Are you looking for a flexible way to earn extra income? Starting a podcast as a side hustle could be the perfect opportunity. In 2025, the podcast side hustle scene is booming, with millions of listeners tuning in daily for entertainment, education, and inspiration. This beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know about launching your own podcast side hustle, from choosing a niche to monetizing your episodes. Whether you’re a busy professional, parent, or entrepreneur, podcasting offers a low-barrier entry to generate revenue on your schedule. We’ll cover how to earn money from podcasts, the best types of podcasts that make the most money, and the real earnings potential for a podcast with 10,000 listeners. Let’s dive in and turn your voice into a profitable podcast side hustle.
Is Podcasting a Good Side Hustle?
Yes, podcasting is an excellent side hustle for 2025, offering flexibility, low startup costs, and multiple revenue streams. According to recent data from podcast industry reports, the global podcast market is projected to reach $94 billion by 2028, with over 504 million listeners worldwide in 2024 alone. For side hustlers, podcasting stands out because it can be done part-time—record episodes in evenings or weekends—while building a loyal audience over time.
The appeal lies in its accessibility: You don’t need a fancy studio or huge following to start earning. Many successful podcasters began as side hustles, like “The Side Hustle Show” by Nick Loper, which started as a passion project and now generates six figures annually through sponsorships and affiliates. If you’re passionate about a topic, podcasting can turn your expertise into income without quitting your day job. However, success requires consistency; most podcasters see meaningful earnings after 6-12 months of regular episodes.
For beginners, podcasting beats other side hustles like driving for Uber because it’s scalable—once created, episodes generate passive income. Plus, with tools like Buzzsprout for hosting, you can launch quickly. If you’re wondering, “Is podcasting a good side hustle?” the answer is yes, especially if you enjoy storytelling or teaching.
Can I Earn Money from Podcasts?
Absolutely, you can earn money from podcasts, even as a beginner in the podcast side hustle space. The key is diversifying revenue streams beyond just ads. In 2025, podcasters are making money through sponsorships, listener donations, merchandise, and affiliate marketing. For example, platforms like Patreon allow fans to support your show monthly, while affiliate programs let you promote products for commissions.
Data from podcast monetization studies shows that 45% of podcasters earn revenue, with average earnings for mid-level shows (1,000-10,000 listeners) ranging from $100 to $1,000 per episode. To start earning, focus on building an audience first—use social media and SEO to grow listens. Once you hit 1,000 downloads per episode, networks like Podtrac or Advertisecast can connect you with sponsors.
One effective way to earn money from podcasts is through affiliate marketing. For instance, promote podcast hosting services like Buzzsprout (Buzzsprout)—earn commissions when listeners sign up. Or recommend equipment via Amazon Associates (Amazon Associates). These strategies make podcasting a viable side hustle, with potential to scale to full-time income.
What Type of Podcasts Make the Most Money?
The types of podcasts that make the most money in 2025 are those in high-demand niches with loyal audiences and strong sponsorship potential. True crime, business, and self-improvement podcasts lead the pack, as they attract dedicated listeners and brands willing to pay premium CPM rates ($20-$50 per 1,000 downloads).
For example, true crime shows like “Crime Junkie” earn over $1 million annually through ads and merch, while business podcasts such as “The Side Hustle Show” monetize via affiliates and courses. Niche podcasts in health, finance, and tech also thrive—finance pods like “Side Hustle School” generate revenue from financial product affiliates (e.g., credit cards, investing apps).
To maximize earnings in your podcast side hustle, choose a niche you’re passionate about with commercial appeal. Educational podcasts (e.g., “Side Hustle podcast Spotify” searches) make money through courses, while interview-style shows attract sponsors. Avoid oversaturated niches unless you have a unique angle, like combining finance with parenting for Tier 1 families.
How Much Does a Podcast with 10,000 Listeners Make?
A podcast with 10,000 listeners can make $500-$2,500 per episode in 2025, depending on monetization strategies and CPM rates. At $15-$40 CPM for ads, a single episode could earn $150-$400 from sponsorships alone. For a weekly show, that translates to $2,000-$6,500/month, minus production costs.
From real examples, mid-size podcasts (10,000 downloads/episode) like “True Crime Obsessed” earn $1.2 million annually through ads, merch, and live events. Earnings break down as:
- Sponsorships: $1,000-$5,000/month (most common for 10k listeners).
- Affiliates: $500-$2,000/month (e.g., promoting Audible for $10-$50 per signup).
- Donations/Merch: $300-$1,000/month via Patreon or Teespring.
To reach this level in your podcast side hustle, focus on consistent content and audience growth. Tools like Buzzsprout help track downloads, while affiliate programs boost revenue. Remember, these figures are averages—niche and audience engagement matter.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start a Podcast as a Side Hustle
Starting a podcast as a side hustle is straightforward with the right plan. Follow this beginner’s guide to launch in 2025, from idea to monetization. This how-to will help you build a profitable show without quitting your day job.
Step 1: Choose Your Niche and Audience
Pick a niche that aligns with your passions and has earning potential. For podcast side hustles for beginners, focus on evergreen topics like business (e.g., “Side Hustle School podcast”) or self-improvement. Research “people also search for” terms like “podcast side hustles for beginners” to find gaps.
Tip: Use free tools like Google Trends to validate demand. Aim for niches with advertiser interest, such as finance or health, to attract sponsors.
Step 2: Plan Your Podcast Format and Content
Decide on format: solo episodes, interviews, or co-hosted. For side hustle podcasts, keep episodes 20-40 minutes to fit busy listeners. Brainstorm 10-20 episode ideas, like “Best Podcast Side Hustles” or “Side Hustle 2020 Lessons for 2025.”
Tip: Create a content calendar to post weekly. Tools like Trello (free) help organize ideas.
Step 3: Get Essential Equipment on a Budget
You don’t need expensive gear for a podcast side hustle. Start with:
- Microphone: Blue Yeti ($129 on Amazon, Amazon).
- Headphones: Sony WH-CH720N ($128 on Amazon, Amazon).
- Free software: Audacity for editing, GarageBand for Mac users.
Budget Total: Under $300. For hosting, use Buzzsprout (Buzzsprout)—free for 90 days, then $12/month.
Tip: Check Blogging Her Way for equipment guides.
Step 4: Record and Edit Your First Episode
Record in a quiet space—use your phone if needed. Aim for clear audio and engaging storytelling. Edit with Audacity to remove ums and add intro/outro music (free from YouTube Audio Library).
Tip: Practice with a pilot episode on “Podcast Side Hustles for Beginners” to test flow.
Step 5: Host and Distribute Your Podcast
Upload to a hosting platform like Buzzsprout (Buzzsprout) for easy distribution to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. Submit your RSS feed to directories.
Tip: Optimize descriptions with keywords like “earn money from podcasts” for better discoverability.
Step 6: Promote Your Podcast to Build Listeners
Grow your audience with free strategies:
- Social media: Share clips on TikTok or Instagram Reels with #PodcastSideHustle.
- SEO: Optimize episode titles (e.g., “Best Podcast Side Hustles 2025”) and descriptions.
- Cross-promotion: Guest on shows like “The Side Hustle Show” or “Side Hustle School podcast.”
Tip: Aim for 1,000 listeners in 3 months through consistent promotion.
Step 7: Monetize Your Podcast Side Hustle
Once you have 1,000+ listeners, monetize:
- Sponsorships: Use Podtrac for ads ($15-$40 CPM; $150-$400/episode at 10k listeners).
- Affiliates: Promote Buzzsprout (Buzzsprout) or Audible (Audible Affiliate) for commissions ($5-$15/signup).
- Donations: Set up Patreon for listener support ($100-$500/month).
- Merch: Sell branded items via Teespring ($300-$1,000/month).
For a podcast with 10,000 listeners, expect $500-$2,500/episode, as per industry data. Types like business podcasts (e.g., “Side Hustle podcast Spotify”) make the most through affiliates.
Tip: Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates (Amazon Associates) for equipment recommendations or ExpressVPN (ExpressVPN Affiliate) for tech-related episodes.
Tool Comparison for Podcast Side Hustles
| Tool | Free Plan | Best For | Key Features | Cost (Paid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buzzsprout | 90 days | Hosting | Easy distribution, analytics | $12/month |
| Audacity | Yes | Editing | Audio editing, effects | Free |
| Blue Yeti | N/A | Recording | USB microphone | $129 |
| Patreon | Yes | Monetization | Fan donations | 5-12% fees |
| Teespring | Yes | Merch | Print-on-demand | Fees on sales |
Tips for Success in Your Podcast Side Hustle
- Consistency: Release weekly episodes to build habits, as with the “Side Hustle School podcast.”
- Audience Building: Use SEO in episode titles (e.g., “Podcast Side Hustles for Beginners 2025”) and promote on Spotify for “Side Hustle podcast Spotify” searches.
- Scaling: Once at 10k listeners, pitch sponsors—aim for $20 CPM for $200/episode.
- Avoid Common Pitfalls: Don’t overspend on equipment; start free. Track metrics with Buzzsprout analytics.
For more ideas, check Blogging Her Way for podcasting inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is podcasting a good side hustle?
A: Yes, podcasting is a great side hustle in 2025, offering flexibility and scalable income through ads, affiliates, and merch. Start small with free tools like Buzzsprout.
Q: Can I earn money from podcasts?
A: Absolutely, you can earn money from podcasts via sponsorships, affiliates (e.g., Amazon Associates), donations on Patreon, and merch on Teespring. Beginners can make $100-$500/month with 1k listeners.
Q: What type of podcasts make the most money?
A: True crime, business, and self-improvement podcasts make the most money, with CPM rates of $20-$50. Shows like “The Side Hustle Show” earn through affiliates and courses.
Q: How much does a podcast with 10,000 listeners make?
A: A podcast with 10,000 listeners can make $500-$2,500 per episode at $15-$40 CPM, or $2,000-$6,500/month for weekly shows, per industry data from Podtrac.