Once you’ve subscribed to your favorite show, you will get a notification every time a new episode is released. It means your podcast app will now keep track of everything related to your favorite shows!
Besides, new episodes will also automatically arrive on your phone. So every time you open the apps, they are already there for you to enjoy.
You can listen to the latest episodes even when you’re on a plane or whenever your phone doesn’t have an internet connection.
So, do podcast subscriptions cost money? In most cases, podcast subscription fees range from $3 to $15 per month. Let’s keep reading to see more!
Do Podcast Subscriptions Cost Money
This article will look at this cost on Spotify and Apple Podcast – the two most popular platforms today for listening to podcasts.
Does It Cost Money to Subscribe to a Podcast on Apple Podcast?
Apple officially launched the Apple Podcasts Subscription to all customers on June 15 last year. It is a new service that brings early access, exclusive content, and ad-free listening to subscribers, curated by creators.
Unlike other subscription services, content creators can set the cost of Apple podcast subscriptions. It means you can set your own pricing, starting at a minimum of 49 cents each month. Subscriptions are generally billed monthly, but podcasters can offer annual billing.
One of the most significant advantages of this platform is that it allows listeners to try these subscriptions for free for a limited time. In other words, it gives you a chance to preview what you pay to access.
Podcasts pay a flat fee of $19.99 per year to provide a subscription. Then, Apple will take a 30% cut in revenue per subscriber for the first year and 15% for subsequent years.
Does It Cost Money to Subscribe to a Podcast on Spotify?
In April 2021, the platform launched its paid podcast subscription product in the US. It offered podcasters three available monthly pricing options during testing, including $2.99, $4.99, or $7.99.
Creators can charge up to 20 different rates, starting at $49 and going up to $150 (if creators believe that many people are willing to pay that much)
Podcasters will receive 100% of their revenue from subscribers (excluding payment transaction fees) within the first two years.
From 2023 onwards, the platform will plan to cut subscription revenue by 5%. Spotify implements these terms in hopes of attracting more creators.
How to Subscribe to Podcasts Manually?
If you want to subscribe to podcasts, just follow this step by step guide:
Apple Podcast
The Apple Podcasts app is one of the most famous podcasters out there.
It comes in versions for both desktop and iPhone, and it can sync your settings with the Apple account.
If you want to subscribe to your favorite show on this app, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Open the app and tap the ‘search’ field
- Step 2: Type your favorite show name in a search bar.
- Step 3: Find and select the show you want to subscribe to.
- Step 4: Press the ‘subscribe’ button beside your favorite podcast.
- Step 5: You have it! You are subscribed to your favorite show!
- Step 6. Press the library to check your subscriptions. After that, you can start playing.
Check out this video to better understand how to use this app:
Spotify
There is no denying that Spotify is the fastest-growing podcaster out there. It is the perfect choice for both music and podcasting lovers.
This app is not dedicated to podcasts. That means it lacks some powerful podcast features. Yet, it is still the perfect place to enjoy podcasts.
If you want to subscribe to your favorite show on this app, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Open the app and tap the ‘search’ field
- Step 2: Type your favorite show name in a search bar.
- Step 3: Click the “See all podcasts” link. It allows you to watch full podcasts instead of single episodes.
- Step 4: Find and select the show you want to subscribe to.
- Step 5: Press on a ‘follow’ link on the top left and right below your show.
- Step 6: You have subscribed to your favorite show.
- Step 7: For the last check, just choose “Your Library,” choose “Podcasts,” and press “Shows.” Then, choose a podcast to listen to.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens when you subscribe to podcasts?
In most cases, a new section in the app will let you know about the new episodes from shows you have subscribed to. Many apps even automatically download new episodes.
2. Can you listen to podcasts for free?
Popular podcasters include Spotify, SoundCloud, Pocket Casts, and Stitcher. Many of these apps work on both Apple and Android devices; most are free.
3. What is the best free podcast app?
Here are the best options:
- Google Podcasts
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Stitcher
- TuneIn Radio
Final Remarks
Hopefully, you found our helpful guide. We have covered all the aspects related to the podcast subscription fee. So, the next time someone asks you this question, you can set to extoll your wisdom!
