So you have a podcast and you’re wondering how many downloads to expect in your first month. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, having some realistic expectations can help you stay motivated as you build your audience.

What’s the Difference Between Downloads, Streams, and Listens?

In podcasting, these terms are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings:

Download: A podcast download occurs when a listener saves the episode to their device, allowing offline listening. It’s one of the most common metrics used to track podcast success because downloads are recorded even if the episode hasn’t been played yet.
Stream: A stream happens when a listener plays an episode directly from a platform without downloading it. For instance, Spotify counts a stream when someone listens to at least 60 seconds of an episode.
Listen: A listen refers to when someone presses play on an episode. On Apple Podcasts, a listen or “play” is counted as soon as a user listens to any portion of the episode.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Let’s begin by managing expectations. According to Libsyn, one of the largest podcast hosting platforms, podcasts that get around 150 downloads per episode in the first 30 days are in the top 50% of all podcasts . This means if you’re just starting out, and each of your episodes lands between 50 to 150 downloads in your first month, you’re off to a solid start.

First Month Download Benchmarks

While there’s no definitive number, here are some general download ranges for new podcasts:

0-50 downloads per episode: If you’re in this range, you’re still in the process of growing awareness for your show. Don’t be discouraged—this is a completely normal starting point for most podcasters.
50-150 downloads per episode: Congratulations! You’re tracking along with many new podcasts. This is a healthy foundation, and from here, you can begin optimizing your promotion strategy to grow your audience.
150+ downloads per episode: You’re ahead of many new podcasters and hitting an impressive benchmark. If you’re in this range, your content is resonating with listeners, and your promotional efforts are paying off.

How to Boost Your Downloads in the First Month

Launch with Multiple Episodes: Releasing more than one episode at launch gives new listeners more to dive into right away. This encourages binge-listening, which can lead to a stronger first-month download total.
Promote on Social Media: Use social media platforms to share your episodes. Visual content like audiograms or quote graphics can capture attention and encourage people to give your podcast a listen.
Leverage Guest Appearances: One of the best ways to grow your audience is by cross-promoting with other podcasters or influencers in your niche. Appearing as a guest on other shows or featuring guests on yours can expand your reach and introduce new listeners to your content.
Encourage Reviews: Ask your listeners to leave reviews on platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify. More reviews, especially positive ones, can help your podcast get discovered by new audiences, as reviews often impact ranking algorithms.
Optimize for Search: Make sure your episode titles and descriptions are optimized for SEO. This means using relevant keywords to make it easier for potential listeners to find your show when searching for podcasts in your niche.

**Podcasting is a Marathon, Not a Sprint**

Growth doesn’t happen overnight—most podcasts build momentum gradually as they cultivate a loyal audience. In your first month, focus on creating valuable content, engaging with listeners, and sticking to a consistent release schedule.

While it’s easy to get caught up in download numbers, quality matters more than quantity. If you’re getting 50 to 150 downloads per episode, you’re ahead of many new podcasters. Stay patient and persistent—by refining your content and consistently promoting, your downloads will steadily grow.