Host-read podcast ads cost $18 to $30 per thousand downloads for a 30-second read and $25 to $50 for 60 seconds on established shows; dynamically inserted ads run $12 to $25. Small shows sell flat fees of a few hundred dollars per episode. Programmatic podcast inventory through DSPs prices toward the lower end.
What moves it
Host reads carry the host's endorsement and cost more than produced spots. Price scales with show size, category, and exclusivity, and most host-read deals require a multi-episode commitment. Attribution runs on promo codes, vanity URLs, and pixel-based measurement.
Audio and podcasts benchmarks, September 17, 2026
| Streaming audio CPM | $10 to $20 |
| Podcast CPM (host-read) | $18 to $30 for a 30-second read; $25 to $50 for 60 seconds on established shows |
| Podcast CPM (dynamically inserted) | $12 to $25 |
Sources and every other channel: Audio and podcasts benchmarks.
Run your own numbers with the CPM calculator.
Cite this page:
Agency Echelon. "How much do podcast ads cost?" Agency Echelon Reference, reviewed September 2026. https://agencyechelon.com/reference/questions/how-much-do-podcast-ads-cost/