Podcast Websites with Ads: How Podcasters Can Monetize and What to Do Next

Podcasting is no longer just about passion—it’s a business. With over 95% of U.S. podcast listeners taking action after hearing an ad and 51% of super listeners reporting they pay more attention to podcast ads than other media, monetizing your podcast can be a game-changer.

But where do you start? Should you use programmatic ads, host-read ads, or a mix? Which podcast hosting platforms offer built-in ad solutions?

This guide explores the best podcast monetization platforms, pricing, ad models, and step-by-step actions to help you start earning from your podcast.

Top Podcast Monetization Platforms (With Pricing & Features)

The best podcast hosting platforms now integrate advertising features, allowing podcasters to monetize without needing external ad networks. Below are some of the top platforms, their features, pricing, and how they work.

1. Podcorn – Direct Sponsorship Marketplace (Best for Host-Read Ads)

💰 Pricing: Free (Podcorn takes a percentage of sponsorship deals)
🎙️ Best for: Podcasters who want full control over their ad deals

Features:
✔️ Marketplace for connecting podcasters with sponsors
✔️ No exclusivity—choose which brands to work with
✔️ Earn through sponsored content, product mentions, and host-read ads
✔️ Automated ad insertion available

Podcorn acts as a middleman between podcasters and advertisers. Instead of waiting for ad networks to insert random programmatic ads, Podcorn allows you to pitch brands and negotiate direct sponsorships.

2. Podbean – Dynamic Ads & Subscriptions (Best for Passive Ad Revenue)

💰 Pricing:

• Basic Plan – Free (Limited features, no monetization)
• Unlimited Audio Plan – $9/month (Includes Ads Marketplace)
• Business Plan – $99/month (Advanced monetization tools)

🎙️ Best for: Podcasters looking for hands-off ad monetization

Features:
✔️ Ads Marketplace for both programmatic & host-read ads
✔️ Dynamic ad insertion (pre-roll, mid-roll, post-roll)
✔️ Listener donations via Podbean Patron
✔️ Paid podcast subscriptions via Apple Podcasts

Podbean makes monetization easy by offering automated ad placements and subscription-based revenue models.

👉 Next Step: If you already use Podbean, enable Ads Marketplace under your monetization settings. If you want to try them out, click for a 7 day free no-risk trial.

3. Castos – Multiple Monetization Options (Best for Premium Content & Subscriptions)

💰 Pricing:

• Starter Plan – $19/month
• Growth Plan – $49/month
• Pro Plan – $99/month

🎙️ Best for: Podcasters who want to combine ads + premium content

Features:
✔️ Dynamic ad insertion (Ads across all episodes)
✔️ Listener donations (One-time or recurring)
✔️ Private podcast subscriptions (Ad-free content, bonus episodes)
✔️ YouTube auto-publishing & free podcast transcripts

Castos is ideal if you want multiple monetization streams beyond just ads—like exclusive premium content.

👉 Next Step: If your audience is loyal, launch a premium, ad-free subscription using Castos’ private podcasting feature.

4. AdsWizz – AI-Powered Ad Targeting (Best for High-Volume Podcasts)

💰 Pricing: Varies (Enterprise-level solution)
🎙️ Best for: Podcasters who want advanced ad targeting & automation

Features:
✔️ Real-time ad insertion for programmatic ads
✔️ AI-powered ad matching & contextual targeting
✔️ Advanced analytics & campaign management
✔️ Competitive separation & ad sequencing

AdsWizz is not for beginners but is powerful for large-scale podcast advertising.

👉 Next Step: If you run a high-traffic podcast, explore AdsWizz for customized ad solutions.

Types of Podcast Advertising (Which One is Best for You?)

Not all ads work the same way. Here are two main types of podcast advertising:

1. Host-Read Ads (Best for Engagement & Higher Payouts)

✅ The host personally reads & delivers the ad
✅ More engaging & trusted than programmatic ads
✅ Can be baked into the episode or dynamically inserted
✅ Typically earns higher CPMs ($15-$50 per 1,000 downloads)

👉 Next Step: If you prefer organic sponsorships, pitch brands via Podcorn or reach out to companies directly.

2. Programmatic Ads (Best for Passive Income & Automation)

✅ Automatically inserted into your podcast episodes
✅ Less control over brands, but fully passive income
✅ CPM rates vary ($2-$15 per 1,000 downloads)

👉 Next Step: If you want hands-off monetization, enable dynamic ads on Podbean, Castos, or AdsWizz.

How to Get Started with Podcast Advertising

Step 1: Choose a Monetization Platform

Not all platforms support ads, and some take a revenue share. Compare options:

• Want full control over ad partnerships? → Try Podcorn
• Prefer hands-off programmatic ads? → Use Podbean
• Looking to sell premium content? → Explore Castos

Step 2: Set Up Your Ad Placements

Where you place ads affects listener engagement:

• Pre-roll (start of episode): Least intrusive, but lower engagement
• Mid-roll (middle of episode): Highest engagement & revenue
• Post-roll (end of episode): Least effective, but adds extra income

👉 Next Step: Log into your podcast host and configure your ad slots for better revenue.

Step 3: Build a Website for Extra Revenue

A podcast website lets you earn beyond ads:
✔️ Display ads (Google AdSense)
✔️ Sell merch or affiliate products
✔️ Capture emails for direct sponsorships

👉 Next Step: If you don’t have a website yet, use this tutorial to sign up for Inmotion + WordPress to set one up.

Step 4: Optimize & Track Your Ad Performance

• Check listener analytics for top-performing ads
• Test different ad placements & styles
• Adjust pricing & sponsorship strategies

👉 Next Step: Review your ad revenue reports every month and adjust your strategy for higher earnings.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Podcast Monetization

Podcast advertising is growing fast, with AI-driven ad targeting, premium subscriptions, and dynamic ad insertion leading the way.

💡 Want to start earning now?
1️⃣ Sign up for Podcorn to find direct sponsorships
2️⃣ Enable dynamic ads on Podbean or Castos
3️⃣ Launch a premium membership for extra revenue

With the right platform + strategy, you can turn your podcast into a full-time business.

👉 Unsure which monetization method to try first? Learn all about it here!