The Ins and Outs of Podcast Networks

A podcast network is a collection of podcasts, associated to one another via production, distribution and/or monetarily. Chances are, you listen to a podcast involved in a podcast network. Today, we discuss the pros and cons of joining or starting a podcast network of your own.

Today’s Hosts: MacKenzie Bennett and Mike Dell

We review the pros and cons associated to participating in a podcast network.

Joining a podcast network

Pros

Access to a built-in audience: joining a podcast network can give you access to a wider audience, as the network may already have an established listener base.

Advertising and sponsorship opportunities: networks can negotiate advertising and sponsorship deals with brands that would be difficult to secure as an individual podcaster.

Professional support: some networks offer professional support, such as sound engineering and editing services, which can improve the overall quality of your podcast.

Cross-promotion: being part of a network means that your podcast can be cross-promoted on other shows within the network, increasing visibility and potential listenership.

Cons

Limited creative control: joining a podcast network often means adhering to the network's branding and editorial guidelines, which can limit creative freedom.

Sharing revenue: networks often take a cut of revenue generated from sponsorships and advertising.

Less independence: being part of a network means being part of a larger organization, which may come with obligations and responsibilities outside of podcasting.

Starting a podcast network

Pros

Increased revenue potential: by starting a network, you can generate revenue from multiple podcasts, rather than just one.

Creative control: as the founder of the network, you have complete creative control over the branding and editorial guidelines of the network.

Ability to curate content: as the network grows, you can curate the content to create a cohesive brand and target audience.

Collaborative opportunities: by building a network, you can collaborate with other podcasters and build relationships within the industry.

Cons

High startup costs: starting a network requires a significant investment in equipment, software, and personnel.

Administrative work: as the founder of the network, you will be responsible for administrative tasks such as accounting, legal work, and marketing.

No established audience: starting a network from scratch means building an audience from the ground up, which can take time and effort.

Risk of failure: as with any opporunity, there is a risk that the network may not succeed.

Got a subject you would like us to cover on the show, Drop an email to [email protected] (audio, text, video), and we may use it. You can also post a question on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email [email protected]

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email [email protected]

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:

Blubrry – MacKenzie

150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180

Columbus, Ohio 43235