It's easy to get discouraged when you see big numbers thrown around. But the reality of podcasting is different.
The Median
According to data from major podcast hosts, the median number of downloads per episode (after 30 days) is often around 30 to 50.
If you get more than 30 downloads, you are doing better than 50% of active podcasts.
The Top 10%
To be in the top 10% of podcasts, you generally need around 3,000 to 5,000 downloads per episode.
Context Matters
A "good" number depends on your niche.
- Broad Topic (e.g., True Crime): Needs higher numbers to be competitive.
- Niche Topic (e.g., HVAC Repair): 100 listeners might be 100% of the market. That is incredibly valuable.
Where Do You Stand?
See exactly where you stand in the charts with The Podcast Rank Checker.
And remember, even small audiences can generate revenue. Check your potential earnings with the Podcast Revenue Calculator.
Conclusion
Focus on engagement, not just vanity metrics.