The "Download" Myth:

A download happens when a phone saves the file. It does not confirm playback.

Automatic Downloads: Many apps download episodes that sit unplayed for months.

IAB Certification:

Why you need a host that filters out bots and duplicate requests.

The "God Metric": Retention:

Available in Spotify for Podcasters and Apple Podcasts Connect.

Shows the "Drop-off curve."

The Dip: If 20% of people leave at minute 5, go listen to minute 5. Did you start rambling? Did you play a long ad?

Benchmarks:

Top 50% of podcasts get ~30 downloads per episode.

Top 1% get ~4,000.

Don't compare yourself to Joe Rogan.

Mark at onpodium.com