Podcast Metrics That Matter: How to Track, Optimise & Monetise Your Show

Understanding podcast analytics is crucial for sustainable growth and monetisation. In this episode, Alex Chisnall and James Burtt break down the most important podcast metrics you should be tracking, from download numbers and subscriber growth to average consumption time and audience retention. They also reveal how platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube provide detailed analytics and how you can leverage them to increase engagement, secure sponsorships, and refine content strategy. 

The conversation highlights how ad frequency can impact audience loyalty, why numeric titles can boost downloads by 25%, and why setting data-centric goals (such as 10% monthly growth) is the key to long-term podcast success. If you're looking to optimise your podcast and make informed decisions based on actual data, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

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What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The top podcast metrics that truly matter

• How average consumption time impacts monetisation opportunities

• Why retention rates and watch time dictate content strategy

• The role of numeric titles in increasing downloads by 25%

• How too many ads can kill audience engagement

• Why monthly analytics reviews help optimise your podcast

• The difference between podcast metrics on Apple, Spotify & YouTube

• How to use audience data to attract sponsors and advertisers

Key Takeaways:

1. Track your average consumption rate – It’s more important than total downloads

2. Analyse audience retention rates to keep listeners engaged for longer

3. Avoid ad overload – Too many ads can drastically reduce listener retention

4. Use numeric-based episode titles to boost downloads by 25%

5. Look beyond podcast metrics – Social media growth & email signups also matter

6. Make data-driven content decisions – Identify topics that resonate with your audience

7. Set a 10% monthly growth goal to steadily build your listener base

Recommended Tools & Resources:

• Apple Podcasts & Spotify for Podcasters – Essential analytics tools for tracking downloads, retention, and consumption time

• YouTube Studio Analytics – Crucial for tracking video podcast performance and watch time

• Captivate, Libsyn & Buzzsprout – Hosting platforms with in-depth podcast analytics

• Podcast SEO Strategies – Optimising metadata and descriptions to increase discoverability

Join the Conversation:

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow podcaster looking to grow their revenue. For more resources and expert advice, explore our latest content and stay connected with us on social media for valuable podcasting insights.

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @podschool

• TikTok: @podschool.community

• YouTube: @stargrowmonetiseyourpodcast

• LinkedIn: James Burtt & Alex Chisnall

In this show, we discuss:

podcast growth, podcast metrics, how to grow a podcast, podcast analytics, podcast engagement, podcast listener retention, podcast monetisation, best podcast metrics, podcast download numbers, Apple Podcasts analytics, Spotify for Podcasters, YouTube podcast strategy, increasing podcast subscribers, podcast watch time, podcast retention rate, podcast content strategy, podcast SEO, podcast marketing tips, podcast audience insights, podcast performance tracking, podcast advertising impact, podcast revenue growth, podcasting for beginners, podcast sponsorships, podcast data analysis, best podcast hosting platforms, podcast optimization, how to monetize a podcast, podcast promotion strategies, podcast branding, increasing podcast listeners, podcast insights, podcast success tips