I launched my podcast 6 weeks ago and i've released 6 episodes. i'm getting about 40-60 downloads per episode and i have no idea if that's good or terrible for a new show
What are realistic download numbers for a new podcast? Should I be worried that I'm not hitting hundreds or thousands of downloads?
How many downloads is good for a new podcast?
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RisingAdmin
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Re: How many downloads is good for a new podcast?
40-60 downloads per episode after 6 weeks is actually pretty solid for a brand new podcast
podcast download statistics (these are real industry benchmarks):
- top 50% of podcasts: 140+ downloads per episode
- top 25%: 1,000+ downloads per episode
- top 10%: 3,400+ downloads per episode
- top 5%: 7,700+ downloads per episode
so if you're at 40-60, you're not in the top percentiles yet but you're doing fine for week 6
my download progression:
- episodes 1-5: 30-50 downloads each
- episodes 6-15: 60-120 downloads each
- episodes 16-30: 150-300 downloads each
- episodes 31+: 400-800 downloads each (i'm at episode 45 now)
growth is slow and steady with podcasts. it's not like tiktok where you can go viral overnight. you're building a loyal audience one listener at a time
what matters more than raw numbers:
- are downloads increasing month over month?
- are people listening to multiple episodes?
- are you getting reviews and feedback?
focus on consistency and quality. keep releasing episodes weekly and your numbers will grow naturally over time
podcast download statistics (these are real industry benchmarks):
- top 50% of podcasts: 140+ downloads per episode
- top 25%: 1,000+ downloads per episode
- top 10%: 3,400+ downloads per episode
- top 5%: 7,700+ downloads per episode
so if you're at 40-60, you're not in the top percentiles yet but you're doing fine for week 6
my download progression:
- episodes 1-5: 30-50 downloads each
- episodes 6-15: 60-120 downloads each
- episodes 16-30: 150-300 downloads each
- episodes 31+: 400-800 downloads each (i'm at episode 45 now)
growth is slow and steady with podcasts. it's not like tiktok where you can go viral overnight. you're building a loyal audience one listener at a time
what matters more than raw numbers:
- are downloads increasing month over month?
- are people listening to multiple episodes?
- are you getting reviews and feedback?
focus on consistency and quality. keep releasing episodes weekly and your numbers will grow naturally over time
Re: How many downloads is good for a new podcast?
I’m going to be brutally honest: 40-60 downloads means you probably don't have product-market fit yet
After 6 episodes you should have at least tested different topics, formats, and angles to see what resonates. If you're still at those numbers something needs to change
questions to ask:
- are you promoting your podcast anywhere besides just publishing it?
- is your topic something people are actively searching for?
- are your episode titles compelling and searchable?
- have you asked your existing audience (social media, email list) to listen?
Most podcasters fail because they think "if i build it they will come." that's not how it works. you need to actively promote
what worked for me:
- sharing clips on social media (instagram reels, tiktok, youtube shorts)
- guesting on other podcasts in my niche
- asking guests to share the episode with their audience
- seo optimizing episode titles and descriptions
i went from 35 downloads per episode to 400 downloads per episode in 3 months by promoting strategically
don't just keep publishing into the void hoping it gets better. change your strategy and actively build your audience
After 6 episodes you should have at least tested different topics, formats, and angles to see what resonates. If you're still at those numbers something needs to change
questions to ask:
- are you promoting your podcast anywhere besides just publishing it?
- is your topic something people are actively searching for?
- are your episode titles compelling and searchable?
- have you asked your existing audience (social media, email list) to listen?
Most podcasters fail because they think "if i build it they will come." that's not how it works. you need to actively promote
what worked for me:
- sharing clips on social media (instagram reels, tiktok, youtube shorts)
- guesting on other podcasts in my niche
- asking guests to share the episode with their audience
- seo optimizing episode titles and descriptions
i went from 35 downloads per episode to 400 downloads per episode in 3 months by promoting strategically
don't just keep publishing into the void hoping it gets better. change your strategy and actively build your audience