reviews, you may not find much. The company does not currently appear to have a G2 or Product Hunt profile, and there is limited feedback from real users, as the company lacks profiles on major review sites. While there are a few Reddit threads about it, the feedback there is mixed.

Some real users praise its time-saving capabilities, while others express concerns about the accuracy of its contact database and the quality of its automated, AI-generated pitches.

Rephonic is a PodPitch alternative

Rephonic is the most complete podcast database for PR teams, marketers, and founders looking to book high-impact guest appearances and ad spots.

What sets Rephonic apart is its depth of data and emphasis on quality, making it ideal for teams that need precise insights to identify and pitch the right opportunities.

Rephonic is intuitive and easy to use, letting you find shows, send pitches, and manage responses—all in one place. Here's how it works:

Find the right podcasts

Let’s say I’m a nutritionist promoting my coaching program through podcast guesting. I need to find podcasts about nutrition, then pitch talking points related to that topic.

I’m not a big-name nutritionist, so I’ll focus my search on smaller, niche podcasts with audiences that love health and fitness.

Vet podcasts with data

Rephonic arranges its podcast data across six tabs:

• Overview: Find listener numbers, contact details, episode links, topics, socials, etc.
• Audience: Shows demographic filters - location, gender, professions, etc.
• People: Host and guest profiles
• Sponsors: Advertiser info and links
• Feedback: See how listeners rate and review the show
• Charts: All charts or filter by country and category to get a more targeted view.

Pitch podcasts straight from Rephonic

Connect your own email account (or multiple accounts if you work as part of a team) and send pitches directly from Rephonic.

You can automate follow-ups and manage replies without leaving the platform, which means you can handle the full outreach workflow in one place while keeping full control over which podcasts you pitch.

Comparing PodPitch pricing to Rephonic

If you’re flying solo, go for Rephonic's Light option—$99 is unbeatable value. A small team pays just $149 per month for up to five people and access to all features.

$299/mo gets you everything: up to 10 team members, make as many searches and campaigns as you want, connect up to 5 inboxes, and we’ll send your help requests straight to the head of the queue.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re a solopreneur taking your first leap, or a team of PR professionals working to get your company or clients noticed, Rephonic is the tool you need to book the right podcast guest appearances.

Sign up to try every feature for free with our 7-day free trial.

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About the Author

James Potter started Rephonic in 2020 to answer a simple question: how many people actually listen to this podcast? The platform now estimates audiences for more than 4 million shows, and PR teams lean on those numbers to decide where a pitch is worth sending.

How do I get my new podcast to stand out from the crowd? Surely the answer is to ignore all the popular podcast formats others use and create something unique?

Sorry, no!

The real answer is this: create a stand-out podcast by combining a unique blend of podcast formats + niche + your personality and style to entice fans in and keep them coming back for more.

So what are your options? The four main formats are the interview, the solo show, the co-hosted or conversational show, and the roundtable or panel. Past those, there are another dozen or so styles, from narrative storytelling and true crime to news, comedy and video. We walk through all 17 below, each with a real example, so you can pick the format, or the mix of formats, that suits your show.

What is a podcast format?

A podcast format gives your show some structure and consistency. Contrary to what you might expect, podcast listeners like to know what to expect when they tune in to a podcast episode. While the content should change between episodes, following a familiar structure helps your listeners feel comfortable.

Following a standard podcast format helps you create a coherent flow between your episodes. It also helps you when planning because it's much easier to follow a pattern than to make something up from scratch each time.

Most successful podcasts have a basic episode structure, which is how you can create a flow within your episodes.

Each episode has:

• An intro with a hook to draw listeners in
• The main content which takes up most of the episode
• An outro that includes a CTA for ratings and reviews and perhaps a glimpse into the following episode.

Can you mix podcast formats?

Anything is possible within that overall structure, and combining formats helps make your podcast stand out. For example, podcast host Joanna Penn combines a solo podcast format with an interview. Each episode of The Creative Penn Podcast starts with a monologue covering industry news from the publishing world, updates on her own business and AI news, then continues with an expert interview.

Many podcast hosts alternate formats, e.g., Jay Acunzo's podcast switches between three formats. One episode of Unthinkable may be a monologue; another contains a story or creator advice, and the third is an expert interview. Mixing podcast formats can work so long as your audience knows what's happening and expects it.

So, what are the different podcast formats? Most podcasts follow one of these four: interview, solo podcast, panel interview, and conversational podcasts with two or more hosts to share the load. Let's look at what each podcast format entails, find some real-life examples and examine their pros and cons.

Four most popular podcast formats

1. Interview podcasts

The interview format is one of the most popular podcast formats around. In interview podcasts, the host talks to a different guest in each episode.

In many cases, these guests are industry experts in the podcast niche. However, they could also be fellow podcasters, storytellers, people who've had extraordinary experiences or life lessons, commentators, academics, comedians... the list of possibilities for podcast guests is almost endless.

If you need help coming up with tailored interview questions for your guest, why not try out our totally free podcast question generator?

Interview Podcast Example: The Great Creators with Guy Raz

In each episode of The Great Creators podcast, Guy Raz interviews guests like Tom Hanks, Alan Alda, Ellie Goulding and Sigourney Weaver, taking them deep into conversation about the events and people that have shaped their lives and careers.

The pros...

Interviewing a different guest in each episode brings new information and fresh perspectives to your podcast. It can also introduce your podcast to new listeners when the guest shares that episode with their own audiences.

...and cons.

However, it can take a lot of time and effort to find the many guests you need to keep the podcast going, especially if your podcast isn't well known. You'll also need to spend time researching each guest and deciding on relevant questions before you talk to them.

2. Solo podcasts

As the name suggests, solo podcasts don't involve guests or multiple hosts. There is just one host who creates rapport with their audience by talking directly to their listeners rather than conversing with a guest or co-host.

Solo Podcast Example: Strong Songs by Kirk Hamilton

Ever wondered why 'Stairway to Heaven' became a classic? What about 'I Will Always Love You' or 'Bohemian Rhapsody' draws you in and won't let go? In Strong Songs, podcast host Kirk Hamilton dissects the melodies, rhythms, harmonies and back stories behind a single song to explain how it weaves a spell over generations of listeners.

The pros...

Solo podcasts are terrific for creating a personal brand. Listeners come to feel they know and trust the host and tune in for that connection as much as for the content.

Solo podcasting means you can work to your schedule without worrying about anyone else's timetable. Editing is more straightforward, too, because it's easier to work with a single voice than with multiple tracks.

...and cons.

However, working by yourself can be rather lonely. You don't have anyone to bounce ideas off or to take some of the load. Moreover, speaking into a microphone can be tiring, and keeping up your intonation and energy for the whole episode is hard.

3. Co-hosted format

Co-hosted podcasts are sometimes called conversational podcasts because of the hosts' dialogue and relaxed banter.

Fans of this podcast format enjoy the organic conversation (as opposed to scripted monologues or Q&A discussions) and often feel part of a club rather than simply being in an audience.

Co-host podcast example: Chat 10, Looks 3 Podcast by Leigh Sales and Annabel Crabb

A whole ecosystem has developed around the Chat 10 Looks 3 podcast in the years since the co-hosts began to chat. Fans are called "Chatters." There's an active Chatter Facebook group, a semi-regular newsletter, weird and wonderful Chatter merch and links to an online bookshop to purchase the books discussed by the co-hosts. The podcast has also branched into different formats with multiple episodes performed live in theaters around Australia, a YouTube channel and a spin-off book club podcast.

The pros...

Co-hosts can split the tasks associated with creating the podcast. Having each host work to their strengths while sharing the load makes podcast content creation easier and more fun.

...and cons.

Make sure you're on the same page as your co-host. It's essential to consider the podcast ownership structure, how you plan to fund it and how you'll allocate any revenue.

4. Roundtable format

The roundtable or panel podcast format involves a group of people in a discussion. The panel usually consists of one or two podcast hosts together with different guests on each episode. Some roundtable podcasts debate serious issues, while others feel like friends having a laugh.

Roundtable podcast example: The BeanCast Marketing Podcast

BeanCast is a weekly roundtable podcast in which a panel of experts joins podcast host Bob Knorpp to discuss recent marketing industry news and views.

The pros...

Conducting a roundtable or panel podcast allows you to present varied viewpoints on every episode. If you're lucky enough to host many industry experts, you'll also reinforce your standing within that niche or industry. It's also a great way to increase your network. You may also introduce people who haven't met before and are therefore seen as a connector in your industry or niche.

...and cons.

Editing multiple guests can be more complex and time-consuming than editing a solo episode with audio or video tracks, so even if you'd prefer to edit the podcast yourself, you may find it better to outsource a multi-track recording. Scheduling can also be a hassle. When you're trying to synchronize several people's calendars finding a date and time when everyone's available can be a nightmare.

Other styles to consider

The formats above are a great starting point. But you'll need to think even deeper to see what angle your podcast can take. How can you combine different podcast styles or audio elements to make your show stand out?

Here's one scenario. You're planning an interview podcast about mountain biking. So, will you interview your guests in a studio? Or could you possibly get outside and meet them in the mountains? Will you record the sounds of bikes heading down the mountain or keep the audio as speech only? You could even mix it up and alternate outside and inside episodes.

Then, consider the vibe. Will you have a serious interview podcast format or give it a comedic twist? Before you find the right podcast format for your unique show, there are many decisions to make. So, here are some examples of other types of podcast you might consider.

Video podcasts

Video podcasts are the same shows you already know, just filmed on camera and put on YouTube and Spotify next to the audio feed. In an Edison Research survey from late 2024, 31% of weekly US podcast listeners said YouTube was the service they use most for podcasts, ahead of Spotify on 27% and Apple on 15%. Film your episodes and you get in front of those viewers, many of whom never open a podcast app.

The Joe Rogan Experience is the go-to example, running as long-form video conversations. Fans clip the best bits of each episode and share them on YouTube and social media, and plenty of those viewers would never sit through a whole show. Video does cost more to make, though. You're paying for camera gear and a lot more editing on top of the audio, and if your show looks amateurish on camera you can lose the viewers the audio would have kept. A lot of successful shows still stay audio-only.

Storytelling or fiction podcasts

The fiction storytelling podcast format can be a storytelling podcast in a solo format, where one host or actor reads or narrates an entire story in each episode. Or it could be a story told in chapters across several weeks. The entire podcast could even be a full-blown serialized audio drama with multiple voice actors, music and sound effects.

Makeshift Stories is a bi-monthly sci-fi, fantasy, and speculative fiction podcast where you can hear a different original story in every episode.

The Black Tapes podcast is serialized docudrama with 51 episodes produced so far. Hosted by Alex Reagan. In the Black Tapes Podcast, the narrative follows one fictional journalist's search for the truth about her subject's mysterious past.

Non-fiction narrative/storytelling

99% Invisible is a compelling example of non fiction storytelling. The podcast blends storytelling and commentary with interview excerpts from the story's participants to weave together the tale of how one piece of everyday design can have a profound effect.

On-the-ground podcast format

These types of podcasts are not recorded in a studio. Instead, the recording crew takes their equipment out and about - which could be anywhere. So long as you have the right equipment, you can record in the mountains, at events, in a classroom, or even on a fake planet.

The Habitat is recorded on a remote Hawaiian mountain, home to six volunteer "astronauts" spending a whole year in a simulated Mars environment. In this intriguing podcast, Lynn Levy chronicles the true story of this fake planet.

Live podcasts

Many established podcasts include episodes that have been recorded live where there is an audience listening in real time - often in theatres. A few podcasts are always recorded live, but most podcasters using this format are likelier to have studio recordings and live performances in their archives.

In the comedy podcast, How Did This Get Made? hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael and Jason Mantzoukas watch terrible movies with a group of their funniest friends and report back live with some hilarious results.

Investigative podcast format

Investigative podcasts follow the twisting tales of true crime mysteries, cold cases and even wrongful convictions. Some are limited editions, i.e., they follow a single case. Others, such as Serial, finish one saga and get straight onto the next.

Comedic podcast format

Comedy is one of the biggest genres in podcasting. Some podcasts are straight comedies, others are about comedy, and others contain comedic elements or humor.

For example, each Comedy of the Week episode features a different BBC Radio 4 comedy or stand-up show. On the other hand, You're Dead To Me is a history podcast in which Greg Jenner (from 'Horrible Histories') pairs a historian with a comedian to learn about diverse historical moments and adds a comedic twist to a serious subject.

Current affairs/news podcasts

Some people get news updates from television, while others read the paper or skim the news sites. But many also turn to news and current events podcasts for insights and analysis. These shows are usually brief and to the point.

The Daily is one well-known example of news podcasting and features the "biggest stories of our time, told by the best journalists in the world... Twenty minutes a day, five days a week."

NPR's Up First is another. It has "The three biggest stories of the day, with reporting and analysis from NPR News — in 10 minutes."

Immersive podcast format

An immersive podcast uses sound effects, voice actors and music to make the listener feel as if they're inside the story. Examples include The Polybius Conspiracy, which blends fact and fiction to tell the story of a mysterious arcade game from the '80s, and The Bright Sessions, which follows the fictional "therapy sessions for the strange and unusual" conducted by the equally interesting Dr. Bright.

Personal journal podcasts

Personal journal podcasts center on the host's personal thoughts, experiences, and reflections. It offers an intimate and authentic glimpse into the host's life, providing a sense of connection and often exploring personal growth or introspection.

In Happier with Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author Gretchen Rubin and her sister Elizabeth Craft share personal stories, discuss happiness-related topics, and provide practical advice as they explore strategies and insights for living a happier and more fulfilling life. And at the opposite end of the happiness scale, in 'Terrible, Thanks For Asking' author Nora McInerny talks to people about how they're really doing. It's sometimes sad, sometimes funny, and almost always both.

Lifestyle podcast

Lifestyle podcasts provide practical advice and inspiration to help listeners enhance their lives. Topics often include health, relationships, home organization, travel, personal development, fashion and beauty, and you'll find them in categories like Mental Health, Society & Culture, and Health & Fitness.

One example is The Minimalists Podcast, which discusses clutter and minimalism in many areas of life, including health, possessions, psychology, clothing, homes and even people. Another is The Tony Robbins Podcast, where Tony, his family, friends and guests share proven strategies and tactics for business, relationships, health and finances.

Host Q&As

In host Q&A podcasts, the host answers questions submitted by listeners or fans of the show. Hosts may dedicate a segment of each episode to Q&A or answer questions for the entire episode. The format is great for audience engagement and interaction. It fosters a sense of community and connection between the host and listeners and allows the host to share their knowledge and create a more interactive experience for their listeners.

Ask Pastor John is built entirely on this format. Listeners send in their questions and John Piper answers one on each short episode. He publishes twice a week and has recorded more than 2,000 episodes.

Repurposed content

Some podcasts repurpose or adapt existing content from another medium into an audio format to take the content beyond your existing audience and introduce it to people who prefer listening over watching videos or reading blog posts.

Repackaging existing content is a great way to extend its lifespan and lets you create a podcast without spending too much time and effort creating brand-new content.

Repurposed content can include recordings of speeches given at live events, lessons from the creator's paid courses or webinars, audio tracks extracted from video content, or blog posts read as a podcast episode.

Some examples include the TED Radio Hour, which repurposes TED talks into audio episodes, and The Gary Vee Audio Experience, which includes business, marketing, and personal development content from the entrepreneur's keynote addresses, interviews, motivational talks and YouTube channels.

Final thoughts

So, let's return to your podcast format. Which of these is the right podcast format to enchant your target audience? How can you combine formats to create a stand-out show?

We've included a few podcast examples here to get you started but Rephonic lists the details and links to over 4 million podcasts in its database. So, for further inspiration, use each of these examples and head to the 3D graph to find similar podcasts.

Discover your podcast inspirations on Rephonic with our free 7-day trial.

About the Author

James Potter started Rephonic in 2020 to answer a simple question: how many people actually listen to this podcast? The platform now estimates audiences for more than 4 million shows, and PR teams lean on those numbers to decide where a pitch is worth sending.

This guide walks you through exactly how to get on podcasts as a guest in 2026. It’s built on hard-won lessons from helping hundreds of founders, PR pros and marketing teams run successful guesting campaigns.

Since 2020 when we founded Rephonic, we’ve believed that getting featured as a guest on podcasts should be a strategic, deliberate decision. A guest spot gives you exposure to a new audience and builds your credibility in your field. If you want results, it’s worth treating podcast guesting like a proper marketing or PR campaign rather than a side hobby.

You’ll get interviewed on more podcasts if you make a few decisions before you start pitching. So let’s walk through them.

Key Takeaways

1. Podcast guesting isn't for everyone.
2. Choose between five ways of finding podcasts: manual, agencies, podcast databases, Facebook and Reddit groups, and matchmaking sites.
3. Using solid data to determine if a podcast is well-suited or not is key to increasing your booking rate.
4. Podcast guesting is a long game that requires patience, persistence, and a strategic approach for the best results.

Who should book podcast interviews, and why?

Is it really worth getting into podcast guesting?

We think so.

Guesting means appearing on someone else's show, allowing you to collaborate and borrow an engaged audience that already knows and trusts the host. They’re willing to listen to and learn from that guest, simply because the host has invited them onto the show.

Interviews are not about advertising a product (even if generating leads is the ultimate goal.) Instead, they're all about giving value to the host and their audience.

James Potter, Founder of Rephonic

Telling stories, relating experiences, talking about mistakes and lessons learned. Maybe making them laugh, gasp, or even shed a tear. In return, you get to speak to dozens, hundreds, maybe even thousands of people who are likely to care about your message and need your products or services.

They learn your name, what you do and what you stand for.

In other words, they get to know, like and trust you by listening to (or watching) your interview in a setting where they already feel comfortable. That's a powerful reason right there, because it means they might think of you when they experience the problems you solve.

Longevity counts, too. Podcast episodes stick around for a long time in podcast apps all around the world. That means people will discover your interviews months or even years after they were released.

Spotify has now confirmed this behaviour via Podnews: 30% of consumption from the top 100 active podcasts comes from episodes more than eight weeks old (could be new or returning listeners). That’s a huge chunk of consumption happening long after an episode first airs.

James Potter, Founder of Rephonic

People who want to book podcast interviews tend to be:

1. Founders, entrepreneurs and business leaders
2. Agencies (including PR agencies, marketing agencies, and podcast agencies)
3. In-house Marketing and PR teams
4. Podcasters
5. Authors

But even if you're not one of these, there are still plenty of reasons to consider being a podcast guest.

Educational institutions, teachers and specialists, book publishers, musicians, preachers, politicians... anyone with interesting stories can make a good podcast guest if they choose shows with the right audiences.

Here's what you could achieve through podcast guesting:

Build thought leadership or a personal brand

Founders, agencies, and PR or marketing teams often book podcast guest interviews to grow a personal brand—whether their own or a client’s—or to build thought leadership.

Investor, author and philanthropist Alex Hormozi is a great example of a founder who intentionally uses his podcast appearances to build his personal brand. In this 2024 case study, we dug into Rephonic's data to uncover five significant ways that Alex's podcast guest appearances are paying off.

Generate clients, customers or sales

Choose shows whose audience will resonate with your message.

Yes, your ultimate goal is selling products, services or books but podcast guesting isn't about getting a quick win (although that sometimes happens, too.) Podcast guesting is a longer game. The goal for you (or your clients) is to create a great impression and become known, respected and trusted in that niche or industry.

Appearing on more podcasts increases your reach and credibility, helping you access larger audiences and higher-quality shows over time.

Sometimes you'll gather leads directly from an interview, through a landing page or unique discount code. Other times listeners act after they've heard several of your podcast interviews. That's definitely something solopreneur Talya Heller noticed after she'd notched up a few guest appearances on relevant podcasts in her B2B marketing niche.

However, a result might not come from the listeners. Sometimes, guests bond with the podcast hosts who either recommend them to other podcasts or even become clients themselves.

Network and form partnerships

Being a guest on a podcast brings opportunities for networking and building relationships. Podcast hosts talk to a range of guests in their niche and may introduce you to those they've formed connections with, especially if you've gone out of your way to be great podcast guest.

They talk to other podcast hosts, too. If a host gets positive feedback from their podcast listeners, they're likely to recommend you to other hosts too.

Enhance SEO

In SEO, the more high-quality backlinks you get to your website the better.

Search engines view quality backlinks as endorsements of your site’s content. So, podcast links signal that your content is trustworthy and valuable, which leads to more visibility for your site. Let hosts know which links you want to promote and they’ll often include them as backlinks in their episode show notes.

Here's a screenshot of a few podcast backlinks that Hormozi's website has received:

Increase podcast listeners

Podcast hosts and publishers can grow their audience by making guest appearances on other podcasts with similar listeners.

Increasing your listener numbers makes it easier to attract sponsors, sell merchandise or promote your online courses.

If you have your own podcast, consider cross-promoting your show with other podcasters. This could be as simple as recommending each other, but works even better if you each appear as a guest on each other's shows.

Decide if podcast guesting is right for you

#1. Start by clarifying your goals. Like we discussed above, being a podcast guest could work well for you if you want to:

• Build thought leadership or a personal brand
• Generate clients, customers or sales
• Create marketing content for repurposing
• Network and form partnerships
• Enhance SEO

The most important part is making sure your goals align with the right podcast opportunities, so you maximize the value and impact of your appearances.

#2. Understand what you have to offer before you start finding the right podcasts.

• Do you (or your colleague or client) have unique insights, experiences, or expertise?
• Are you (or they) comfortable speaking engagingly? Do you/they need media training?

#3. Can you commit the time? Being a podcast guest doesn't take nearly as much work as having your own podcast, but it takes a certain amount of effort.

Initially, you’ll need to decide on your message and practice your anecdotes.

If you don’t work with an agency, you’ll also spend time looking for shows and writing a unique podcast pitch to appeal to each host.

Allow plenty of time to record the actual interview. You’ll have a better conversation if you show up early and chat to the host first.

Finally, schedule time to promote your episode once it airs.

#4. Are you willing to drop the sales speak?

If you just want to pitch your product or service for the whole interview, podcasts aren't the platform for you.

#5. Be realistic about the likely outcomes from podcast guesting.

Some people might respond immediately, but others take action weeks, even months later. Episodes are back-listed on Apple podcasts and Spotify for years, so people might take action long after you recorded the interview.

#6. Is the target audience broad enough to warrant the effort?

Even if a podcast seems relevant, it won’t deliver results if only a tiny fraction of its listeners match your target audience, which means it may not be worth the time and effort.

You might be booking interviews for yourself, a colleague or client, but to make easier from here on in, we're going to imagine you're booking for yourself. The process is pretty much the same for all three.

Plan your podcast guesting campaign

Some people fall into podcast guesting by accident. Perhaps they know a new host who's looking for guests. Others get interview requests from podcast hosts who notice their strong online presence.

But most people who want to get booked as a guest need to pitch multiple podcasters, so they take a strategic approach to podcast guesting.

1. Select your approach to find podcasts

We know of five ways to find podcast guest opportunities, each requiring a different mix of time, money, and effort.

Manual searches: Look for suitable podcasts on Google, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Searches cost nothing, so potential guests see them as a great starting point. But manual searches are time-consuming so, eventually, many people look for an alternative podcast search tool.

Booking agencies: The most expensive option, but employing them saves you time and effort. Agency fees can be from $500 to several thousand per month. Agents usually have access to an extensive database like Rephonic, and if they operate in a niche, often have existing relationships with hosts.

Databases like Rephonic use the search tool to help you locate podcasts with listeners who match your own audience. Database membership costs start at $99 per month and saves a lot of time filtering through millions of podcasts.

Rephonic filters shows by audience demographics like gender skew and listener location, so you can find podcasts whose audience aligns with yours.

If you're not using a podcast database (or you want 100% accurate info), contact the host or publisher.

Facebook and Reddit groups. These groups are free. Members may post that they are looking for guests, however these are usually tiny shows by hobbyists. It's a great option if you want to practice public speaking or hone your podcast guesting skills in a relatively quiet corner.

Matchmaking sites: Platforms like PodMatch and MatchMaker.fm are popular tools that help users find podcast appearances. PodMatch, in particular, is noted for its efficiency in matching guests with hosts. Matchmaking sites tend to be a relatively inexpensive option, costing between $15-70 per month. However, only a small proportion of shows actually list themselves on there.

2. Check out competitor appearances

This may be difficult if you’re not using Rephonic, but it's useful to see where your competitors are appearing on podcasts. You might find they offer excellent opportunities for you too, especially if you can offer something different.

So, how do you find where your competitors are being booked on podcasts?

You could try a manual search. For example, if the podcast guest was your competitor's founder you'd watch their social media accounts for episode links and clips.

Or you could take the strategic approach and use Rephonic episode search for a list of every episode they appear in. Then you can reverse engineer their strategy to see if it works for you, too.

Example: Alex Hormozi's podcast appearances in 2023

Alex Hormozi guested on 15 podcasts, most of which were well-established shows which published daily or weekly episodes. The podcasts range between smaller, focused audiences to those with large audiences, which suggests Alex has a strategy of targeting both mass reach and specific niche audiences.

There's a clear pattern in categories that align with his expertise, showing that he's focused on building authority with audiences interested in multiple aspects of success.

3. Look up podcast data

Check the podcast stats before booking an interview. Just because you've found a show that covers a topic you're interested in doesn't necessarily mean it's a good match.

You need to understand the format and audience of each particular show before pitching, as tailoring your outreach to the specifics of the show increases your chances of being booked.

Rephonic really makes a difference when you need to do more research. Each podcast data page includes:

1. Overview: Key stats including listener numbers, whether it accepts guests, engagement scores, subscriber numbers across the various podcast apps and links to episodes, social media accounts and YouTube.
2. Audience: Dig into listener demographics to see how well they match your target audience. Info includes a typical listener profile, location spread, stats on their likely age range, professions, relationship status and more.
3. People: Info about the hosts and the guests who've recently appeared on the show.
4. Sponsors: Includes who has recently sponsored the podcast, reveals their CTA and an audio clip.
5. Feedback: Lists key themes from listeners' reviews, and links to the ratings and reviews in every app.
6. Charts: The podcast's chart rankings across different countries and categories. View all charts or use the filters to narrow it down to particular countries and categories.

Think about your preferred podcast format, too.

Would you rather guest on interview-based podcasts where it's just you and the host or hosts? Do you prefer panel discussions where you’re one of a few guests brought together to explore a topic? Or would a mixture of both work best with your goals?

Understanding your preferences will help you with ranking your podcast list in the next step.

4. Rank target podcasts

You've found a bunch of suitable podcasts. Now sort them into a list.

Start with aspirational shows—highly relevant podcasts with large audiences—at the top and work your way down. At the end of your list you'll still have shows that are highly relevant, but might have smaller audiences. Or the podcasters might be less established, with fewer episode numbers. These are the shows you should focus on first.

Think of it like a ladder. Take one step at a time and work your way up.

James Potter, Founder of Rephonic

Aspirational shows are ones you shouldn’t pitch yet. You’d likely get rejected or ghosted if you punch too far above your weight. Even if you did miraculously get booked as a guest, without guesting experience you risk giving a lack luster interview and wasting the opportunity.

Keep them for the future when you have a few episodes under your belt. Right now you need to practice and build up to them.

5. Identify how to add value

Increase your chances to get booked on podcasts by first identifying how you, your client or colleague can add value.

You might:

1. Look for content gaps—what haven’t they discussed yet?
2. Expand on a topic they’ve already covered—what new information, examples or stories might you add?
3. Offer a fresh, contrasting perspective.

When you pitch unique and relevant talking points, you make the host's job easier by helping them quickly see how you fit into their show and what value you bring. You can identify shows where you might add value more easily by using Rephonic’s podcast episode transcript search.

6. Listen to podcast episodes

Of course, you must listen to at least one podcast episode to make sure a show is a good fit before you add them to your target list. As you listen, make an effort to truly hear the host's style and what the audience values, so you can better understand how to engage and connect during your appearance.

Consider these points while you listen:

• What's their interview style?
• Does it feel like you'd fit in with the podcast hosts?
• Is it relevant to you and your niche? Even when it looks good on paper, sometimes the style or content won't suit your brand.
• Look for ideas that you resonate with and note the episode number.

Use these later to personalize your outreach email.

7. Plan your schedule

Should you plan for monthly appearances across the year or intense bursts? Bear in mind that the lead time from pitch to episode release can take months.

Reach out early and try to book your preferred date in advance. Pitch too late and you might miss the boat. That's especially important if you want to do a podcast tour to coincide with a product or book launch.

Consider your goals when you plan your schedule, because the return on investment depends on your goals.

For example, if you aim to get backlinks, you'll get them as soon as the episode goes live. But, if your goal is to become a thought leader, it will take longer to build up trust and relationships with hosts and listeners.

Simon Sinek is an acknowledged thought leader and has appeared on many podcasts over the years, as this chart shows:

Ahrefs, one of the most recognisable names in marketing software, has maintained a relatively consistent podcast guesting schedule, managing a nine-month streak from October 2018 to June 2019:

One thing is true for everyone. The sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll see a return.

8. Pitch podcasts

Now you’ve got a list of potential shows. It’s time to write a podcast guest inquiry, aka your pitch.

Always write to a specific podcast and personalize it. Hosts get a lot of generic emails and can spot them a mile away, so a pitch that’s personal, relevant and different is what stands out. For the full step-by-step, with a template and a worked example, see our guide on how to pitch yourself as a podcast guest.

Get the correct contact info

Rephonic lists each podcast's contact details on their page.

Some podcasts have guest enquiry forms or a get-in-touch link on their websites. You might also find their email or social media platforms via a manual Google search, or ask Hunter.io for help.

Prepare for a podcast interview

You've made a successful podcast pitch and won yourself a gig. Here's how to be an excellent guest:

1. Complete the vetting chat

Many shows will want to jump on a call with you first, to make sure your personality meshes and that you're a good fit. (If you're an agency, you and your client might jump on together.)

2. Prepare your recording equipment/space

If you’re recording in-person, the host or their publishing team will take care of the equipment. If you’re recording online, they’ll probably advise you on suitable equipment.

Ensure good audio quality

Use headphones or AirPods with a built-in microphone, or try separate headphones and a USB microphone to reduce the chance of creating a feedback loop. A pop filter is also useful to reduce sibilance ('ssss') and plosives (p and b sounds.)

Microphones capture your voice accurately and clearly, making it easier to balance volume during editing. Using your computer's default microphone can make you sound distant or muffled.

Record in a quiet space with soft furnishings because sounds can bounce off hard surfaces and cause unpleasant reverbs in the recording.

Consider visual aspects too

If you're making an online video recording, think about what's behind you. Choose a relevant background that looks good but won't distract the viewer.

Position yourself to fill as much of the camera frame as possible.

Finally, use a reliable internet connection to avoid lag times or the frustration of dropping in and out.

3. Choose a CTA

If you want listeners to take action after hearing your podcast interview, you'll need a CTA strategy, and you'll need to prepare this in advance.

First, know what you want to achieve from your podcast guest appearances. Understanding your goals helps you brainstorm the best CTAs to achieve them.

Once you've brainstormed, put the CTAs in two buckets. One will be a ‘high investment’ bucket, involving significant listener investment in either time or money. Make the other bucket ‘low investment,’ with minimal friction (visit my website, Instagram page or connect with me on LinkedIn."

Then, generate curiosity about your high-investment CTA near the start of your interview. Hint at your low-investment CTAs again during the middle and give one of each when you wrap up the interview.

Finally, ask for links in show notes, to make it easier for listeners to act.

4. Prepare some stories

Stories illustrate your points and make them memorable, so have some stories in the locker ready for different occasions. They could be personal stories or illustrations of how you've helped customers and clients.

Use this classic storytelling structure: Hook, Challenge, Steps to Overcome, Tension, Takeaway to create your stories and double check their resonance with Jason Gunn's traffic light system.

It helps if you understand what kind of questions the host will ask, so you can figure out the types of stories that will fit. Hosts will often send a list of questions beforehand, especially if you ask. Otherwise, get the episode transcripts from Rephonic, feed them to ChatGPT or Claude and ask it to list the host's questions.

Then, decide which of your stories might fit those particular podcast listeners.

5. Practice your intro

First impressions are important, so you want to prepare several versions of your origin story, so you can use one that fits a particular podcast. Prepare and practice, but try not to sound rehearsed.

Many hosts simply say "tell me about yourself" but others are more specific. Listen to some episodes and note which origin question the host tends to ask.

Part of your CTA strategy should be to generate curiosity around what you're offering in the intro so practice incorporating that into your origin story, too.

For example, when a podcast host asked Evy Poumpouras why they should stick around and listen to the episode, she said this:

6. Practice talking in soundbites

Soundbites are short, memorable statements that encapsulate your point.

They're impactful, memorable, and easy to repurpose for social media—for you and the host.

Helpful Hints:

• Know your points inside and out
• Restate the question before you answer it to give context
• Sound natural
• Signal the end with your tone of voice
• Use a well-timed pause to emphasize the point

After the podcast interview

You can do a lot of things after your interview is recorded to maximize the impact of each podcast episode and pave the way for bigger and better opportunities.

Here are the biggest:

1. Leave a good lasting impression

Thank the host and let them know you genuinely appreciated being on their podcast.

You'll probably thank them verbally after recording stops, but it's a good idea to also do it in writing. You might send a thank you email (or even a card) or say thanks while giving a shoutout to the upcoming episode on social media.

2. Promote the episode

Set up an alert for episode release. Share the link straight away to be a good guest and to create a buzz around the episode.

Collect recordings and/or create video snippets to repurpose parts of your interview for social media. You'll find many tools to help you tailor your efforts for each platform. For example, you might choose Headliner or Descript for your video clips and Canva or Adobe to create quote graphic and text posts.

Schedule your posts on your website and social media. You can do this manually, or use an automatic scheduling tool such as Zapier or Buffer.

3. Measure impact

Has all that effort been worth it?

Monitor results for a week or two after the episode goes live, but think long term, too. Podcast guesting results can keep coming long after your interview goes live.

Here's what you might track:

• Episode reach
• Website stats
• Social media metrics
• Email signups
• Sales and leads
• Audience feedback
• Peer recognition

Final thoughts

Getting in front of the right podcast audience is a powerful way to get your message out into the world. More than 500 million people now listen to podcasts, so being booked as a guest can gain customers for your business and mean more people recognize you as an expert.

Rephonic is the most complete podcast database for PR teams, marketers, and founders looking to book high-impact guest appearances and ad spots. Access listener numbers, contact info, audience demographics and more for millions of podcasts.

Want to take advantage of all that the podcasting world offers?

Sign up to Rephonic.

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About the Author

James Potter started Rephonic in 2020 to answer a simple question: how many people actually listen to this podcast? The platform now estimates audiences for more than 4 million shows, and PR teams lean on those numbers to decide where a pitch is worth sending.

This article describes how to see how many listeners a podcast has. If you're planning to pitch yourself (or someone else) as a guest or sponsor, you probably want to know how many people are listening to it.

Or maybe you host your own show, and you're dying to know how similar shows are performing. You might even want to reach out to a podcast host with a similar audience size and suggest some cross-promo opportunities.

But can you see how many listeners a podcast has in 2026?

You can, if you use the right tool.

If you're a podcast publisher, jump to the part where we explain how to see your own listener metrics. Otherwise, we've laid out a few ways to look up valuable podcast stats and figure out how popular a show is that's not yours.

TL;DR: Find out how many listeners a podcast has

1. Only the podcast publisher knows their actual number of listeners, subscribers and downloads.
2. Rephonic's podcast database is a popular way to get podcast listener numbers.
3. You can cross-check public signals if you don't want to pay for a tool, but insights are limited.

Six ways to see how many listeners a podcast has

1. Get podcast listener numbers using Rephonic

Rephonic's podcast database is the easiest way to tell how many listeners a podcast has. Rephonic aggregates data from multiple sources to provide a more complete picture of podcast audiences. It offers comprehensive podcast statistics for more than four million shows, including listener numbers per episode and monthly listens. The numbers are front and center on each podcast's page.

We collect hundreds of publicly available data points for each podcast to come up with our metrics. Of course, it is a "best guess," so if you're determined to know the actual listener numbers, you'll have to contact the podcast host or publisher directly.

James Potter, Founder of Rephonic

Get started with a 7-day free trial

2. Check ratings and reviews

When sizing up a podcast, many people often turn to platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, two of the leading podcast players, particularly in the US and the UK. They aggregate the most listener feedback, allowing users to check the average rating, number of ratings, and even read reviews on Apple Podcasts.

You could try to guess that a podcast has a large audience by the total number of ratings it has. But this is a somewhat flawed approach because there's not always direct link between the volume of listener feedback and audience size. Additionally, ratings and reviews do not provide further details about listener demographics or trends.

Also, to get a full picture of its audience, you'll have to check each of the podcast apps where you can listen to the show. It's important to consider other platforms beyond the major ones to get a more accurate sense of audience size.

The best apps to check are:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Castbox
• Podcast Addict
• Amazon / Audible

How many stars do fans give, and what are the reviews like? Enthusiastic? Excited? Are their superfans raving, or are the comments short and boring or even non-existent?

Rephonic collects all of this listener feedback and makes it available for free. Here's an example for Huberman Lab.

3. Inspect chart rankings

Similarly to ratings and reviews, Apple Podcasts and Spotify are the best places to look for the most comprehensive podcast chart rankings. If a show is ranking high in its category — or perhaps across all categories — then that's a pretty good indication that they have a sizeable audience.

The charts are not an ideal measure of popularity, though. It's thought that they are calculated by looking at the number of new followers (previously 'subscribers') each podcast has added over a recent time window.

If a show's listeners skew towards another platform, or another country where Apple or Spotify is less dominant, then they won't perform so well in the charts.

Rephonic collects podcast chart rankings for:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• YouTube

4. Investigate podcast stats revealed by some apps

There's no official way to see a podcast's global number of listeners across every app, and precise listener counts are not publicly available for third-party analysis due to the decentralized nature of podcast distribution. But you can still track some podcast stats, because a few apps share data about their own users.

• Castbox – shows subscribers and total streams (Castbox ≈ 2% of all podcast listeners).
• Spotify followers – now visible inside Rephonic for quick one-click checks.

Although subscriber numbers do not always directly correlate with listener numbers, they give you a clue as to the size of a show's listenership. One way to use them is by comparing the stats between shows on the same platform.

Only the podcast host or publisher has access to how many listeners or streams a show has.

5. Check social media presence

Checking a podcast's social media accounts can tell you something about their listenership figures and how engaged their listeners are. Analyzing social engagement can also reveal listener trends and provide further details about podcast audiences.

Usually you can go to the podcast's official website (often listed in podcast listening apps) to find links to their social accounts.

Check out their Instagram feed or X account. Are they active on TikTok? How many followers do the hosts have? Can you see a lot of positive listener engagement on these accounts?

See total YouTube podcast views with Rephonic.

If you're looking for the number of podcast views, you can do a quick search on YouTube and scroll through their videos to get an idea of how many views each episode has. You can see the total number of YouTube views for each podcast on Rephonic's database.

A lot of people watch podcasts on YouTube now, so knowing a podcast's viewership numbers can help you get a better understanding of its total reach. However, while YouTube viewership is important, considering other platforms is necessary to get a complete picture of a podcast's total audience.

6. Ask the publisher directly

To find out the most accurate podcast numbers, you need to go direct to the source. That means reaching out to the host, owner or publisher. Finding the right person is not always easy, so we've put together a guide to help you find podcast contact information more efficiently.

Once you've sent your email, there's no guarantee that they'll respond. But the likelihood depends on your intent. If you're looking to spend money on sponsoring their show then you may get a quick reply! On the other hand, if you're looking to research your competitors before you launch your own podcast, you're probably not going to be so lucky.

Watch out for publishers giving you their all-time number of downloads, i.e. the number of times all combined episodes have been downloaded since the podcast was founded. It may sound impressive, but it doesn't tell you a lot about how many listeners they're currently pulling in per episode.

Can you see how many downloads a podcast has?

Podcast download numbers are another popular way to decide which shows to reach out to.

As a listener, you can't see download numbers in any of the podcast apps.

Unfortunately, download numbers are somewhat misunderstood in the world of podcasting. They seem to indicate how many listeners a podcast has, but in fact, they show how many times the podcast was downloaded onto a device.

Listeners can choose to subscribe and automatically download every episode, or download it on the go, which is known as user-initiated episodes. So, download numbers don't tell you how many listeners a podcast has because you don't know when or even if they actually heard that episode.

That's why Rephonic gives you listener per episode numbers instead of downloads, to provide a more accurate idea of the size of an individual podcast's audience.

Get started with a free trial.

Can you see how many subscribers a podcast has?

Podcast subscriber numbers are often used as a guide to understanding a podcast's popularity.

However, finding the total podcast subscriber count is notoriously difficult, for the same reason that it's difficult to find the number of listeners and downloads. Podcast distribution is decentralized - in other words, podcasts publish in many different places so you can listen to episodes and subscribe to shows wherever it suits.

This is how podcasts become available:

And therein lies the problem when it comes to finding out podcast subscriber numbers.

There are piles of platforms out there. Spotify, Apple podcasts, and iHeartRadio are three of the largest, but there are many smaller players too. Buzzsprout lists a large number of podcast apps in its Definitive Podcast Directory List for 2026.

Spotify is now the #1 or #2 podcast app, and although it's impossible to view figures within the app itself, Rephonic is able to pull Spotify subscriber numbers for every podcast and make it available on its platform.

Remember - just because someone follows or subscribes to a podcast doesn't mean they will actually listen.

How to see how many listeners your own podcast has

Analyzing your metrics helps you grow your show's popularity by improving your content.

Spotify and Apple Podcasts are two of the largest podcast apps, so let's look at the podcast analytics each one gives you for your own show.

Spotify

Spotify rebuilt its creator analytics in 2026, and the numbers you get now are:

• Plays: the headline metric, counted when someone listens to or watches at least 30 seconds of an episode.
• Listeners: the unique accounts that played your show.
• Followers: your subscriber count.
• Impressions: how often your show and episodes were shown to people across Spotify.
• Audience segments and retention: a split of first-time versus returning listeners, plus where people drop off inside an episode.

You get these analytics and more for free at Spotify for Creators (formerly Spotify for Podcasters).

Apple Podcasts

Apple podcasts analytics look at similar stats to Spotify's, but you access them through Apple Podcasts Connect. A podcast host or publisher can see their stats by episode or over all time.

Engaged Listeners is possibly one of Apple's most important metrics for measuring podcast success, because these are unique devices that played at least 40% of an episode with a single session. Understanding how many listeners actually heard that much or more of your podcast can be a game changer, revealing listener behavior as well as the content and guests they enjoyed.

See Apple's Support Resources for further information.

Discover how popular a podcast is with Rephonic

The easiest way to look up podcast stats is with Rephonic, the most complete podcast database for PR teams, marketers, and founders looking to book high-impact guest appearances and ad spots.

For any podcast, see how many listeners it has, its chart rankings, social followers, YouTube viewership, reviews and more so you don't have to waste valuable time searching the web.

If you're looking for podcasts to pitch as a potential guest or sponsor, Rephonic is a great way to find the right shows in any niche, get their contact info, and pitch them - all in one platform.

Get started with a free trial today.

How to Check If a Podcast Matches Your Target Audience

A big audience only helps if it's the right one. Here's how to check whether a show's listeners actually match the people you want to reach.

How to Advertise on Podcasts: A Beginner's Guide

Thinking about sponsoring a show? Our beginner's guide walks through how podcast advertising works and how to pick shows that reach your buyers.

About the Author

James Potter started Rephonic in 2020 to answer a simple question: how many people actually listen to this podcast? The platform now estimates audiences for more than 4 million shows, and PR teams lean on those numbers to decide where a pitch is worth sending.

If you do PR, you already know newsjacking, even if you have only ever run it for the press. A big story breaks, and you get your client quoted in the coverage while everyone is still reading about it. It is one of the most reliable ways to earn a mention, because reporters on deadline are hunting for someone smart to quote.

The same move works for podcasts. We call it "podjacking", the podcast version of jumping on a breaking story to land a guest spot. When a topic takes off in your industry, hosts start planning episodes about it, and they need guests who can speak to it. Get to those hosts early with an angle that actually fits, and you land interviews a cold pitch would never win.

The catch has always been finding the shows in time. You cannot sit and listen to every podcast in your space on the off chance one covers your topic. That is the job we built alerts for. Rephonic indexes more than 4 million podcasts and emails you when shows start discussing a keyword or topic you set. Podcasts work this a bit differently from the press, and that changes how you should pitch.

Key takeaways

• Newsjacking means getting your expertise into a breaking story while people are still paying attention to it. It is a long-standing PR tactic that works just as well for landing podcast interviews.
• It suits podcasts more than you would think. Because hosts plan episodes weeks out, a topic with staying power gives you days, sometimes a couple of weeks, to get a pitch in.
• A Rephonic alert emails you the moment shows start covering a topic you set.
• The big PR suites monitor news and social well, but they barely cover podcasts, tracking tens of thousands of shows out of millions.
• Pitch by audience fit. A small show packed with the right listeners is worth more than a big general one.
• The earlier you get to a rising topic, the less competition the host has already heard from, so move within a day or two of the story breaking.

What newsjacking actually means

The term has a real inventor. David Meerman Scott coined it in his 2011 book, and put it plainly.

Newsjacking is the art and science of injecting your ideas into a breaking news story so you and your ideas get noticed.  David Meerman Scott

The reason it works comes down to attention. When a story breaks, journalists spend the next hours or days hunting for people who can add something, an expert with data or a firsthand account of what happened. If you reach them during that search with a genuinely relevant angle, they pull you into coverage you had nothing to do with starting. Come in once the story has been picked over and the exact same pitch just reads as late.

None of that works unless your angle genuinely fits the story and reaches the journalist while it is still live.

How PR teams newsjack today

For the press, newsjacking has turned into a tooling problem. You have to spot the story fast, then reach the right journalist before the moment passes. The tools split roughly into three jobs.

Monitoring and alerts come first. Meltwater, Cision and Muck Rack watch news and social in near real time and alert you when your keyword, brand or topic starts moving, ideally flagging a real spike rather than one stray mention. Muck Rack added a dedicated Newsjacking feature in 2026 that scans developing stories against what a company can credibly comment on and suggests an angle. A newer tool, NewsJacker, is being built specifically around this loop, from spotting a relevant story to drafting a pitch for the reporters covering it.

Source requests are the second job, where journalists ask for experts directly. For years that meant HARO, Help a Reporter Out, a daily digest of reporter queries. Cision closed it at the end of 2024, and the model carried on through Featured, which bought the HARO name, along with Qwoted and Peter Shankman's Source of Sources. You watch the digest and answer a query you can speak to within the hour.

The free option is Google Alerts. It costs nothing and mostly works, but it watches Google's search index rather than live feeds, so an alert can arrive hours or a full day after a story publishes. For something this time-sensitive, that delay often costs you the opening.

What none of these do well is podcasts. Muck Rack monitors around 75,000 shows and Cision around 60,000. That sounds like a lot until you remember there are millions of podcasts, and plenty of the ones your buyers actually listen to are not on those lists.

Why this fits podcasts

Newsjacking advice is written for the press, where you have hours before a story goes stale. Podcasts move slower, and that cuts two ways.

Most podcasts book their guests weeks ahead, and a lot of hosts would rather have an evergreen expert than chase a headline. A pitch tied to this morning's news can easily air a month later, once everyone has moved on. If you only ever chase one-day stories, podcasts will frustrate you.

The upside is that a story with staying power keeps hosts busy for weeks. When something big lands in your field, hosts across the space start planning coverage, and they keep needing guests the whole time. That gives you room to work, days or even a couple of weeks, to find the right shows and write a proper pitch.

Daily news podcasts are the one exception, turning a story around within a day, and shows like the BBC's Global News Podcast run bonus episodes when something big breaks, which is why those hosts really do want an expert the same week.

So podcast newsjacking pays off most on stories with legs, like a regulation working its way through the system or a trend that keeps developing for weeks. On those, the slower booking cycle is exactly what you want.

How to newsjack a podcast, step by step

Here is the workflow we would run, start to finish.

1. Pick a topic you can actually speak to

The link between you and the story has to be obvious, or the host will not buy it. A payments founder pitching a card-network rule change makes sense at a glance. That same founder pitching a story about a celebrity breakup does not, however clever the angle. If you need a paragraph to explain why you belong in the conversation, pick a different story.

2. Set a Rephonic alert for it

In Rephonic, open the Alerts tab and create an alert for your keyword, phrase, brand, person or topic. Rephonic scans the transcript, title and show notes of every new episode across more than 4 million podcasts and emails you when shows start covering it. Set it to daily. Weekly is fine for keeping an eye on your brand, but for newsjacking you want to hear about a rising story within a day, not seven.

The email gives you the shows actively discussing your topic right now, ready to work through.

3. Triage the shows the alert surfaces

Don't pitch all of them. For each show the alert flags, check the audience in Rephonic, the listener estimate and the demographics behind it. A niche show whose 4,000 listeners are your exact buyers is worth more than a general show ten times the size whose listeners will tune you out. Pitch by fit.

Then widen the net. Use the 3D graph to find shows with an overlapping audience that have not covered the story yet. Those can be your best pitches, because you are handing the host the angle before it reaches them.

4. Pull the contact and pitch

Grab the verified host or producer email from the show's Rephonic page, and send your pitch from your own inbox with the built-in pitch tool so you can track the reply. Lead with the story rather than yourself. Say what the trend is, then give one line on why you are the person to explain it. Keep it short. Hosts get a lot of pitches, and "I saw you covered X, here is a sharp take on it" beats three paragraphs of background every time.

You do not need to pitch within the hour. Get it out within a day or two, while the story is still building and before every other expert has the same idea.

A worked example

Imagine we are running PR for a small cybersecurity firm. A major retailer just disclosed a breach and it is all over the news. Our founder can explain, in plain English, how the attack probably worked and what shoppers should actually do about it. That is a real, timely angle, and it is genuinely ours.

We had a Rephonic alert running on "data breach" and "ransomware," set to daily. This morning's email lists four podcasts that mentioned the retailer's breach in episodes published in the last day. They are two security shows, a retail-industry show, and a general business show.

We open each one in Rephonic. The retail show has 9,000 listeners who are mostly store operators, our exact buyers, so it goes to the top. The business show is bigger, but its audience is too broad to convert, so it drops down the list. Using the 3D graph, we find two more security podcasts with an overlapping audience that have not covered the story yet, and add them to the pile.

We pull the host emails and send five pitches from our own inbox, each leading with the breach and one line on why our founder is worth twenty minutes on it. By the time slower, cold pitches land the following week, two hosts have replied and pencilled our founder in for episodes later that month.

Final thoughts

None of this works as a one-off scramble. The people who get the most out of "podjacking" decide in advance which topics they can speak to, set up alerts, and keep a short, adaptable pitch ready to go. When one of those topics makes news, they are the first useful reply in a host's inbox instead of the twentieth.

You cannot watch four million podcasts yourself, and you do not have to. Set the alerts once, and the next time a story you know something about starts spreading, you will already have the list of shows covering it.

Start your 7-day Rephonic trial and set an alert for the topic you want to own, so the next time it makes news, you are the guest a few shows are trying to book.

About the Author

James Potter started Rephonic in 2020 to answer a simple question: how many people actually listen to this podcast? The platform now estimates audiences for more than 4 million shows, and PR teams lean on those numbers to decide where a pitch is worth sending.

It's so tempting to evaluate PR success by the numbers!

How many media hits...how many readers...how many press releases each month...how many visitors check out each site... Big numbers look great in your report and the c suite bosses often lap them up.

But do those numbers give meaningful insights into how your PR story affected the audience? Do they tell you how sentiment changed or what people did as a result?

UVM is one of those tempting metrics that are easy to slip into each report. Let's learn what that means in PR terms and what else you should cover in your PR progress report.

Table of Contents

• What does UVM mean in PR?
• Is UVM the same as impressions?
• Is UVM the same as Domain Authority?
• How to calculate UVM
• Pros of tracking UVM
• Cons of tracking UVM
• Alternative ways to measure your campaign's impact
• Final thoughts

What does UVM mean in PR?

UVM stands for Unique Visitors per Month and is used to show the number of distinct individuals who visit a website or digital platform every month. Someone (or something) may come back multiple times, but only their first visit is recorded in the UVM metrics.

You might also know UVM as domain reach or audience size.

Is UVM the same as impressions?

People often confuse unique monthly visitors with impressions, but they're not the same thing.

Impressions refer to the total number of times each post, article, ad, or other content is displayed to users. Impressions include each display no matter who views it. So, an individual (or a bot) may view the content multiple times, and each time, it is counted as an impression.

Use the impression count to indicate the content's total exposure and the UVM to estimate the website's reach and audience size.

Is UVM the same as Domain Authority?

Domain authority is a search engine ranking score that predicts how well a site will rank on search engine result pages (SERPs), based on factors like backlink profile, quality of content, and overall website strength. You can find most websites' domain authority in this free tool provided by Moz.

Domain authority (DA) can show the quality of your media mentions. Coverage on websites with high DA is more valuable because more people are likely to see and trust the content.

How to calculate UVM

There isn't a simple formula for calculating a website's unique visitor numbers, but they're easy to find via web analytics tools like Google Analytics, Matomo, Mixpanel, Heap, or Hotjar. You can also try third-party SaaS tools like SimilarWeb or SEMrush, which provide insights into a website's traffic, audience behavior and competitive analytics.

These tools track and compile individual users via cookies, IP addresses and device IDs to identify each visitor. They filter out duplicates and combine the results to count each unique visitor once in a month.

Pros of tracking UVM

Measure your audience size: UVM can give a clear picture of how many individual visitors a website has each month. By tracking the data over time you can monitor trends and growth in its visitor numbers.

1. Evaluate content popularity: Tracking unique monthly visitors can indicate which content is attracting attention.
2. Understand visitor patterns: you might notice peak visiting times or see how popular your PR content is which might guide future strategies.
3. Compare and analyze: Use the analytics tools to compare the website's UVM against competitors or industry standards and get a baseline to set realistic goals for audience growth.
4. Check SEO impact: Do you notice a change in UVM when you optimize for SEO?

Cons of tracking UVM

Many PR pros believe that UVM tracking only provides a surface-level or vanity metric offering no insights into a visitor's behavior, engagement or demographics. Arguably, those insights are a more integral part of measuring the effectiveness of PR campaigns.

UVM cons include:

1. Measurements lack depth: UVM doesn't show how long visitors stayed, which pages they visited or what they did next (i.e., signed up, bought something, left immediately, etc.)
2. Emphasize quantity, not quality: There's no point in having tons of visitors if they leave immediately and never return.
3. They may not be counting real people: Bots and non-human traffic may slip into the mix if they're not adequately filtered out.
4. Short-term focus vs long-term planning: focusing on these surface metrics may lead to reactive strategies rather than planning for sustained growth.
5. Chasing the numbers: It's tempting to do everything you can to get the big numbers. But even massive UVMs are no use if the visitors don't represent your target audience.
6. UVM meaning changes: Unique visitors per month numbers mean different things to different teams. Advertisers, for example, may use UVM to measure ROI after their paid campaigns, while publishers take advantage of large UMV numbers to sell more ad space. However, it's much harder to measure PR effectiveness through visitor numbers because you have no idea how those visitors reacted to your content.
7. UVM measures website visits not content visits: Even if the website gets hundreds of thousands of monthly visitors, UVM won't tell you if any of them read your press release, watched your video or engaged with your content.

Alternative ways to measure your campaign's impact

Understand your PR campaign goals. Then use a variety of KPIs to show progress over time.

Different campaigns will have different focus, For example, "a non-profit may want to look at website traffic and referrals from an earned media piece while a for-profit organization may care more about social engagement." Sasha Dookhoo, award-winning PR storyteller at Crenshaw Communication.

In the Public Relations Review podcast episode Great Metrics to Measure the Success of Your PR Campaign!! Sasha suggests five KPIs to measure PR success for your organization.

Track earned media mentions

What coverage are you getting from articles (both online and in print), podcasts, news media and so on? Use tools like Propel, Signal AI or Meltwater to help you measure your coverage. Are you building media awareness, visibility, and brand credibility?

Consider potential reach

Look at all the information and possibilities. You can measure potential reach from social media, email campaigns, physical or online events like seminars or webinars and media outlets, as well as website numbers.

Measure share of voice

This is your overall media coverage, including earned and paid media reports. Check coverage for your brand and your competitors. Share of voice is a great measurement to use because over time, it shows whether your "slice of the media coverage pie" is increasing, decreasing or remaining static.

Look at website traffic and referrals

Check the analytics and track backlinks - especially those from sites with high domain authority. Identify where your website traffic is coming from (e.g., organic search, direct, referral, social media outlets etc.) Check your bounce rate (percentage of visitors who leave after viewing only one page) and conversion rate (percentage of visitors who sign up, buy etc.)

Measure social media engagement

Measure your content's engagement levels(how much people share and comment). Are you getting the word out there and creating visibility? Increased social engagement and follower growth over the months can indicate that your campaign's on track.

Do a sentiment analysis, too. Is the public perception favorable overall? Are there any pockets that need attention?

Other meaningful measurements

Check your engagement metrics, such as visitor time on site, page views and event tracking (specific actions taken).

Try conducting surveys or polls before and after the campaign to measure changes in brand awareness and perception. How well does your target audience remember your brand or campaign messages?

What was the attendance like at the physical or online event your campaign promoted? What feedback did you get? Did anyone sign up or make a purchase as a result? Check participation rates in contests, polls and other interactive elements.

Were you engaged in Influencer PR? Measure their content's reach and engagement levels. Are you seeing positive comments? How do they align with your brand values?

Check your return on investment (ROI)and earned media value (EMV.) Estimate the value of media coverage based on what it would have cost if you'd paid for the same exposure through advertising.

Finally, check out this article from PR News for a long list of tips on evaluating your PR success.

Final thoughts

PR measurement involves far more than examining a few metrics. While it's tempting to use UVM numbers, they're only one small piece of the puzzle in any given month.

When your team is considering their next PR story, look beyond traditional print media to maximize your reach by getting featured on podcasts. Use Rephonic to research and reach out to podcasts that dovetail with your client, industry and audience interests.

Grab our seven-day free trial to find your next PR success story today.

About the Author

James Potter started Rephonic in 2020 to answer a simple question: how many people actually listen to this podcast? The platform now estimates audiences for more than 4 million shows, and PR teams lean on those numbers to decide where a pitch is worth sending.

Did you think about hooks when you started your podcast?

Stephen King famously said, "An opening line should invite the reader to begin the story. It should say: Listen. Come in here. You want to know about this."

So, if you didn't think of hooks when you started your podcast, it's time to take another look. Your podcast intro is the equivalent of the opening line that hooks listeners' attention and draws them into your world—or at least into your podcast episode.

So, let's dive in.

Table of Contents

• How important is a catchy podcast intro?
• 5 podcast intro examples from high-ranking shows
• How do you create a killer podcast intro?
• Podcast intro template
• Time to take action
• Find podcasts using our 3D graph tool

How important is a catchy podcast intro?

A podcast intro is a short audio or video clip that sets the scene for your episode.

A successful podcast intro lets new listeners know who you are and reminds returning listeners why they've come back. It will set the tone (comedic, serious, dramatic, farce etc.) and usher everyone into the room.

For new listeners, it's vital! After all, it takes roughly seven seconds to cement a first impression when we meet someone. Check your podcast or YouTube stats. Are people dropping out in the first few minutes?

Jeremy Enns of Podcast Marketing Academy says: "Good intros aren't just a table of contents. They hook listeners, then set the stakes in a way that makes them feel invested."

The Scrappy Podcasting newsletter expands on that, noting that the best podcasts are oriented to their listeners from beginning to end.

At its core, creating a Listener-Oriented podcast is about addressing and including your audience in the content you share on your podcast. Then framing your content in a way that aligns with their current context, existing knowledge, goals & desires, pain points, frustrations, and challenges.

So, does your intro orient the listener into your show? Does it make them feel included and that this is a show for them?  Does it hook listeners in the first few moments and reel them in?

Is your podcast intro music memorable? Would your fans recognize it from the first few bars?

We'll discuss our tips on creating the best podcast intros later, but first, let's examine some intro examples from high-ranking shows and see how their podcast intros measure up.

5 podcast intro examples from high-ranking shows

The Joe Rogan Experience

The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

If you're hooked on Joe Rogan, you'd recognize that three-second burst of dramatic drumbeats even if you didn't hear the imperative CTA: "The Joe Rogan Podcast, check it out!"

Joe Rogan's intro ignores all the advice about including a teaser or stating the episode name and number. But when it comes to memorable jingles and a catchphrase—train by day, Joe Rogan Podcast by night - or day—it delivers in spades. This podcast intro is short, attracts its ideal fans, and within 13 seconds, it jumps straight into the action, aka interview.

Listen to an episode

Call Her Daddy

The most-listened to podcast by women. Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy has been creating conversation since 2018. Cooper cuts through the BS with topics and guests - asking the burning questions you want the answers to. There will be laughter, there will be tears. There will be everything in between

Call Her Daddy includes a video and audio introduction. The video differs for each episode, showing the guest or guests of the day and Alex settling in before the interview starts.

But, like the Joe Rogan Experience, Call Her Daddy's intro music is distinct, recognizable and overlayed with a forceful slogan—*What is up Daddy gang? It is your founding father, Alex Cooper, with Call Her Daddy. *At 51 seconds, they keep the podcast intro short, but including the cozy settling-in chat draws the listener into the conversational vibe right from the start.

Listen to an episode

Crime Junkie

If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people.

I love the traditional but compelling intro of this true crime podcast. It immediately speaks to the audience, leaving you in no doubt who this podcast is for—Crime Junkies who can't hear enough true crime stories.

Host and co-host introduce themselves: "I'm your host, Ashley Flowers. "And I'm Britt." Then, they hook listeners with the episode description:

"The story I have for you today is about what can happen when an innocent teenage girl unexpectedly crosses paths with someone who is more monster than man. This is the story of Lisa Norell."

Thirty seconds of layered, suspenseful intro music follows. The whole podcast intro takes 51 seconds and then we're into the story.

Listen to an episode

SmartLess

Grab your tights and ballet shoes; we’ve got David Beckham! Teamwork, Ownership, Family… and the difference between football, soccer, and American football. So pull up a stool and join us for a pub lunch, a roast dinner, and some jellied eels… on an all-new SmartLess.

In contrast to our first three podcast intro examples, comedy podcast SmartLess eases us slowly into the episode proper—taking six minutes all up. Each episode sets the tone with a theme tune overlaid by the three hosts talking. They might spout a random fact, tell a joke, or (as in this David Beckham episode) recite a funny poem.

Back comes the podcast intro music, overlaid with the repeated words Smart...Less...Smart...Less before the hosts start chatting again. The premise of SmartLess is that one host reveals his mystery guest to the others. You can hear the co-hosts' genuine surprise and delight before they get into the conversation.

Listen to an episode

Huberman Lab

Huberman Lab discusses neuroscience — how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health. We also discuss existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works.

The Huberman Lab's six-minute+ opening sequence is a classic podcast introduction and fits the serious nature of the science-based show. Music plays as we hear the podcast name and premise: "Welcome to the Huberman Lab podcast where we discuss science and science-based tools for everyday life."

Huberman introduces himself and his credentials before introducing the guest, reading his bio and giving a quick overview of what you'll hear in the interview. We hear an advice disclaimer, then host-read sponsorship promos and a CTA. Again, it's a classic call to action reminding the audience to subscribe on YouTube or click the follow tab on Spotify and/or Apple and "leave us up to a 5-star review."

Listen to an episode

How do you create a killer podcast intro?

That's a good question. Some elements are vital; you'll find those elements in all five of our podcast intro examples. Other parts come highly recommended, but not everyone includes them.

So, let's check everything you need to create a great podcast intro.

Two essentials

No matter what else you do or don't include in your podcast intro, you need these two elements.

Podcast title

Saying your podcast's name tells new listeners what they're listening to and orients returning listeners into the show. It also reinforces your podcast identity and builds brand recognition. Listen to The Joe Rogan Experience clip again. It grabs the listener's attention and reinforces brand recognition from the outset.

Your name and the show's purpose

These tell listeners who you are and who the show is for. Some podcast hosts use a tagline (summing up the show's personality, purpose and target audience in one short phrase.) Others, like Huberman's Lab, take several sentences to do the job.

Other key elements

Greet your audience

When friends come to visit, I'm guessing you say hello and welcome them before you launch into a conversation. So it is with your podcast episode. You could simply say "hello and welcome" or develop a catchphrase like What is up Daddy gang? (Call Her Daddy).

Give your episode a number and title

Podcast intros include these to help their listener understand where the episode lies in this podcast's ecosystem, whether they're tuning in the day it drops or binge-listening in your back catalog. Also, naming your episode and giving it a number helps enormously if listeners are searching for a specific episode.

Include an episode teaser

Crime Junkie's intro gives a great example of a compelling but brief overview. However, many podcasters offer a sneak peek by including a few sentences from the episode's content. These might be controversial statements, snippets that show the episode's theme, useful tips that show listeners the value they'll get in the episode ahead or some unique thing that captures attention.

Introduce your podcast guest

Let your audience know who you're talking to and why they should listen. The Huberman Lab's guest introduction is very detailed, including the guest bio and credentials. Your podcast might suit a similarly formal intro, or your vibe might call for a more casual approach.

Choose the right podcast intro music

Podcast music reinforces brand recognition. So make sure it suits your show and that you really like it, as you and your audience will hear it a lot.

Understand the license requirements before you decide on your music. Use royalty-free music from an archive like Descript or YouTube audio library so you don't have to pay a fee every time you use the music. Some music comes under Creative Commons - where you pay a one-off fee to use the music, so long as you adhere to the terms of the license. "Old" music that's been around for decades (generally before 1931 in the US, a cutoff that moves forward by a year every January) comes into the Public Domain and is usually free to use.

It always pays to double-check that you're using royalty-free tracks. You don't want to be sued for using music illegally.

Don't worry if you're starting a podcast and can't find the perfect catchy jingle. Plenty of podcasts don't use intro music at all.

Optional extras

A professional voiceover

There are three ways to handle the host introduction:

• Say it live every time. Use it when your intro mentions things that change, like the episode number, title and guest.
• Pre-recorded. Record one intro to start each new episode and add episode-specific details afterward.
• Voiceover. Introduce your podcast, like the TV talk shows or the Late Night Show, with a professional actor recording a few sentences ending with something like "And now, here's your host [name]."

Sound effects

It might be appropriate to include sound effects. For example, if you host a podcast called Great Train Journeys, the sound of a steam engine whistling as it pulls out of the station might be the perfect podcast intro. If you speak to a Twitcher audience, starting your podcast with bird calls could draw bird lovers in. Try Freesound to access a vast database of free-to-use sound effects.

Podcast intro template

Inbound Media's Darren Clarke recommends using the CATCH method for podcast intros: Curiosity, Authority, Takeaway, Chemistry and Headline (episode title).

So, let's build a podcast intro template around that formula. Mix and match these elements, changing the order and wording to personalize a unique intro for your show.

Music and Sound Effects

Play Intro Music and/or sound effects to set the tone and brand your podcast.

Host Introduction

“Hi, [*Community's catch-name} *I’m [Host Name], and welcome to [Podcast Name]!”

Examples: "What's up, Daddy Gang?"  "Hello, Creatives. Thanks for joining me." "Hi, I'm [Name]and in today's show..." "Hello, and welcome to How I Built This. I'm Guy Raz."

Podcast Name and Tagline

“This is [Podcast Name], where we [describe the main theme or mission of the podcast].”

Example: "Grammar Girl here. I'm Mignon Fogarty your friendly guide to the English Language. We talk about writing, history, rules and other cool stuff."  Grammar Girl

Episode Number

“This is episode [Number]

Brief Overview of the Episode

Include an open loop. Tease your listeners by including snippets that make them want to learn more. Or give them a takeaway right up front so they understand what they'll get when they hear the rest.

Examples: "So I admit, I'm a total sucker for trendy diets. I've tried Paleo, Gluten Free, Whole 30, Keto..." Healing through Food (How I Built This with Guy Raz)

"The biggest mistake people make in the dating markets is they look for their doppelganger..." (Diary of a CEO)

"Think about the last time you were part of a brainstorming session...if your meeting was like most meetings, there was probably one kind of idea that was in short supply; how to do less." (Hidden Brain - Innovation: Do Less.)

Call to Action (CTA)

One CTA per episode is best.

“Before we dive in, we'd love it if you'd... ( Choose one of the following CTAs and rotate through them on different episodes:)

• Subscribe on [platform, e.g., Apple Podcasts] and leave us a review so that new listeners know where to find us
• Follow us on (Social media platform)
• Sign up to our newsletter for more content and sneak peeks on upcoming episodes
• If you love this show, forward this episode to a friend you know would benefit from hearing it

Sponsor Mention (if applicable)

“This episode is brought to you by [Sponsor Name]. [Brief description of sponsor and promotion].” - or mention the name but make the actual promotion a mid-roll ad to avoid people tuning out. )

Transition to Episode Content

[Play Transition Sound/Music]

“Let’s get started!”

Time to take action

Now you know what a good podcast intro needs, how does yours stack up?

• Does it hook listeners with memorable music?
• Does it tease them with an open loop or small segments that show your podcast's worth listening to? Do your excerpts frame the episode, giving people a clear idea of what they'll learn or gain by listening all the way through?
• Do you orient the audience into your show by saying who you are and what its message is?
• Do you set the scene directly or through your music and language?
• Are your listeners welcomed and included?

Use our template to analyze your own podcast intro.

Turn a critical ear to other podcast intros. Do you love one—what makes it great? Does the next one turn you off? Why?

Combine our template with your own podcast vibe. Saturate it with the language, music and personality that convinces your ideal audience that this is the podcast for them.

Craft an unforgettable introduction that turns first-time listeners into loyal fans because you're not just starting a podcast—you’re creating an experience.

Find podcasts using our 3D graph tool

Wondering where your podcast sits in the podcasting ecosystem? And how your introduction sequence compares to your competitors' podcast intros?

Start by putting your podcast at the center of our 3D graph tool (it's on your Rephonic podcast page.) You'll see all the podcasts that grab your listeners' attention.

Then checking out their intros is as easy as selecting an icon and clicking the links.

Check out our graph tool for free

About the Author

James Potter started Rephonic in 2020 to answer a simple question: how many people actually listen to this podcast? The platform now estimates audiences for more than 3 million shows, and PR teams lean on those numbers to decide where a pitch is worth sending.

Imagine landing a spot on a popular podcast. Could it turn into a paycheck, or is it all about exposure? If you're considering becoming a podcast guest, you might be wondering: do podcast guests get paid?

The truth is, while most guests participate without monetary compensation, the benefits they gain often go far beyond a simple paycheck. Yet, in rare cases, big money does exchange hands. Read on to find out more.

Are podcast guests usually paid?

In the vast majority of cases, podcast guests, even high-profile guests, are not paid for their appearances. Podcast guesting is typically a value exchange where guests gain exposure to the podcast host's audience, build their personal brand, and create networking opportunities.

Most podcasters rely on this mutually beneficial relationship rather than financial transactions. Occasionally, that's not the case, and vast amounts of money change hands.

Why don't podcast hosts typically pay guests?

Most podcast interviews are mutually beneficial exchanges between guests and hosts. While there may not be monetary compensation, there are plenty of other benefits to be had.

Benefits for podcast hosts

Provides great content

Hosts benefit from having guests on their show because of the expertise each guest brings to the listeners. If the host asks good questions, the interview provides their audience with interesting and often educational content.

Networking

Interviewing guests helps the host build a solid network of contacts within their niche and builds their reputation. When the guest has a good experience on your podcast, they pass the word on to others in their industry, and others are more likely to accept invitations to be on your show. Experts may apply to be interviewed on your podcast when they hear that others from their field have benefited from their appearances.

Builds credibility for your podcast brand

Having expert guests also builds the podcast's brand. Listeners come to expect a specific formula and interview style and look forward to hearing from the guests in each new episode.

For example, in each You're Dead To Me episode, host Greg Jenner (of Horrible Histories fame) brings together a comedian and historian to discuss a historical event or person. The historian brings credibility and education, while the comedian reinforces the learning through comedy.

Benefits for guests

Interviewees get many intangible benefits from their guest appearances; that's why they're so eager to participate.

Build reputation and authority

Podcasting exposure builds the guest's credibility within their industry because it showcases their knowledge, expertise and experience. Another bonus is that other podcasts may reach out to them after hearing an interview, further boosting their standing as they become known as experts.

Attract customers

People often seek to be podcast guests when they're on a publicity drive to promote their latest book, product, course or service.

Have you ever noticed how you'll suddenly hear several different podcasts interviewing the same person within a few weeks of each other? That guest is probably on a podcast tour. Instead of paying for advertising, they're getting exposure to their niche's audience to generate leads in return for offering valuable information to that audience.

Interviews let sellers explain what their book or product offers and how it can help that audience in far more depth than a 30-second ad allows. Appearing on several shows increases the likelihood that listeners will hear them interviewed more than once, which, in turn, increases the chance that they'll buy or at least sign up for more information.

Grow the show

Appearing on another podcast builds brand awareness amongst their target audience. Listeners like what they hear during the interview and download the guest's podcast. Hopefully, they'll subscribe and grow the audience. Eventually, growing the show leads to more product sales, e.g., courses, live show ticket sales, merchandise etc.

Finally, popular shows attract more sponsors and earn more advertising revenue.

Need some help? For more information, check out How to Get Booked on Podcasts and the Ultimate Guide to Podcast Cross Promotion.

Some podcast guests pay to appear on podcasts

According to Bloomberg columnist Ashley Carman, a few big podcasts are actually making money from their guests. So, rather than being paid, guests offer payment for the privilege and exposure they get from being on a massive podcast.

Human Upgrade host Dave Asprey told Bloomberg he charges about 1% of guests on his show, but those payments are steep - up to $50,000. And The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast charges guests between $20,000 and $40,000 for an appearance on the podcast.

Considering the number of podcasts worldwide (3 million and counting), these massive payments are sporadic. Guests must be sure of a terrific ROI to pay that much.

Some smaller podcasts request payment from guests

During our research, we found that some smaller podcasts (<10k listeners) were requesting money for guest appearances. The ones we found cost no more than a few hundred dollars at most.

One important consideration: if you're planning to charge guests an appearance fee, you should disclose the fact because it could erode trust with your audience if you feature a paying guest without adding a disclaimer.

Final thoughts

It would seem that very few (if any) podcast guests get paid to appear on podcasts. Occasionally, guests may actually pay to be on popular podcasts. In those cases, guests have decided that the ROI in terms of exposure is worth the cost.

However, the general rule is that most podcast guests appear for free. Each party is more than happy with the mutual benefits to their podcast and business and sees no need for money to change hands.

Are you planning to be a podcast guest? Or are you wondering where to find suitable podcasts in your industry or niche? We recommend trying Rephonic. You'll find shows that match your business end goal and get the info and contacts you need to pitch podcasts at scale.

Get started with a free trial, and start talking to the best podcasters for your business.

Article credits

Written by Lyn McNamee, podcast-PR writer with four years of experience transforming podcast insights into practical, results-focused playbooks.

Edited by Becca Butcher, marketing specialist who frequently analyzes Rephonic’s data across 3 million podcasts.

How to Choose Podcasts with High Sales Potential for Podcast Guesting

Podcast guesting builds brand awareness—but not every show will bring in customers. This article shows you how to find podcasts with real sales potential, so your time behind the mic pays off.

How to Spy on a Competitor’s Podcast Guesting Strategy

In this article, we break down why piecing together their competitor’s podcast guesting strategy matters and how to use Rephonic to get a clear view of what’s happening behind the scenes.

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About the Author

James Potter started Rephonic in 2020 to answer a simple question: how many people actually listen to this podcast? The platform now estimates audiences for more than 3 million shows, and PR teams lean on those numbers to decide where a pitch is worth sending.

Are you on a mission to create a world-changing podcast without the resources or support to get it off the ground? Is your podcast already up and running but could progress so much faster if you had more support?

Podcasting can be expensive, and it's hard to keep going when juggling between writing, editing, technical issues, marketing, audience building, and all the other business podcasting can throw your way.

If you're struggling for funds, listen up. Why not apply for some podcast grants?

What is a grant?

Grants are free funding opportunities offered to those who need support to achieve their goals. They are usually provided by foundations, organizations, or government entities to applicants who create something within their focus area.

Most grants offer funds, but some provide mentoring, education and resources. Funding size varies; some provide micro-grants while others give large amounts. Grants are gifts, not loans, and don't have to be paid back. However, they may be treated as income and taxed accordingly.

12 best podcast grants

1. Templeton Radio and Podcast Grants

The John Templeton Foundation offers funding opportunities to support innovative research and public engagement in the sciences, philosophy, character virtue development and more. Their audio section invests in podcasts that support these missions.

Grant requirements:

You can submit your project idea through an OFI (Online Funding Inquiry) any time during the year, but the foundation only reviews proposals at specific times.

John Templeton Foundation grants are not restricted to the US so anyone can start the grant application process here.

Learn more about The John Templeton podcast grants.

2. Black and Brown Podcast Collective

The Black and Brown Podcast Collective is a digital hub for US-based creators of color who are challenging expectations with their podcasts.

Grant requirements:

The collective offers micro-grants to its active members, especially emerging podcasters and creators of color who are challenging stereotypes and promoting cultural understanding.

Membership is free, and there are no grant application charges.

Applicants/members must be based in the USA.

Learn more about the BBPC grants.

3. NEH: Media Projects

The National Endowment for the Humanities is an independent federal organization in the USA responsible for funding thousands of humanities-based projects since it was created in 1965.

Its Media Projects program helps people and groups with podcasts and other audio projects that creatively engage their audiences in the humanities. NEH offers two levels of funding: development (grants up to $75,000) and production (up to $700,000).

Grant requirements:

If you're based in the US, note that the 2026 round has already closed. Recent cycles have opened in the first half of the year, so check the Media Projects page for the next application window.

NEH has a four-step application process that includes registering for a SAM number. They offer help in the form of FAQs and sample application narratives to help applicants understand what's required.

Get more information about the NEH Media Projects grants.

4. Creative NZ

The New Zealand Arts Council can fund podcast projects that explore and contribute to the art forms the council supports, including Literature, Music, Māori and Pacific Arts and more.

Grant requirements:

Podcasters should be based in New Zealand and have a strong track record in podcasting.

Apply under the category in which the podcast falls, e.g., a podcast about New Zealand authors would apply under Literature.

Include evidence of demand or support for the podcast and a promotion and distribution plan in the application.

Get more information from Creative NZ.

5. Podcasting Seriously Awards Fund

The Podcasting Seriously Awards Fund helps independent BIPOC, Queer and Trans audio producers to submit their work to media/journalism awards in the US, UK, Canada and Australia by covering their submission fees. The fund also assists with enrolment and registration fees for audio training and education programs. It has awarded hundreds of these grants since it launched.

Grant requirements:

The fund reimburses award submission fees up to $200 per individual in one calendar year and $500 for educational purposes. Both sums can be spread over several awards or trainings during that time.

Podcasts must be based in the US, UK, Canada or Australia. They can be recorded in any language, but submissions must be made in English.

Get more information about the Podcasting Seriously Awards Fund.

6. Knight Foundation

The Knight Foundation are American social investors supporting Journalism, Communities and the Arts. They offer funding opportunities for podcasts using excellent journalism skills and encouraging civic engagement.

Grant requirements:

If you're US-based, submit a letter of inquiry through Fluxx, the foundation's grants portal. The letter should briefly explain your proposal and why you're the one to carry it out. If they want to know more, the committee will contact you to ask for a full proposal.

Get more information about the Knight Foundation.

7. Elevate Creatives Fund

The Shorty Awards and Wave (Money Tools for Small Businesses) have joined forces to support the creator economy with their $120,000 Elevate Creatives Fund. The fund awards six recipients $20,000 each to support their creative projects, including emerging podcasters. Applications are closed at the time of writing, with no new round announced yet, so check the page for the next window.

Grant requirements:

It only accepts applications from independent creatives based in the US or Canada.

You'll need to supply details of your project, additional examples and a brief essay with your application.

Get more information on the Elevate Creatives Fund.

Keep an eye out for...

8. BBC Sounds Audio Lab

If you're based in the UK and have an innovative podcast concept, this program could be what you're looking for. Each year it offers guidance and support to five independent podcasters, to develop and create their new shows. They're looking for unique ideas from people with experience producing audio projects.

Learn more here.

9. The Audible Podcast Development Program

Audible seeks podcasters with diverse perspectives and identities who want to develop innovative, original ideas for episodic narrative podcasts. They'll award grant winners $10,000 to build their project and give mentoring, editorial guidance, access to state-of-the-art production equipment and release successful podcast projects to millions of Audible listeners.

Although the funding opportunities are closed at the time of writing, Audible suggests that podcasters keep checking the website to find out when the next call for submissions will open.

Learn more here.

10. Audio Content Fund

This UK-based fund was a 2018-2022 pilot scheme that supported distinctive public radio content. An independent evaluation was positive, but the scheme ended after its final round in 2022 and has not been revived since.

Learn more here.

11. Content is Queen

This UK-based podcasting agency and community has run micro-grants before, and relaunched them as monthly, theme-based micro-grants of up to £1,000, supported by Audible. The program is on pause at the time of writing, so keep an eye out for it to reopen.

Learn more here.

12. Elevate for Podcasters

This was a one-off program that awarded $12,500 grants to disabled narrative fiction and non-fiction podcasters, plus mentoring and support. The Inevitable Foundation has since focused on film and TV, so the podcaster grant has not returned, but the foundation is worth watching.

Learn more here.

Before we continue...

Have you tried out Rephonic's free graph tool? It's an easy way to scout out the competitive landscape and to see what other shows your audience is listening to.

How to write a successful grant application

#1. Check you meet the eligibility criteria

Very few grants work on a "come one, come all" basis and many organizations have strict eligibility requirements. Some are place-based or aimed at under-represented minorities. Others are looking for podcasts in particular categories (e.g., Humanities) or genres (e.g., Narrative Non-Fiction). Some want to support new shows, while others prefer experience.

You'll likely find the eligibility requirements through a link on the grants' websites or submission forms. Many websites also offer FAQs and guidance on the kinds of people, groups or projects they seek. Some also include advice on projects or institutions they are not interested in funding.

#2. Make sure it's a good fit for you, too

Does the grant match your needs? And does your podcast match that organization's stated values, topics and practices?

Check the organization's About page and look for Vision and Mission statements.

Finally, check if the website offers advice or examples from past recipients.

#3. Is there an application fee?

Most grants in our list don't charge an application fee, but others may. Application fees can help cover some of the organization's costs. It also deters people who don't meet the criteria from applying on the off chance.

#4. Check deadlines

Don't miss an opportunity by not knowing the closing dates. Bookmark the website and note the next opening and closing dates if the current round has closed. If the new dates aren't available, it's worth sending an inquiry or checking the website regularly.

#5. Make your responses stand out

Studying former winners' projects, experiences, and advice gives you valuable information for your submission. What did they do to make the funding committee sit up and notice?

Some ideas:

• Show your unique perspective and how you fit the criteria
• Discuss how your podcast helps or caters to your audience
• Mention how you could support or nurture other creators or communities through your podcast
• Stick to the application guidelines (not doing so can sometimes be a dealbreaker.)
• Do you know an experienced grant applicant? Ask for their advice. You could consider contacting an experienced grant writer for help, too.
• Get someone else to read your application to check that your message and wording is crystal clear. Can they offer helpful suggestions.
• Check that you've filled in every part of the form and ticked all necessary boxes.
• Proofread several times before you submit the application.

Final thoughts

If you're into innovation and believe your podcast can inspire change - or at least get the conversation going - consider applying for podcast grants.

We've listed 12 of the best possibilities, but many more organizations are willing and able to help audio creators with projects in their interest areas. You can find possible grants through internet searches, networking, and specialist newsletters like Danielle Desir Corbett's Substack, Grants For Creators. (You'll find the link in our Podcast Newsletters article.)

Perhaps not surprisingly, there are even a few podcasts on the subject, too. Holly Rustick, for example, has recorded 280+ episodes on her Grant Writing and Funding podcast. Then Where's the Funding? "demystifies grants and the fog around funding for Black and other underserved entrepreneurs." You can find these podcasts and more with a quick search on Rephonic.

Start with a free trial today.

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About the Author

James Potter started Rephonic in 2020 to answer a simple question: how many people actually listen to this podcast? The platform now estimates audiences for more than 3 million shows, and PR teams lean on those numbers to decide where a pitch is worth sending.

When searching for the best podcast agencies, it's hard to decide which one to choose.

Typing it into your web browser brings up many options, but how will you know which one is right for you?

While it's perfectly possible to go it alone, working with professionals could help you grow a successful podcast and increase exposure for your brand. So let's investigate the different services they offer before listing some of the top podcast agencies.

Skip to the list of podcast agencies here.

Podcast agency categories

Best podcast production agencies

Are you planning to launch your own podcast? The process can be daunting, especially if you're new to the podcasting world. That's where a podcast production company will come in handy.

Podcast production agencies help you create compelling audio content to make your podcast shine. Many agencies have a range of production support options that let you choose according to your needs.

For example, you could:

• host and record the podcast yourself, but go to an agency for mixing and editing support
• use a podcast agency to help with recording equipment and audio production
• hire an agency producer
• record a solo podcast and ask an agency for all their post-production support
• request help with launching the podcast and with guest outreach for future episodes.

Other podcast agencies offer full-service podcast production to build turnkey podcasts. You get a high-quality podcast with all the production worries taken off your hands.

Best podcast marketing agencies (aka podcast promotion agencies)

If your podcast falls on deaf ears, all that work goes to waste. A podcast marketing agency helps the right listeners actually find your show.

Marketing's crucial if you're interested in revenue-generating podcasts, too. Without promotion, your show will probably languish unseen at the bottom of the weekly lists.

Podcast promotion agencies will market your podcast to your ideal customers and listeners.

Best podcast advertising agencies

Perhaps you're not interested in content creation, but you see the value of getting your brand in front of the right podcast audience. In that case, you need a podcast advertising agency. They focus on advertising your brand on relevant podcasts.

A podcast agency that focuses on booking ad slots will help nurture strategic relationships with podcasts that match your brand values and target market. Conversely, a podcast host or producer may also enlist an agency to help find the right business advertisers for their podcast.

Best podcast booking agencies

Interview-based podcasts are often searching for expert guests, and that's where a specialized podcast agency comes in handy. A booking agency will find suitable podcasts for your brand or business and then pitch you to the podcast host as the perfect guest.

Podcast guesting has numerous benefits, especially for getting your message in front of multiple audiences. You don't have to deal with the whole podcasting process. Instead, concentrate on giving a fascinating interview and promoting it on your company's website and social media channels.

Podcast booking agencies will take a lot of the work off your hands if you plan to embark on a podcast tour to promote your new book, product or service.

Check out our full list of podcast booking agencies and services here. Or watch our YouTube video to see how Rephonic can help you find relevant shows to pitch.

12 top podcast agencies

ADOPTER Media

ADOPTER Media is a podcast advertising agency run by Glenn Rubenstein. Glenn has worked in podcast advertising since 2012 and has built a team dedicated to matching quality brands with highly-engaged audiences. Very few people currently have the depth of knowledge and experience with successful podcast advertising campaigns that ADOPTER Media brings to the table. They'll help you with all the details regarding sponsorships, quality host-read ads and more.

ADOPTER Media was born out of the increasing need for education and expertise in this emerging medium. Glenn Rubenstein

Command Your Brand

Command Your Brand is a podcast agency that works with CEOs and other thought leaders to spread their message and mission. They design campaigns that grow your brand by targeting podcasts with an audience ready to receive that message. Their white-glove service offers a tailored service with immaculate attention to every detail.

Our Mission: We help people to change the world and better mankind through the power of podcasting.

Fame

Fame is a podcast agency that concentrates on B2B businesses and aims to make your business famous within its niche without breaking your budget. The team focuses on results, offering experienced help with podcast production and editing. Their marketing services include booking you as a guest on other influential podcasts.

We are a globally distributed (13 countries and counting) group of audio, design and marketing geeks that love: sound quality, copywriting, social engagement, Slack emojis and coffee.

Incremental Media

When you've exhausted traditional media sources, turn to Incremental Media, a podcast advertising agency. Since 2005 they've offered various other marketing and advertising strategies, including podcasting, where they help brands achieve host-endorsed ads and package inserts (including shared mail and newsletters).

That focus on data-driven results, passionate client service, and deep knowledge of what works in our channels has helped IM grow to where it is today. Dave Smith, CEO

Interview Connections

Interview Connections offers a concierge-level guest outreach service to experts and podcast hosts. Their expertise includes strategy support and networking opportunities to help guests monetize the visibility gained from their podcast episodes. Meanwhile, the host can concentrate on growing their audience, knowing that this podcast agency will find the perfect guests for their show.

When Interview Connections Founder and President Jessica Rhodes invented the podcast guest booking industry in 2013 there were no other services like it in the market.

Interview Valet

The Interview Valet marketing agency works with brands, non-fiction authors, coaches and consultants. They focus on helping to promote inspiring thought leaders by targeting guest interviews on relevant podcasts. This podcast agency guides its clients through the process with Certified Guest™ training and promises guests and hosts "the best experience in the podcast industry."

Our premium white-glove solution takes care of everything but the speaking to reach your ideal audience with the least amount of snags or hassle.

Listen

This UK-based company is a full-service podcast agency and offers award-winning services to some of the world's biggest brands. The team prides itself on its inclusive approach, allowing all its creators to flourish. Listen can work with you on strategy and creative development consultations and offer audio, visual and social production services, easy distribution and marketing.

Our team is made up of passionate producers, storytellers and podcast obsessives.

Quill

Quill is an award-winning podcast production agency specializing in turnkey branded content. Their team produces podcasts for enterprise-level brands like TD, Expedia, and Uberflip that are looking to create engaging podcasts that make an impact and produce measurable results. Their focus is producing high-quality audio and strategic podcast marketing tactics to boost your company’s podcast ROI.

Our client portfolio of award-winning global brands spans across industries including finance, healthcare, technology, and more.

Speak On Podcasts

With insanely high standards for customer presentation, Speak On Podcasts is laser-focused on helping B2B companies to increase brand awareness and establish their thought leadership by reaching their target audience through podcast guest interviews. Their services include podcast interview booking, and they'll help you repurpose the best parts of podcast episodes on social media.

Our guiding principles: Exceed expectations, take ownership, do the right thing and put people first.

The Podcast Consultant

The Podcast Consultant, founded by podcaster Mathew Passy, offers you a holistic set of services based on their 15 years of experience in the podcasting world. They'll help you launch and publish your podcast, perfect the audio editing and visual production, and devise a monetization strategy. This agency also offers podcast consultations and audits.

What I love about podcasts is that they give every individual and brand a chance to tell their story through a unique voice. Mathew Passy, CEO.

The Podcast Haven

The Podcast Haven focuses on creating and producing podcasts for brands and businesses through the art of storytelling. This Los Angeles-based agency works with solopreneurs and influencers through to mega enterprises. This team, founded by Eric Montgomery in 2016, offers mobile recording, audio editing, podcast launch and marketing, and custom production services.

The goal of The Podcast Haven is to help content creators tell their stories through audio. We take care of your production, so you can focus on creating great content. Eric Montgomery, Chief Engineer

Your Expert Guest

Your Expert Guest believes in the unique power of podcasts to connect you to the audience that needs to hear your message and provide evergreen visibility for you and your business.

Female founders, thought leaders and authors hire Your Expert Guest to get booked as a guest on top ranked podcasts. They handle all the details so you can show up prepared for a meaningful conversation that benefits the listeners. They can also help you repurpose your interviews for social media content and blog posts.

Our experienced team has received rave reviews from top podcasters and clients on their ability to connect the guest to the perfect podcast to create long term value for the audience.

So, there you have it. Twelve of the leading podcast agencies around today. These experienced teams can help with production, editing, networking, marketing, sponsorship and plenty more.

Whether you're a brand or podcast host, find opportunities to get featured on podcasts with Rephonic. Search for shows in your niche and check out their listener numbers, chart rankings, contact info and lots more.

Get started with Rephonic for free.

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About the Author

James Potter started Rephonic in 2020 to answer a simple question: how many people actually listen to this podcast? The platform now estimates audiences for more than 3 million shows, and PR teams lean on those numbers to decide where a pitch is worth sending.

There are many vital considerations to consider when you're planning a podcast advertising campaign strategy, one of which is cost. Your budget only goes so far, so you need to investigate podcast advertising rates before running ads.

Unfortunately, there aren't any hard and fast rules about standard podcast advertising rates. You may have heard about CPM, but when you're doing direct buys, this doesn't help you as much as you might think.

Podcasts set their prices depending on several factors, which we'll cover in this article. But that means there's no easy answer when someone asks, "how much does it cost to sponsor a podcast?"

What is the average podcast CPM?

Podcast CPM stands for Cost per Mille or cost for every 1,000 listeners and it's how many publishers calculate podcast ad rates.

The average CPM for podcast advertising is between $18 and $25 depending on the ad length and placement in the podcast. Or, to put it another way, you'll pay between $18 and $25 for every 1,000 listens of the podcast for the duration of your ad.

Estimated podcast advertising costs

So, you have a list of podcasts to contact, but how will you know how much their ads are likely to cost?

You can't know for sure until you speak to the podcast hosts or ad spots team but you can use Rephonic to work out whether it's worth approaching a podcast, or whether the cost simply won't fit your budget.

Libsyn estimates a $25 CPM for host read podcast ads and around $15 for Pre-Produced Programmatic ads so we'll use those figures in our calculations.

First, check Rephonic for the podcast's estimated listener numbers. These are our best-guess download numbers (we base them on hundreds of publicly available datapoints) but don't include YouTube numbers.

So, if a podcast with those CPMs has 1000 listeners, baked-in ads should cost $25 and dynamic ads $15.

Libsyn offers a podcast CPM calculator to help with the math. So, in theory, here's how the pricing might look in 2026.

These numbers give you a rough idea of what to expect once you know the size of a show's audience. Real costs still vary a lot, though. Most podcast websites don't publish their ad rates at all, and instead invite prospective sponsors to get in touch.

Here's how Rephonic estimated listener numbers can help

Suppose you're a founder keen to test podcast advertising but can't afford to spend more than $500. You can rule out podcasts if you see on Rephonic that they've got 20,000+ estimated listeners because they're likely too expensive. If you plan to run multiple ads, you might prefer shows with smaller audiences.

To summarize, you'll have to reach out to the publisher to get accurate numbers and costs. But when you're first scoping out potential opportunities for podcast sponsorship, our listener number estimates will help you see which podcasts will likely suit your budget.

Estimated listeners per episode is one of the many vital data points Rephonic supplies for almost every podcast on the planet. Don't just take our word for it, though. You can **try Rephonic out for free** right now.

While listener numbers significantly affect podcast advertising rates, they're just one factor that affects how much it costs to sponsor a podcast, whether you want an entire season or just one podcast ad.

Here's the full list of considerations that can influence podcast hosts when setting the rates for podcast ads.

Fixed rate - the most common pricing model for direct buys

Flat fee/Fixed rate ― A podcast may have fixed ad rates or packages. They may also be open to negotiating a deal.

What factors affect podcast advertising costs?

Listener numbers

We've just explained this. 🙂 (You might also like to read our advertising on podcasts beginners' guide.)

Ad placement

Podcast ads have different names depending on where they're placed in an episode.

Pre-roll ads run for 15-30 seconds at the start of a podcast episode. Sometimes they're placed before the intro; sometimes, they come just after. Either way, pre-roll ads come before the host introduces the guest and gets on with the show.

Post-roll ads run last and are the cheapest because they only catch those audience members who listen to the very end. (Many people tune out before then, but marketers sometimes argue that your ideal customer is the one who listens right till the end and is more likely to pay attention to your ad.)

Mid-roll ads are typically longer and run during an episode. Many advertisers prefer to pay more to secure a mid-roll ad because fewer listeners bother to skip ads once they're into the meat of the content. In contrast, listeners often miss pre- and post-roll ads, hence the lower price.

Don't be fooled into going for the cheapest ad placements, though. You should also consider your podcast ad campaign goals to see which placement fits them best.

Ad length

Ad length is closely tied to ad placement. You can buy podcast ads that last anything from 15 seconds (typically a post-roll) to a 60-second ad (usually mid-roll ads) or an even longer branded segment in a podcast episode.

It makes sense that longer ads will cost more than shorter ones. Longer podcast ads include more talking points and can address the listeners' problems and benefits. Faster ads only have time for a brief statement and a call to action, so think carefully about your copywriting when planning your podcast advertising campaign.

Niche

Not all podcast categories or niches are created equal. Some are more popular (and therefore more crowded) than others. And we've conducted plenty of research about the podcasting industry through our database to find fascinating facts about niches.

You need podcast listeners who will identify with your brand or message, so you'll want to choose podcasts in the right niche.

For example, the Get Sleepy Podcast operates in the Health & Fitness niche and targets people who have difficulty sleeping, so this podcast is a perfect partner for brands like BetterHelp and Helix Sleep. You can see how these two businesses fit perfectly with a meditation podcast aimed at helping listeners get restful sleep.

Number of episodes sponsored

It helps to know whether the show you're interested in is new to podcast advertising or if they often work with advertisers. And seeing who is advertising is just as interesting.

For example, if your competitors advertise on a podcast it may indicate that audience is a good fit for your product or service, too. Conversely, if you can't relate to the current advertisers at all, that may indicate an audience that may not be receptive to your products.

You can easily see recent podcast advertisers by checking their podcast page on Rephonic.

Each page includes a Sponsors tab. There you'll find a list of recent sponsors, a link to the ad, the episode and its transcript. A long list of sponsors may indicate that this podcast has been accepting sponsors over many episodes. A short list may mean they're new to podcast advertising, or have stuck to just a handful of trusted advertisers.

Other things to think about

There's a lot to think about when devising a podcast advertising strategy. As well as the ad costs, types of advertisement and niche podcast audiences, you should be very clear about the podcast campaign you're running and what kind of ads will work best.

Delivery mechanism

There are two ways of delivering podcast ads: dynamic ads and baked-in ads. Naturally, there are pros and cons no matter which you choose.

Baked-in ads

These are pre-roll, mid-roll or post-roll ads recorded or edited into the podcast file as part of the episode content. They stay with that episode forever and are difficult (but not impossible) to change.

Benefits: With a baked-in ad, your content will probably be there for the life of the episode unless the podcaster manually edits it out. It works well if your ad placements contain evergreen information or content.

Cons: Don't use time-sensitive or short-term promotions for baked-in podcast advertising. For example, I recently heard a podcast episode advertising tickets for a live show that had run months earlier. That would have been much better as a dynamic ad placement and removed once the show had taken place.

Dynamic ad insertion

These podcast ads are inserted when podcast listeners either download or stream an episode. In other words, they are separate from the podcast episode and can be changed anytime. The podcast producer marks where a podcast ad should appear, and DAI tools insert the current sponsor's material.

Benefits:

• Your podcast ad can be put into all episodes at once. So when new listeners discover the show, they will hear your ads from that sponsor no matter which episode they click on. You buy X ad impressions, and when that number is reached, you can either pay for more or the podcast can insert a new sponsor's ads in their place.
• Time-sensitive offers are great for dynamic ads. You know the sort: "Today's episode is brought to you by... for a limited time, my listeners can get $100 off their first month with this promo code."

Cons: Your ad spots are not permanent. Once your time is up, they'll disappear. (They may even be taken by competing brands who've heard your podcast ads and decide that's the right podcast for them, too.)

Host-read ads vs. pre-recorded advertiser-supplied ads

Many podcast hosts read ads in their own styles. That's effective when listeners feel that the voices of their favorite hosts make the ads seem more genuine, especially if they include a personal story about using the product or brand. Brands usually give the podcast host a list of points to cover and leave them to choose the actual words. (Check out this episode of the Bigger Pockets Real Estate Podcast for an example of a host-read, story podcast ad.)

Some brands and businesses prefer to supply the ad ready-made. That can sound more professional than some host-read ads, but it loses that close association with the hosts. Listeners often tune into popular podcasts because they like and trust the host, so supplying ready-made ads (or supplying too many points to cover and leaving no room for personal stories) could defeat the purpose.

These audio samples from The Podcast Exchange include examples from different podcasts with both host-read ads and pre-recorded ads, while Spotify gives a supplied-ad instance in this case study. Finally, here's an interesting article that reveals the thought process of a new podcaster who aimed to gather podcast ad revenue before his first episode even aired.

Final thoughts

Rephonic can't tell you the exact ad rates for each podcast, but you can use our extensive database to find your business's best podcast matches.

We help you search for podcasts using filters like categories, listener numbers, audience demographics and many more. Then we allow you to dive in deep with all the relevant stats, social media numbers, reviews, email addresses, and links to podcast episodes and websites.

When you want to reach out to a podcast, you can send pitches from your own email address directly within Rephonic.

What have you got to lose? Take your podcast knowledge to the next level with a free trial on Rephonic today.

Article credits

Written by Lyn McNamee, podcast-PR writer with years of experience transforming podcast insights into practical, results-focused playbooks.

Edited by Becca Butcher, marketing specialist who frequently analyzes Rephonic’s data across 3 million podcasts.

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About the Author

James Potter started Rephonic in 2020 to answer a simple question: how many people actually listen to this podcast? The platform now estimates audiences for more than 3 million shows, and PR teams lean on those numbers to decide where a pitch is worth sending.

If you're interested in a Muck Rack subscription, chances are you're struggling to find pricing information on their website.

Muck Rack was originally built as a solution for journalists looking to be found by Communication and PR teams. Since then, it's grown into a full media-management platform for PR and comms teams.

How much does Muck Rack cost?

Muck Rack pricing can be a mystery, as it doesn't reveal prices on its website, so we've done some sleuthing for you.

TL;DR:

• The going rate for one user seems to be $5,000 per year.
• For two seats you’re probably looking at up to $10,000, and bigger teams will cost even more.
• We've seen reports of some teams paying $50,000+ per year.

The figures in our table (below) all come from Reddit users reporting how much they pay or were quoted. We can’t verify these reports. But organised like this, they help us get a picture and show that pricing can vary significantly. (However, they could be from any time in the past few years, so some don’t necessarily reflect current pricing and we don't know which plan they were on or which services they received.)

Sources: Reddit thread 1, Reddit thread 2, Reddit thread 3, Reddit thread 4, Reddit thread 5, Reddit thread 6

Muck Rack offers three flexible plans which require an annual contract. These are: Starter (suitable for solo practitioners and small businesses), Standard and Premier. Each plan builds on the other. For example, the Standard plan includes all the Starter feature plus unlimited media list exports and AI-powered journalist recommendations.

It seems, from what we've read, that pricing plans can be negotiated, especially near the end of a quarter or month.

Muck Rack reviews

Muck Rack has a solid average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on G2 from over 350 reviews, and 4.2 out of 5 on Capterra from 25+ reviews (accurate April 2026).

Muck Rack alternatives

Rephonic

Rephonic is a podcast database, sourcing detailed information on podcasts from every corner of the internet. It covers 4m+ shows worldwide, including almost every currently active podcast (there are 400k of those!)

Rephonic's platform helps PR teams find suitable podcasts for guest spots or mentions by assessing each show's audience demographics, listener numbers, previous guests and listener feedback.

Users can see podcast data, create lists, find contact details, pitch shows, and manage their pipeline all on the Rephonic platform. It's easy to monitor coverage by setting keyword alerts for daily or weekly email updates.

As one Rephonic customer explains, "Over the past six months, Rephonic has grown to be a crucial tool in our podcasting workflow. We have been able to make data-driven decisions on our content strategy thanks to the platform's extensive analytics and competitive intelligence."

Rephonic offers a seven-day free trial with three paid tiers: Light ($99/month), Standard ($149/month) and Business ($299/month).

Best for:

Public Relations professionals who want in-depth podcast data and quality contacts all on one, easy-to-use platform.

Cision

Cision is one of the largest global journalist and media databases and provides a broad suite of features for communications and PR professionals.

Its flagship platform is the AI-powered CisionOne, which brings all its functions into one end-to-end workflow. These include media monitoring, journalist outreach and reporting tools, social listening and management.

Like Muck Rack, Cision's website doesn't reveal costs; potential users must contact the sales team for a quote on a package tailored to their needs.

Best for:

Large PR teams and agencies that need a comprehensive, global media database combined with press release distribution, media monitoring, and robust reporting in a single enterprise-level platform.

Meltwater

Meltwater, which has been monitoring media online since 2001, offers a suite of products including social media listening, media database and contacts, audience insights, influencer marketing and sales, data and API integration.

As with Muck Rack and Cision, each product package is customized and prospective users need to request a demo to discover how much it will cost to use Meltwater.

Best for:

Identifying journalists and the specific topics they write about. Users say they find it useful for conducting searches, keeping track of clips and for sentiment analysis in social media listening.

Prezly

Prezly offers company teams a less expensive media monitoring package, including online newsrooms, a press release creator, a CRM and PR analytics.

The platform has three annual pricing tiers. These are: Essential ($100/month), Standard ($150/month), Enterprise (custom). Prezly also has a separate service for PR agencies. All four services offer a 14-day free trial.

Best for:

Those seeking an affordable alternative for press release distribution and maintaining media contacts.

Prowly

Prowly is an AI-powered PR and media relations software platform associated with Semrush.

With Prowly, PR teams can create and maintain a media list with contact details, create and distribute press releases, monitor coverage, get audience insights and send personalized pitches to journalists. Its media database includes traditional print and broadcast media, podcasters, bloggers and influencers.

A basic annual plan costs $258/month while a Pro Annual contract price is $416/month (in December, 2025.)

Best for:

PR agencies and individuals looking to organize and track PR and media contacts.

FAQs

Does Muck Rack have podcasts on its database?

Yes - Muck Rack has 800k podcasts on its database.

What data does Muck Rack have for podcasts?

Muck Rack's podcast pages include insights on listenership, reviews, contact information, Apple chart positions, their country, language, genre and links to the latest episodes.

Is there a dedicated podcast database I can use alongside Muck Rack?

Yes — Rephonic is a dedicated podcast database that Muck Rack customers often use alongside Muck Rack to access deeper insights for more than four million shows.

Final thoughts

The final cost of Muck Rack seems to depend on the number of seats, features you use, and the deal you negotiate. Meanwhile, Muck Rack's competitors often provide similar features but may offer more affordable pricing options or different functionalities.

Your choice of media database will be influenced by pricing plans, what they offer and what you need to monitor.

If podcasts are a strong focus for your team or your clients, then Rephonic is likely to be your best bet.

Try Rephonic free and see how quickly you can find, monitor and pitch the podcasts your clients care about.

**Start my free trial**

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About the Author

James Potter started Rephonic in 2020 to answer a simple question: how many people actually listen to this podcast? The platform now estimates audiences for more than 3 million shows, and PR teams lean on those numbers to decide where a pitch is worth sending.

It's easy to find Meltwater's website and learn about the software's many products. But it's harder to find the answer to one simple question: How much does Meltwater cost?

This article provides information on Meltwater pricing and introduces some media database alternatives.

What is Meltwater?

Meltwater is a media monitoring and social listening platform. PR teams, marketing teams, and communications professionals use it to track brand mentions, monitor news coverage, analyze trends and keep an eye on their competitors.

The platform has an impressive array of features. People use it for broadcast, online and print monitoring, reputation management, tracking customer engagement on social media platforms, crisis management and more.

Meltwater users can follow and get in touch with journalists across many media types—print, online, broadcast media and the world's top 25,000 podcasts. If you're especially podcast-focused, you might pay extra to add-on the podcast monitoring feature.

How much does Meltwater cost?

Meltwater pricing has three tiers: the 'Essentials' plan, 'Suite' and an 'Enterprise' plan. The platform uses tailored pricing, with quotes customized to your goals and the modules you choose to use. To discover the true costs, you must speak to one of Meltwater's consultants.

We've done some digging and come up with some estimates and online forums that give us some clues as to what you might pay on various Meltwater pricing plans.

Reddit is often seen as the go-to platform for users to get advice and promote their opinions, so it's a good place to ask for clues on Meltwater pricing. And from the reports we've seen it seems like people have paid very different amounts.

Of course, we can't confirm any of these reports, and the account types and usage will vary too. Some may be solo accounts, simply used as a media database. Others belong to large teams with a comprehensive media monitoring package.

We’ve created a table, ordered from low to high, to show you the range of Meltwater pricing we found. This could give you some idea of what you might expect to pay.

Meltwater reviews

Meltwater is rated 4.1 out of 5 stars on G2 from over 2.5k reviews, and 4 out of 5 on Capterra. However, they have a much lower average rating on Trustpilot, at just 1.7 out of 5 stars (accurate as of April 2026).

Best Meltwater alternatives for PR

Muck Rack

Muck Rack is a PR and media management platform. It includes tools for PR & Comms teams (e.g., PR software, media database, press releases, social media listening, AI, etc.) and free tools for journalists (portfolios and a Job Board).

Like Meltwater, Muck Rack doesn’t show pricing information, but offers a demonstration call to determine the customized cost. Users can create a free account, which gives them access to the search tools and the website’s Help and Resources section, but must contact the company to use any other tools.

Best for:

Journalists who want to manage their online brand and companies needing access to a comprehensive media database.

Prowly

Prowly is an AI-powered platform with tools for creating and maintaining a media list and contact details. Like Muck Rack and Meltwater, Prowly offers a media database and media monitoring services. It also has a pitching tool, a Press Release creator, PR reporting, online newsrooms and audience insights provided by Semrush.

Prowly doesn't have a free option, but each tier offers a free 7-day trial. As I write this, the Basic Annual plan starts at $258/month (pay $3096/year) and the Pro Annual is $416/month ($4992/year).

Best for:

PR agencies and individuals looking to organize and track PR and media contacts.

Prezly

Prezly offers software for company PR teams and a separate service for PR agencies. You can create and distribute press releases and media email campaigns on the Prezly website. It also has online newsroom and media monitoring, a CRM and a Press Kit Creator.

Prezly has three annual pricing tiers, each billed annually. They include Essential ($100/month, $1200/year), Standard ($150/month, $1800/year) and Enterprise (custom price).

Best for:

Those seeking an affordable alternative for press release distribution and maintaining media contacts.

Rephonic

Rephonic is a podcast database covering 4m+ shows, including approximately 500,000 currently active podcasts. Compare that to Meltwater's coverage of 20,000 US and 4000 in the rest of the world.

Rephonic's software helps both individuals and agencies to find and pitch their best-fit podcasts for guest spots or sponsorship.

As one user explains, Rephonic is very user-friendly. Another says, "Rephonic is designed around the natural workflow of anyone who pitches podcasts. [It] offers a single, centralised view of my entire podcasting booking workflow - which saves a lot of time, energy and distraction."

Best for:

Data-driven PR teams that want deep insights, high-quality contacts for 4M+ podcasts, and one platform to manage the full podcast booking workflow.

Rephonic is the most complete podcast media database

Use Rephonic's search tool to find podcasts according to their topic, title or publisher, then click a link to open all the info Rephonic has sourced on that podcast. Each podcast's data is sorted into sections.

For example, do you want to:

• Assess whether the podcast's listeners fit your target audience? Open the Audience tab to see listener profiles and audience demographics.
• Learn about other guests on the show? Open the People tab and scroll down to view each guest's name, episode link and discussion topics, or type a specific name in the search bar.
• See if competitors have sponsored the podcast? Open the Sponsors tab and search the company name and get a link to the ad and episode.
• Only contact podcasts with highly engaged audiences? Go to the Feedback tab to see ratings and reviews on Apple Podcasts and other apps and an AI overview of themes covered in the reviews.
• Get the best contact details to pitch a podcast? Open the blue Contacts button, top right corner of every page or tab.
• Monitor all podcasts for keywords, brand mentions or names? Set up an alert. Rephonic will check episode transcripts, titles and show notes to find matches and send you a daily or weekly email (your choice).

You can also connect your inbox and send pitches straight from Rephonic, as well as automate follow-ups and manage replies.

Rephonic pricing

Rephonic offers a seven-day free trial and has three paid options, with two free months on an annual plan:

• Light ($99/month or $990/year)
• Standard ($149/month or $1490/year)
• Business ($299/month or $2990/year)
• API access ($299/month.)

FAQs

Does Meltwater have podcasts on its database?

Yes - Meltwater has 25,000 podcasts on its database. Customers can monitor these podcasts for brand or keyword mentions.

Is there a specialised podcast database that I can use alongside Meltwater?

Yes - Rephonic is the most comprehensive podcast database used by PR teams who need to explore podcast PR opportunities fully. It provides data and contacts for millions of shows.

How to Get Podcast Transcripts & Search for Keywords

Learn how to get podcast transcripts with Rephonic and get a competitive advantage. Search transcripts for keywords and make better, more accurate decisions.

How to Spy on a Competitor’s Podcast Guesting Strategy

In this article, we break down why piecing together their competitor’s podcast guesting strategy matters and how to use Rephonic to get a clear view of what’s happening behind the scenes.

Follow us:

About the Author

James Potter started Rephonic in 2020 to answer a simple question: how many people actually listen to this podcast? The platform now estimates audiences for more than 3 million shows, and PR teams lean on those numbers to decide where a pitch is worth sending.