Podcast ad rates are quoted per 1,000 downloads rather than views, and they run well above typical display or video RPM — podcast advertising has always priced at a premium for its host-read, high-attention format.
Where a blog might earn single digits per 1,000 pageviews, podcast networks routinely quote $15–$50 per 1,000 downloads. Advertisers pay a premium for host-read ads, low ad-skip behavior, and audiences that stay engaged through a 30–60 minute episode — conditions display advertising rarely matches.
Rates are also more deal-driven than programmatic display: marketplaces like Podcorn and AdvertiseCast connect shows directly with sponsors, so quoted RPM is really an approximation of typical negotiated rates rather than a single formula-driven number.
| Network | RPM range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Spotify Ad Exchange | $15–$50 | per 1,000 downloads |
| SiriusXM Media (Midroll) | $20–$45 | per 1,000 downloads |
| AdvertiseCast | $15–$40 | per 1,000 downloads |
| Podcorn | $10–$35 | per 1,000 downloads |
$20–$30 per 1,000 downloads is a common target for an ad-supported show with a clear niche audience; specialized B2B or finance-adjacent podcasts can run well above that.
Yes — quoted network rates typically already reflect the premium host-read ads command over pre-produced audio spots, since host-read is now the dominant ad format across major networks.
Because so much podcast advertising is deal-based rather than auction-based, quoted RPM ranges are really an aggregation of individually negotiated sponsor rates, which vary by show niche, audience size, and network relationship.