What is Live Read?
A live read is an advertisement read by the host during the recording of the episode, often integrated seamlessly into the conversation rather than being pre-recorded.
Why Live Read Matters for Podcasters
A 'Live Read' is a specific style of host-read ad. While some host-read ads are pre-recorded and inserted later, a live read happens in real-time during the show flow. For example, a host might say, 'Speaking of staying healthy, that reminds me of our sponsor...' and transition directly into the ad. This format is highly effective because it catches the listener off guard; they are less likely to skip because the ad feels like part of the entertainment. It requires skill to transition in and out of a live read smoothly without it feeling forced.
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CPM (Cost Per Mille)
CPM stands for Cost Per Mille, which means cost per thousand downloads. It is the rate advertisers pay for every 1,000 downloads of your podcast episode.
Pre-Roll Ad
A pre-roll ad is an advertisement that plays at the very beginning of a podcast episode, before the main content starts. These ads typically last 15-60 seconds and are the first thing listeners hear.
Mid-Roll Ad
A mid-roll ad is an advertisement placed in the middle of a podcast episode, typically during a natural break in the content. These ads usually command the highest CPM rates because listeners are most engaged at this point.
Post-Roll Ad
A post-roll ad is an advertisement that plays at the end of a podcast episode, after the main content has concluded. These ads typically have lower CPM rates because not all listeners reach the end of episodes.