Complete Guide to Premium Content in Podcasts: What It Is and How to Monetize It

When you decided to be part of the world of podcasting, you did it out of passion. And it is thanks to that passion that you are continuing your journey in online communication. But success comes at a cost: maintaining a podcast requires time, but also money.

For your podcast to grow, sooner or later, you'll need to set up a proper studio, subscribe to AI-powered software to better manage the production stages, and maybe cover other general costs related to the type of content you've chosen to develop.

In this article, we will explain what exclusive content for a podcast is, how to create it, and how to monetize it, giving you all the information and tips you need to earn not just virtual support, but also financial backing from your most loyal followers.

What Is Premium Content?

Exclusive or premium content is exactly what it sounds like: content accessible only to those who are willing to pay for it.

Usually, it is an addition to your regular content, such as:

• Extra episodes

• Early access content

• Bonus audio or video

• Exclusive interviews

• Masterclasses

• Live episodes

• Previews of future episodes

• AMA episodes (Subscribers can ask questions at choice)

• Behind-the-scenes content

• Advertisement-free episodes

• Collaborations

• Special guests

• In-depth explorations

Content creators can reserve premium podcast content for their most loyal followers, and many are willing to pay even a small amount to support them.

How to Monetize Premium Content

There are various ways to monetize exclusive content, depending on the platform you choose or the method preferred by the podcaster.

The most common method is monthly or annual subscriptions, where users pay a fixed fee to access extra content. Platforms like Spotify, Apple, and Patreon offer this option.

Some platforms even provide different subscription levels, known as Tiers. Subscribers can choose to pay a minimum fee or a bit more for greater benefits—or just to support the creator.

For those who do not want to commit to a subscription, be it short or long-term, there is often the option of a one-time purchase, such as paying for a single episode.

Some platforms like Spotify integrate subscription features directly into the app, making it easier for both creators and listeners.

How to Create Exclusive Content for your Podcast

To create successful Premium content, you will need a bit of planning. Here’s what to do:

1. Identify the Extra Content That Works for You

Whether it is bonus episodes, advertisement-free content, or special interviews, it should be clear from the start what kind of premium content you want to offer.

This doesn’t mean the premium content always has to be the same, but you should plan well in advance what bonus content you intend to offer your listeners so you can produce and promote it ahead of time.

2. Create the Extra Content

Once you have chosen the format, you need to create the extra content for your podcast.

By producing several episodes in advance, you ensure you will always have content ready to share, preventing any last-minute gaps due to delays or technical issues. This also helps new subscribers see the value of your premium offerings from the start.

Since this is extra content, you are not required to produce and release it as frequently as your free content. Organize it as best suits you, but aim to release at least one episode biweekly.

Determine the Type, Duration, and Cost of the Service Offered

As mentioned earlier, some creators offer monthly, annual, or single-purchase payment options. The longer the subscriber’s commitment, the more attractive the price should be.

In some cases, there is even the option of a lifetime subscription through a one-time payment.

If you are wondering about general pricing, here’s an estimate of standard subscription costs in the USA:

• Low tier: € 1-5 per month for limited extra content, such as ad-free episodes or early access.

• Mid-tier: € 6-10 per month for additional episodes, interviews, or behind-the-scenes content.

• High tier: € 10-15 per month for high-quality podcasts with elaborate premium content, such as masterclasses, in-depth thematic episodes, or access to exclusive communities and chats with the creators.

3. Choose the Best Platform

To share your premium podcast content, you need to distribute it on a platform that handles payments and monetization, something that most free podcast platforms do not offer.

Some recommended platforms include: Apple Podcaster Program, Spotify for Podcasters, Patreon, Buzzsprout, and Supercast.

4. Promote Your Exclusive Content

No one can promote your premium content better than yourself, and the best way to do it is by advertising it within your podcast.

You can integrate a short announcement during the part of the episode where your audience is most engaged. Y

You can even insert it at multiple segments, but be careful not to overdo it, or your listeners might get annoyed.

The platform will provide you with a link. Add it to the episode notes and remind your listeners they can use it to go to the landing page where they will find all the information about your premium content.

Of course, you will also need to share this link on other channels, such as social media and your website.

Ensure to communicate the perks subscribers will receive. In addition to extra content, this could include direct interaction in comments, live shout-outs, participation in chat rooms, and more.

How Is Payment for Premium Content Processed?

There are multiple ways for content creators to receive payments:

• Credit Card

• Debit Card (on certain platforms)

• Apple Pay / Google Pay

• PayPal

• Bank Transfer

• Charge to App Store or Google Play

  

Why Is Monetizing a Podcast with Premium Content Worth It?

There are several valid reasons!

1. Monthly and annual subscriptions ensure a recurring income, allowing you to plan your project over the medium and long term, not just for the short term, like occasional advertisements.

2. Unlike sponsorships, which depend on your audience size, you can start earning from premium content even before you have a large following.

3. Creating exclusive content adds value to your free content, boosts creativity, and helps foster loyalty and engagement among your audience.

4. You can combine premium content with other monetization methods, such as sponsorships, without relying entirely on them.

5. Alternatively, you can use premium content to limit advertisements—necessary but often annoying—to free episodes, giving subscribers the incentive of advertisement-free content.

6. You can tailor exclusive content to a niche audience, who might not be interested in the broader or more diverse development of your standard content.

As you can see, there are a great deal of reasons to monetize through premium content!

Now you know that creating, publishing, and monetizing exclusive podcast content is not difficult: it requires some time and creativity, but it has something anyone can do.

By following our guidelines, you can produce successful premium content and strengthen your relationship with your most dedicated followers. Trust a reliable platform, and the results will not take long to appear!

Still unsure how to choose the best headphones or mics for your podcast? If so, read our guides:

How to choose the best podcast headphones (2024)

How to Choose the Best Microphone for your Podcast