Podcast RPM & CPM Calculator: Estimate Your Podcast Ad Revenue Per Episode
Podcast advertising remains one of the highest-paying content monetization models in 2026, with CPMs (cost per 1,000 downloads) ranging from $15 to $50 for programmatic ads and $25 to $100+ for premium host-read sponsorships. Unlike video and display ads where RPMs are often $3-$15, podcast ads command a premium because of the uniquely intimate listener relationship and high engagement levels — the average podcast listener hears over 80% of an episode and reports significantly higher brand recall for podcast ads compared to video or display ads. A podcast with 10,000 downloads per episode running two mid-roll ads at a $25 CPM earns approximately $500 per episode, or $2,000 per month with weekly publishing.
Podcast monetization follows two primary models: dynamic ad insertion (DAI) and baked-in host-read ads. Dynamic insertion uses programmatic technology to insert pre-produced ads into episodes at designated break points, and these ads can be swapped out over time, monetizing both new and old episodes in your back catalog. Host-read ads are recorded by the podcast host as part of the episode content, creating an endorsement effect that drives higher conversion rates and commands CPMs 2-3x above programmatic rates. Most successful podcasters use a hybrid approach — dynamic insertion for backfill and scale, with host-read spots for premium sponsors paying top dollar.
This calculator helps podcasters estimate revenue from both ad models based on download numbers. Whether you are launching a new show and modeling revenue projections, negotiating sponsorship rates with brands, or comparing podcast monetization against YouTube and blog alternatives, the benchmarks below reflect 2026 market conditions across different podcast genres and audience sizes.
Key Data & Benchmarks
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Programmatic/DAI CPM (average) | $15.00 - $30.00 |
| Host-Read Ad CPM (pre-roll) | $18.00 - $40.00 |
| Host-Read Ad CPM (mid-roll) | $25.00 - $60.00 |
| Premium/Direct Sponsor CPM | $40.00 - $100.00+ |
| True Crime / News Podcast CPM | $20.00 - $45.00 |
| Business / Finance Podcast CPM | $30.00 - $70.00 |
| Comedy / Entertainment Podcast CPM | $15.00 - $35.00 |
| Average Ads Per Episode (industry standard) | 2-4 ad slots |
Revenue Examples
| Scenario | Views | RPM | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Podcast (1K downloads/ep) | 1,000 | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Growing Podcast (5K downloads/ep) | 5,000 | $25.00 | $125.00 |
| Mid-Tier Podcast (15K downloads/ep) | 15,000 | $30.00 | $450.00 |
| Established Podcast (50K downloads/ep) | 50,000 | $40.00 | $2,000.00 |
| Top Podcast (200K downloads/ep) | 200,000 | $50.00 | $10,000.00 |
Calculate Your RPM
Revenue Data
Earnings = (RPM x Page Views) / 1,000
Who Uses This Calculator?
Podcast sponsorship rate setting
Use CPM benchmarks for your genre and audience size to set data-backed rates when pitching sponsors, ensuring you price your ad inventory competitively without undervaluing your show.
Revenue comparison: podcast vs. video vs. blog
Compare your per-download podcast earnings against per-view YouTube and per-pageview blog revenue to determine which content format delivers the highest return per hour of production effort.
Ad network evaluation
Compare CPM offers from podcast ad networks (Spotify Ad Network, Acast, Megaphone, AdvertiseCast) against each other and against direct sponsorship rates to choose the monetization mix that maximizes revenue.
New podcast revenue projection
Model expected monthly and annual revenue at various download milestones (1K, 5K, 10K, 50K downloads per episode) to set realistic financial expectations and determine when a podcast can generate meaningful income.