Have you ever caught yourself thinking about what all the fuss over podcast networks is? Well, you’re not alone. At its core, understanding what is a podcast network and how to join one can be your golden ticket in the world of audio content. Imagine having access to resources that catapult your show into the ears of eager listeners worldwide. It’s less about luck and more about strategy.
A podcast network acts as an umbrella – bringing together diverse podcasts under one roof for easier discovery by audiences and advertisers alike. But it’s not just any club you can waltz into; there are steps you need to follow.
In this piece, we’ll walk through these steps together – from beefing up those download numbers to making sure your content aligns with potential networks’ ethos. Ready? So, let’s dive in and get your voice out there, loud and clear, for everyone to hear.
Understanding the Concept of a Podcast Network
The Basics of Podcast Networks
A podcast network is a collection of podcasts that are produced, distributed or made available to advertisers through a single company, or network.
In other words, it’s an umbrella company that individual shows join to take advantage of certain benefits, especially when it comes to advertising.
Some podcast networks stick to themes (like true crime shows or interview shows) while others are more open.
How Podcast Networks Operate
Once you join a podcast network, you gain access to the network’s marketing and advertising machine.
They’ll cross-promote you across all of their other podcasts and help you out with all of your digital marketing activities.
Some networks have in-house teams of copywriters, designers, automation specialists, etc.
What do podcast networks do? They were created originally to market and monetize podcasts, but they’ve evolved to much more over time.
You see, podcasts had a discoverability problem in the late 90s and early 2000s. They weren’t mainstream at the time.
Podcast directories didn’t exist yet and search engines weren’t capable of exploring audio content.
Podcast networks were built to solve this problem. Their goals are to market shows to increase listenerships and create a big pool for advertisers to buy ads.
Most networks want to profit as well, so they take a portion of the ad revenue. This creates a symbiotic relationship between the podcaster and the network where both sides can succeed.
Who Can Benefit from Joining a Podcast Network?
Eligibility Criteria for Joining a Podcast Network
Podcast network requirements vary. The top podcast networks only consider shows with at least 50,000 downloads per month.
Even smaller networks typically have these minimum requirements:
- At least 1,000 downloads per episode or 5,000 per month
- At least one new episode per week
- Cross-promotion with other shows within the network
What Podcast Networks Look For
Make sure your show is listed in all major podcast directories, confirm your show meets the networks monthly download requirements, and see if they have similar shows in your niche.
Podcast networks want you to produce the best show possible, so they’re often happy to offer production assistance.
This help might be as simple as advice from experienced podcasters, or as robust as editing services, researching services, marketing assets, or coaching.
The network has marketing tools and services to help you gain exposure and attract more listeners.
They also set up cross-promotions between members of the network so you can share listeners between audiences.
This is an attractive benefit to podcasts that don’t have the time or know-how to market their own show.
Pros and Cons of Being Part of a Podcast Network
Benefits of Joining a Podcast Network
Most podcast networks will introduce you to new listeners through feed-drops and cross-promos.
Increased exposure is the best benefit of joining a network. This trick can put your show right under the noses of folks who are already into your kind of thing and would probably love to tune into an episode.
For one, you can start earning some ad revenue with a podcast network earlier than you could on your own because the network “pools” download numbers together to lock in sponsorships.
You may not earn much, every little bit helps you produce a better show.
For another, with more listeners comes more ad revenue. As your listenership grows, so will your income, which allows you to reinvest into the show faster, thus grow even faster.
The network does all the legwork to find sponsors. You just read the ad copy you’re given or slice in the ad audio files they send to you.
So, this frees you up to pour your heart and soul into creating and promoting your show.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
There are potential cons to joining a network, too. These issues aren’t a big deal for everyone but are important to know upfront:
- Can lose creative control
- Locked into a contract
- Have to share revenue
By associating yourself with other quality shows, you gain credibility and authority.
People assume your show has value because you are part of a well-liked, trusted brand.
A listener might say, “I like other shows on that network, so I’ll try this one.”
Some podcast networks have access to venture capital money. VCs don’t want to invest in individual shows because that’s a lot of work that eats into their profits, but they’re often willing to invest in networks that let them invest at scale.
Podcast networks often use this kind of funding to offer support to their members, sometimes in the form of dedicated producers, editing services, paid search or social media ads, etc.
Joining a podcast network boosts your show’s exposure and simplifies monetization by connecting you with advertisers, offering marketing help, and sharing listener bases. But watch out for potential downsides like losing some creative control or revenue sharing.
Navigating the Process of Joining a Podcast Network
Steps to Joining a Podcast Network
When you’re ready to approach a network, read the fine print, and choose one that helps you achieve your goals.
Ask these questions before signing a contract:
- What is the length of the contract?
- What percentage of ad revenue does the network take?
- Will they own my podcast feed?
- Can I still run my own ads and sponsorships?
- What marketing support will I receive?
Make sure your show is listed in all major podcast directories, confirm your show meets the networks monthly download requirements, and see if they have similar shows in your niche.
Joining a network needs to benefit you in as many ways as possible. To have the best chance of success, look for a network that hosts other podcasts in a similar vein to yours.
For example, Enterprise Podcast Network is a great fit for entrepreneurs and enterprise podcasts. If you’re a tutor or teacher, Education Podcast Network could work well for you.
Evaluating Different Types of Podcast Networks
Browsing major podcast networks can give you a better idea of how they operate. These networks are home to the world’s most successful podcasts and partner with world-class brands:
- iHeart is the largest digital media streaming service with over 158 million registered users. Their podcast network includes shows like Red Table Talk and The Breakfast Club.
- PodcastOne is one of the largest on-demand digital audio networks. They see over billion downloads annually and publish podcasts from Jordan Harbinger, Adam Carolla, and Kaitlyn Bristowe.
Each podcast network is unique in its offerings and its requirements to join, but there are some commonalities, as well.
Hopping on board with a podcast network could be your golden ticket to boosting that podcast revenue and drawing in more listeners. Read our guide to learn more about podcast networks and find out if joining a network is right for you.
Maximizing Your Success in the Absence of a Network
Strategies for Growing Your Audience Without A Network
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find a good fit. It can take years to get your podcast ready to join a podcast network.
Do everything you can to grow your podcast yourself, even if this takes years. It’s better to approach a network.
The question you have to ask yourself is this: So, are you better off joining a podcast network, or could you possibly reach greater heights flying solo?
It’s important to understand that a network won’t guarantee success for your show. Sure, they can lend a hand, but at the end of the day, whipping up killer content that draws in and keeps your audience hooked is all on you. Also, remember the hustle doesn’t stop with us – you’ll need to keep pushing your show on your own turf too.
Monetizing Your Independent Podcast
Because you’ll likely grow faster as part of a network, you might earn ad revenue more quickly than you could on your own. Networks will also find sponsors for you.
You just have to read the ad or agree to have the ad placed within your episodes.
For one, you can start earning some ad revenue with a podcast network earlier than you could on your own because the network “pools” download numbers together to lock in sponsorships. You may not earn much, every little bit helps you produce a better show.
For another, with more listeners comes more ad revenue. As your listenership grows, so will your income, which allows you to reinvest into the show faster, thus grow even faster.
Before joining a podcast network, read the contract carefully and ask key questions about ad revenue, ownership, and marketing support. Make sure your show aligns with the network’s niche for better success. While networks can boost growth and revenue, creating quality content remains crucial.
FAQs in Relation to What is a Podcast Network and How to Join One
Should you join a podcast network?
Joining a podcast network can boost your reach and secure sponsors. However, it’s important to weigh the pros against potential creative constraints first.
What is the difference between a podcast studio and a network?
A podcast studio produces shows, while a network groups them together for promotion, ad sales, and additional support.
How do I get my podcast picked up by a network?
To get your podcast picked up by a network, showcase consistent quality content, solid audience engagement, and uniqueness to catch a network’s attention.
Does it cost money to join a podcast network?
Joining a podcast network may sometimes involve costs. Networks might charge fees for marketing or production assistance, but this is not always the case.
Conclusion
So here we are at the end of our trek on discovering what is a podcast network and how to join one. We’ve seen that joining such a community isn’t merely about getting more ears on your episodes but embracing an opportunity for growth, collaboration, and maybe even finding that elusive success in the digital wilderness of content creation.
The truth laid bare – it’s all systematic; crafting quality audio pieces paired with strategic promotion could see you shaking hands (or exchanging emails) with folks who run these networks before you know it!
At day’s end, remember this isn’t just another checkbox on your creator’s journey—it’s potentially transforming how stories like yours get heard amid noise today—transformative indeed! So go ahead; give those applications some serious thought because somewhere out there lies perfect match waiting lift off!
