Today, I review, link to, and excerpt from Patreon Podcasts: How to Monetize & Top Patreon Podcasts 2025. From https://riverside.fm/
All that follows is from the above resource.
Table of contents:
How does Patreon benefit podcasters?
How much can podcasters earn through Patreon?
How do I listen to podcasts on Patreon?
How do I monetize and grow my podcast on Patreon?
16 of the top Patreon podcast earners
As podcasts become increasingly popular, many creators are turning to new financial avenues, seeking opportunities to earn income based on podcast content.
When it comes to monetizing a podcast, Patreon is one of the most popular tools, making it possible to establish a stable income, even when ads and sponsorships are difficult to secure.
With a strong strategy and awareness of how to use the Patreon platform, it’s possible to build a paying audience, supporting your podcast as it grows and reaches new listeners. Using Patreon, you can turn your podcast into a financial success, earning back your investment and more!
Wondering how you can use Patreon to monetize your podcast? Here everything you need to know, plus 16 of the top Patreon podcasts in 2025!
What are Patreon podcasts?
Patreon is a unique platform designed to help creators get paid for their work. Essentially, it is a platform where fan patrons or sponsors can pay creators directly to support their content. Using Patreon, it’s possible to create monetized subscriber networks that help you transform your podcast journey into a career.
On Patreon, there are plenty of podcast creators! The system includes in-built payment channels and an RSS feed, allowing you to share exclusive content easily with paying subscribers. Patreon podcasts offer podcast content exclusively to paying supporters.
What is Patreon used for?
For podcasters, Patreon is a valuable monetization tool, allowing your listeners to contribute regular financial support for your show.
Using tiered payment options, Patreon allows creators to set varied price points and reward systems. Depending on how you set up your Patreon, subscribers might pay a small fee on a monthly basis or when new content becomes available.
Based on your unique audience and podcasting style, you can provide your paying audience with bonus content as a thank you for their subscription. All managed within the Patreon platform, you can share additional podcast episodes, interactive livestreams, or even written content.
The diversity of Patreon allows you to determine which structures will work best for your podcast and your audience.
How does Patreon benefit podcasters?
Patreon offers many amazing benefits for podcasters!
Firstly, Patreon makes it easy to monetize podcast content, even if you’re still relatively new to the podcasting world. Using the platform, you can request small fees from subscribers in exchange for rewards. In the long-term, your Patreon income could add up to a viable income source with more stability than can be offered by often unpredictable sponsorship and advertising deals.
Establishing a Patreon presence can also be a great way to build your podcast audience. The Patreon subscription model allows you to build a members-only community of your most loyal listeners, providing these people with rewards to thank them for their support. As you grow your Patreon subscriber base, you can consider new community-building options, gaining even more loyal fans over time.
How much can podcasters earn through Patreon?
The amount you can earn as a podcaster on Patreon will vary depending on your show and your audience. The more active you are on the platform and other social media marketing channels, the more likely you are to succeed.
While your Patreon income might start small, time and effort will help you increase your revenue. Depending on what subscription prices you choose, gaining 1,000 Patreon supporters could earn you a monthly total of $4,000, not including other podcasting income streams.
Is Patreon free?
While starting a Patreon account is free and there are no upfront costs, Patreon takes a percentage out of the income you earn on the platform. This means that you can get started on Patreon without risking budget stress, but Patreon will still take a portion of your earnings.
How much does Patreon take from podcasters?
On Patreon, you can choose from a few different account models, which each incur different percentage-based fees for users.
Patreon Lite includes access to basic platform tools to set up subscription payments. With this plan, Patreon will receive 5% of your total monthly income on the platform.
Patreon Pro offers all basic platforms tools to set up payment, as well as additional tools that can help you establish a membership community. Using this model, Patreon will receive 8% of your total monthly earnings.
Finally, Patreon Premium provides access to all basic tools and membership tools, along with extra premium features and coaching support when you need it. With this plan, Patreon will receive 12% of your monthly platform income.
How do I listen to podcasts on Patreon?
While Patreon isn’t exclusively a podcast platform, it is possible to listen to subscriber-exclusive podcasts from the creators you follow. Generally, these podcasts are available via other podcast platforms and mediums.
Follow these easy steps to listen to podcasts on Patreon:
Step 1: Download and sign in to the Patreon app, or visit the Patreon website on your computer.
Step 2: On desktop and Android devices, find the creator you want to listen to using the search bar.
Step 3: If you haven’t already, subscribe to one of the payment tiers your creator offers.
Step 4: Once subscribed, select My Memberships.
Step 5: Scroll down until you find the private RSS link.
Step 6: Copy this link and paste it into your preferred podcast directory.
Step 7: Follow any app-specific instructions to add the RSS link to the app and start listening.
How do I monetize and grow my podcast on Patreon?
Before you can monetize your podcast, you’ll need to set up an active Patreon account! Once you’ve done this, you can start producing content and building your subscriber base. Here’s how to get started!
Step 1: Navigate to the Patreon site, and click Create on Patreon at the top-right of your screen.
Step 2: Use your name and contact details to create an account, and sign up.
Step 3: When Patreon asks what you’re creating, choose Podcasts and then select Continue.
Step 4: Follow the prompts to provide Patreon with information about your content. This includes:
- Deciding if your show will have 18+ content
- Choosing what currency you want to be paid in
- Whether you want to offer exclusive merchandise
- Reserving a custom URL for your Patreon page.
Step 5: After you’re done with the prompts, a pop up will appear. Select ‘start customizing’. This will take you to your account settings.
Here, you can add a headline for your show, upload cover art and set a custom link for your show. You can also add a podcast description or even a intro video.
Step 7: Using the navigation batr at the top, you can set up your payments and subscription system.
- If you select Tiers from the top navigation menu, you can set your rewards tiers.
- In the Getting Paid tab, choose whether to charge supporters per episode or per month and feel free to adjust your currency.
- If you select Advanced and go toi the Goals tab, you can set earning-based and community goals for your Patreon account.
- Under the same Advanced menu, you can select Welcome Notes to create a customizable welcome message to subscribers.
- The Offers tab, which is also in the advanced menu, you can create special offers for your patrons.
Step 8: Save each page. When you’re ready, go to the Preview tab to review and press Launch when you’re finally ready to go live.
16 of the top Patreon podcast earners
Some Patreon podcasters earn amazing incomes on the platform! Here are 16 of the top earners on Patreon podcasts.
