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How this calculator works
Monthly ad revenue = (downloads per episode ÷ 1,000) × CPM × effective ad slots × episodes per month. Effective ad slots = total ad slots × fill rate. Add membership income for total monthly revenue.
Useful scenarios
- A new podcaster estimating whether sponsorships can cover production costs.
- A growing show projecting annual sponsorship revenue at current CPM rates.
- A niche podcast comparing CPM differences between tech and general interest categories.
FAQ
What is a typical podcast CPM?
Podcast CPMs range from $18–$50 depending on niche, audience size, and ad placement. Tech and finance shows often see $35–$50, while general interest shows average $18–$25. Mid-roll ads command 20%–30% higher CPMs than pre-roll.
How many ad slots per episode?
Most podcasts run 1–3 ad slots per episode: pre-roll (before content), mid-roll (during), and post-roll (after). Pre-roll and post-roll have lower CPMs; mid-roll has the highest.
What is a realistic fill rate?
Fill rate is the percentage of available ad slots that actually sell. Established podcasts with 5,000+ downloads per episode can expect 70%–90% fill rates. Newer shows may see 30%–50%. Direct sales to sponsors can improve fill rate.