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As podcasts become increasingly popular, many creators are turning to new financial avenues, seeking opportunities to earn income based on podcast content.
When it comes to monetizing a podcast, Patreon is one of the most popular tools, making it possible to establish a stable income, even when ads and sponsorships are difficult to secure.
With a strong strategy and awareness of how to use the Patreon platform, it’s possible to build a paying audience, supporting your podcast as it grows and reaches new listeners. Using Patreon, you can turn your podcast into a financial success, earning back your investment and more!
Wondering how you can use Patreon to monetize your podcast? Here everything you need to know, plus 16 of the top Patreon podcasts in 2024!
What are Patreon podcasts?
Patreon is a unique platform designed to help creators get paid for their work. Essentially, it is a platform where fan patrons or sponsors can pay creators directly to support their content. Using Patreon, it’s possible to create monetized subscriber networks that help you transform your podcast journey into a career.
On Patreon, there are plenty of podcast creators! The system includes in-built payment channels and an RSS feed, allowing you to share exclusive content easily with paying subscribers. Patreon podcasts offer podcast content exclusively to paying supporters.
What is Patreon used for?
For podcasters, Patreon is a valuable monetization tool, allowing your listeners to contribute regular financial support for your show.
Using tiered payment options, Patreon allows creators to set varied price points and reward systems. Depending on how you set up your Patreon, subscribers might pay a small fee on a monthly basis or when new content becomes available.
Based on your unique audience and podcasting style, you can provide your paying audience with bonus content as a thank you for their subscription. All managed within the Patreon platform, you can share additional podcast episodes, interactive livestreams, or even written content.
The diversity of Patreon allows you to determine which structures will work best for your podcast and your audience.
How does Patreon benefit podcasters?
Patreon offers many amazing benefits for podcasters!
Firstly, Patreon makes it easy to monetize podcast content, even if you’re still relatively new to the podcasting world. Using the platform, you can request small fees from subscribers in exchange for rewards. In the long-term, your Patreon income could add up to a viable income source with more stability than can be offered by often unpredictable sponsorship and advertising deals.
Establishing a Patreon presence can also be a great way to build your podcast audience. The Patreon subscription model allows you to build a members-only community of your most loyal listeners, providing these people with rewards to thank them for their support. As you grow your Patreon subscriber base, you can consider new community-building options, gaining even more loyal fans over time.
How much can podcasters earn through Patreon?
The amount you can earn as a podcaster on Patreon will vary depending on your show and your audience. The more active you are on the platform and other social media marketing channels, the more likely you are to succeed.
While your Patreon income might start small, time and effort will help you increase your revenue. Depending on what subscription prices you choose, gaining 1,000 Patreon supporters could earn you a monthly total of $4,000, not including other podcasting income streams.
Is Patreon free?
While starting a Patreon account is free and there are no upfront costs, Patreon takes a percentage out of the income you earn on the platform. This means that you can get started on Patreon without risking budget stress, but Patreon will still take a portion of your earnings.
How much does Patreon take from podcasters?
On Patreon, you can choose from a few different account models, which each incur different percentage-based fees for users.
Patreon Lite includes access to basic platform tools to set up subscription payments. With this plan, Patreon will receive 5% of your total monthly income on the platform.
Patreon Pro offers all basic platforms tools to set up payment, as well as additional tools that can help you establish a membership community. Using this model, Patreon will receive 8% of your total monthly earnings.
Finally, Patreon Premium provides access to all basic tools and membership tools, along with extra premium features and coaching support when you need it. With this plan, Patreon will receive 12% of your monthly platform income.
How do I listen to podcasts on Patreon?
While Patreon isn’t exclusively a podcast platform, it is possible to listen to subscriber-exclusive podcasts from the creators you follow. Generally, these podcasts are available via other podcast platforms and mediums.
Follow these easy steps to listen to podcasts on Patreon:
Step 1: Download and sign in to the Patreon app, or visit the Patreon website on your computer.
Step 2: On desktop and Android devices, find the creator you want to listen to using the search bar.
Step 3: If you haven’t already, subscribe to one of the payment tiers your creator offers.
Step 4: Once subscribed, select My Memberships.
Step 5: Scroll down until you find the private RSS link.
Step 6: Copy this link and paste it into your preferred podcast directory.
Step 7: Follow any app-specific instructions to add the RSS link to the app and start listening.
Note that if you’re using the iOS app the process is a little different:
Step 1: Download and sign in to the iOS Patreon app
Step 2: Tap on the Account icon and then select My Memberships
Step 3: Find your creator and go to their Overviews page.
Step 4: If you haven’t already, subscribe to one of the payment tiers your creator offers.
Step 5: Scroll down until you find the private RSS link.
Step 6: Copy this link and paste it into your preferred podcast directory.
Step 7: Follow any app-specific instructions to add the RSS link to the app and start listening.
How do I monetize and grow my podcast on Patreon?
Before you can monetize your podcast, you’ll need to set up an active Patreon account! Once you’ve done this, you can start producing content and building your subscriber base. Here’s how to get started!
Step 1: Navigate to the Patreon site, and click Create on Patreon at the top-right of your screen.
Step 2: Use your name and contact details to create an account, and sign up.
Step 3: When Patreon asks what you’re creating, choose Podcasts and then select Continue.
Step 4: Follow the prompts to provide Patreon with information about your content. This includes:
- Deciding if your show will have 18+ content
- Choosing what currency you want to be paid in
- Whether you want to offer exclusive merchandise
- Reserving a custom URL for your Patreon page.
Step 5: After you’re done with the prompts, a pop up will appear. Select ‘start customizing’. This will take you to your account settings.
Here, you can add a headline for your show, upload cover art and set a custom link for your show. You can also add a podcast description or even a intro video.
Step 7: Using the navigation batr at the top, you can set up your payments and subscription system.
- If you select Tiers from the top navigation menu, you can set your rewards tiers.
- In the Getting Paid tab, choose whether to charge supporters per episode or per month and feel free to adjust your currency.
- If you select Advanced and go toi the Goals tab, you can set earning-based and community goals for your Patreon account.
- Under the same Advanced menu, you can select Welcome Notes to create a customizable welcome message to subscribers.
- The Offers tab, which is also in the advanced menu, you can create special offers for your patrons.
Step 8: Save each page. When you’re ready, go to the Preview tab to review and press Launch when you’re finally ready to go live.
16 of the top Patreon podcast earners
Some Patreon podcasters earn amazing incomes on the platform! Here are 16 of the top earners on Patreon podcasts.
1. True Crime Obsessed
Monthly earnings: $140,000 - $352,000
Number of patrons: 49,229
True Crime Obsessed is a popular true crime podcast. Tier 1 subscribers get access to monthly bonus episodes, outtake content, liveshow videos, and liveshow presales. Tier 2 subscribers receive these rewards and additional bonus content, plus phone ringtones. Tier 3 subscribers receive previous rewards as well as ad-free episode versions. Tier 4 subscribers get previous rewards plus suppose content and mailout bonuses, along with VIP meet-and-greet admission.
2. The Tim Dillon Show
Monthly earnings: $220,300
Number of patrons: 42,123
The Tim Dillon Show is a comedy podcast, including rants, interviews, and general entertainment. Tier 1 subscribers get access to one bonus episode every week, while higher-paying tier 2 subscribers can submit topics and access extra sketches and content.
3. Chapo Trap House
Monthly earnings: $162,540
Number of patrons: 36,875
Chapo Trap House offers a variety of content, from social commentary to interesting interviews. Tier 1 subscribers get access to extra episodes every week. For a slightly higher fee, tier 2 subscribers get even more bonus content.
4. the yard
Monthly earnings: $155,285
Number of patrons: 22,701
The yard is a comedy entertainment podcast hosted by four friends in LA. Tier 1 subscribers get weekly bonus episodes and Discord access. Tier 2 subscribers get access to secret shows and behind-the-scenes content. Tier 3 subscribers get all previous benefits plus regular mail and early merch access. Extra dedicated subscribers can even go up to tier 4!
5. The Last Podcast on the Left
Monthly earnings: $81,937
Number of patrons: 14,468
The Last Podcast on the Left is a popular true crime show offering new episodes on a regular basis. Tier 1 subscribers first dibs on new merch and access to Discord, show presales, extra episodes, and feature-length films. Tier 2 subscribers get all these benefits plus Discord chats and ad-free extra episodes. Tier 3 subscribers get all previous rewards, along with merchandise discounts.
6. Trash Taste
Monthly earnings: $51,663
Number of patrons: 10,573
Trash Taste is a fun and entertaining anime podcast. Tier 1 subscribers to this show receive plenty of gratitude! Tier 2 subscribers get access to bonus early content. Tier 3 subscribers get these benefits and their name in Trash Taste episode credits.
7. The Flagrant Ones
Monthly earnings: $40,851
Number of patrons: 6,532
The Flagrant Ones is a comedy and entertainment podcast. Tier 1 subscribers get access to all past podcast episodes. Tier 2 subscribers receive 5 new episodes each week, plus access to multiple shows all in one place. Tier 3 subscribers get these rewards along with video recordings and livestreams.
8. Trashfuture
Monthly earnings: $34,667
Number of patrons: 6,463
Trashfuture is a self-described “tech pessimist” podcast. Tier 1 subscribers to this show get bonus episodes. Tier 2 subscribers also receive liveshow discounts and even more extra content. Tier 3 subscribers get all previous rewards plus extra bragging rights.
9. 5-4 Podcast
Monthly earnings: $33,788
Number of patrons: 6,911
The 5-4 Podcast is a political and legal critique show. Tier 1 subscribers to this podcast receive Patreon-only premium episodes and merch discounts, while tier 2 subscribers get extra content, better discounts, event invites, and Slack channel access.
10. Office Hours Live with Tim Heidecker
Monthly earnings: $28,108
Number of patrons: 6,650
Office Hours Live with Tim Heidecker is a weekly call-in entertainment show. Tier 1 subscribers get access to the Office Hours archives, along with blog content, merch discounts, and other bonuses. Tier 2 subscribers receive these benefits, plus an extra dose of gratitude.
11. Duckfeed.tv
Monthly earnings: $27,079
Number of patrons: 5,006
Duckfeed.tv is a funny video game podcast. Tier 1 subscribers to this show receive Slack membership, premium content, and a musical welcome pack. Tier 2 subscribers get these benefits plus extra episodes and the ability to submit ideas. Tier 3 subscribers receive previous benefits, backlog content, extra episodes, and special thanks. Tier 4 subscribers get previous rewards, plus the chance to select a game for the show. Finally, tier 5 subscribers get all previous rewards and the opportunity to dictate a game once a year.
12. Friends at the Table
Monthly earnings: $25,707
Number of patrons: 4,022
Friends at the Table is a tabletop game podcast. Tier 1 subscribers receive bonus content, while tier 2 subscribers get access to Patreon-exclusive shows. Tier 3 includes these rewards and character sheet access. Tier 4 offers previous rewards and an episode hangout. Tier 5 includes monthly artwork postcards and microfiction. Tier 6 offers behind-the-scenes excerpts too. Finally, tier 7 includes all previous rewards and a signed system once a year.
13. Trillbilly Worker’s Party
Monthly earnings: $20,433
Number of patrons: 4,446
The Trillbilly Worker’s Party is a podcast about a Kentucky town called Whitesburg. This podcast has just one subscriber tier, which offers access to extra content and weekly bonus episodes.
14. Yeah, But Still
Monthly earnings: $19,977
Number of patrons: 4,573
Yeah, But Still is a day-in-the-life entertainment podcast. Tier 1 subscribers to this show get access to weekly bonus episodes and content, plus merch discounts. Tier 2 subscribers receive access to a premium episode feed. Tier 3 subscribers get access to all bonus content.
15. Hello Internet
Monthly earnings: $13,638
Number of patrons: 4,975
The Hello Internet podcast is a chatty entertainment show. Tier 1 subscribers receive access to the Patreon feed and bonus content, while tier 2 subscribers get these benefits plus aftershow and private RSS feed access.
16. Dear Hank and John
Monthly earnings: $11,557
Number of patrons: 4,076
Dear Hank and John is a comedy, education, and entertainment podcast. Tier 1 subscribers to this show get access to monthly livestreams, while tier 2 subscribers get livestream access plus an extra mini podcast every month.
Note: All these figures are from the time this blog was published and the numbers may have increased or changed.
FAQs on Patreon podcasts
Still confused about Patreon podcasts? Here are our answers to some frequently asked questions.
What are the most popular podcasts on Patreon?
There are plenty of popular podcasts on Patreon! Some of the top-earning podcasts listed above are among the most popular on the platform.
Who is the highest-paid Patreon?
Currently, the highest-paid Patreon podcast is True Crime Obsessed. However, stats are updated every day. Soon, the highest-earning podcast could be yours!
Can you really make money on Patreon?
If you commit to growing your platform and subscriber base, it is possible to make a steady income on Patreon based on your podcast content.
How much does the average person make on Patreon?
Patreon incomes vary widely depending on your show, audience, and subscriber tiers. For this reason, there’s no clear average for how much you can make.
Want to improve your podcast content before you get started on Patreon? Visit Riverside to access studio-quality recording tools and impress your soon-to-be subscribers.
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