Introduction:

It wasn’t so long ago that if you wanted to hear someone speak, you turned on the radio and crossed your fingers, hoping something of your interest would come next. Now the power is with the listener. Whether on the move or lying in your room, for millions of Indians, podcasts are the ideal companion. 

These podcasts range from funny anecdotes to serious discussions of commerce and health. But turning a podcast into a money-making business takes both creativity and hard work. In this article, we will look at how podcasters make money in India. 

Popular ways podcasters earn money in India

Indian podcasters are discovering several smart ways to make money. The market is still new here compared to the US, but it’s growing fast thanks to apps like Spotify and YouTube. Most start with free episodes to draw in listeners, then work in paid episodes. Here, we’ll look at some of the most common methods: 

Sponsorships and brand deals

This is like the most common way for many podcasters. Brands pay them to mention their products in between episodes. Companies in areas like food, tech or fitness have come to love Podcasts, as they make it easier for them to reach their niche audiences. To get such deals, you will need at least a couple of thousand true listeners. 

When you have a reasonable number of listeners, cold email brands, or find platforms that connect creators and sponsors. The earnings start small; a few thousand rupees for each shoutout, grow to lakhs once your show becomes popular. You need to make the ad feel natural, so listeners don’t skip it. Big podcasters often sign long sponsorships. A tech brand might sponsor all 20 episodes of a season, providing a massive upfront payment to the creator.

Paid guest appearances

This is the highly profitable segment of the Indian podcasting market. It’s common practice in popular podcasting channels to charge people to be on their show or for a paid guest spot. Podcasters get paid to be interviewed by experts, authors or influencers, especially those with a large following. 

The appearance fee can go from a few thousand to lakhs, depending on the popularity. It’s an easy way to make money, but don’t overdo it; you don’t want listeners to start thinking of everything as a promotion. Balance paid guests with free and influential guests to keep things authentic and build trust.

Listener support and donations

You can also ask your fans for help. Some platforms, like Patreon, allow fans to make donations. Fans even pay monthly for special perks. Some donors receive early access to select episodes or shoutouts. Crowdfunding for big ideas, like a live event, is another angle. This is not a popular choice, since many Indians prefer waiting for free content, but it helps to build a strong community and can cover basic costs for new podcasters. Some platforms allow creators to offer “Behind the scenes” content to fans who pay a monthly subscription.

YouTube and ad revenue

Podcasts aren’t just audio; some even have videos uploaded to YouTube. YouTube pays the creator with a portion of the revenue generated from ad views using Google AdSense. If your channel meets the eligibility criteria, you get paid every time anyone views your videos. Short clips or highlights of episodes frequently go viral, drawing a new audience.

Keep the audience entertained during the show with cool visual effects. Earnings through social media platforms solely depend on views. A million views might bring in tens of thousands of rupees. It’s a great starter method, as YouTube is free to use and helps you grow your audience across platforms.

Paid subscriptions and premium content

Apps including Spotify have made it possible for podcasters to lock a portion of episodes behind a paywall to earn extra cash. Subscribing means listeners may receive perks, like ad-free episodes or bonus material. For niche podcasts, such as investing and self-help topics, listeners pay less for a monthly subscription. 

The trick is providing valuable, high-quality content that will make people feel they are getting their money’s worth. Begin with free teasers to get listeners interested, then upgrade options. Some podcasters create “Audio-first” series for platforms like Audible or Pocket FM. In these cases, the platform pays the creator a licensing fee or a royalty based on the number of people who listened to the series.

Real income examples from Indian podcasters

Raj Shamani: 

Raj Shamani is an Indian podcaster and the host of “Figuring Out with Raj Shamani.” A hit show with chats on business and life hacks. He mixes his episodes with sponsorships, brand partnerships, and sometimes paid guests. Raj was India’s most-streamed podcast of 2025 according to Spotify Wrapped. The show recorded 11.6 million plays and ranked as the number one podcast on Spotify.

He keeps his episodes insightful, attracting big names. His deals can fetch high fees, contributing to a solid income. He leverages social media for more reach, earning lakhs. It’s amazing how he started from a small channel to where he is now. The podcast helped build his credibility, and it now supports the company House of X, which helps other creators bring up their own brands. They claim to offer end-to-end tools to allow creator-led D2C brands to build, launch and scale.

Ranveer Allahbadia: 

Ranveer, also known as BeerBiceps, is the host of “The Ranveer Show,” where he discusses fitness, spirituality and other topics. His income stream includes YouTube ads, sponsors and huge brand deals, which are multi-crore contracts. He has also launched his own products and meditation apps. His video style draws millions of views, giving him steady ad revenue. He also has a content agency, which adds to his income. Ranveer earns through his podcast channel, merch, collaborations, and YouTube ads.

How much do Indian podcasters really earn?

Challenges in the Indian podcast scene

1. Competition: The podcast space is extremely competitive, and making money is not easy. Most shows flop due to low listenership.
2. High Equipment Cost: High-quality microphones, cameras and audio mixers can cost lakhs. The cost of editing and marketing adds to the total expenses.
3. Attention Span: With all the short clips and Reels out there, getting someone to sit for a 40-minute podcast is nearly impossible. Users abandon the content if they consider it not engaging or interesting shortly after seeing it for a few minutes.
4. Monetisation Lag: It usually takes years of patience and consistent posting before a podcaster actually earns a profit. India’s average income is low, so listener donations are rare. You can only depend on views and YouTube ads at the beginning of your podcasting career.

Tips for aspiring podcasters in India

Always start with a subject you’re passionate about because that will keep you motivated. You can invest in some basic equipment, you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to get a decent mic. Put out episodes consistently to attract listeners. Advertise on social media and partner with others. Monitor what’s working and engage your readers. Begin with free content, only add sponsors after you gain fans. Be patient and consistent, focus on quality over fancy edits.

Conclusion:

Podcasting is the most fun and financially rewarding move. As more and more Indians show interest in podcasts, the demand for high-quality audio and video content is booming. Top podcasters are making millions through sponsorships,  merchandise, listener donations and YouTube ads. Some of the best examples include Raj Shamani or Ranveer Allahbadia. The article mentioned the ways through which podcasters make money in India.

FAQs:

How do podcasters in India make money?

Podcasters earn through ads, sponsorships, brand deals, listener support, and selling their own products or services.

How much money can a beginner podcaster earn in India?

A beginner may earn little or nothing at first, but with steady listeners, income can start from a few thousand rupees per month.

Do podcasters need a big audience to earn money?

No, even a small but loyal audience can help podcasters earn through niche sponsorships or paid memberships.

What is the most common income source for Indian podcasters?

Brand sponsorships and advertisements are the most common ways Indian podcasters earn money.

Can podcasters earn money without ads?

Yes, they can earn through donations, paid subscriptions, online courses, or consulting services.

How long does it take to start earning from a podcast?

Most podcasters take 6 to 12 months to start earning, depending on content quality and consistency.

Are podcast earnings fixed every month?

No, podcast income can change every month based on downloads, sponsors, and listener support.

Do Indian podcasters pay tax on podcast income?

Yes, podcast income is taxable and should be reported as per Indian income tax rules.

Which platforms help Indian podcasters earn money?

Platforms like Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Patreon help podcasters reach listeners and earn income.

Is podcasting a full-time career in India?

Yes, many podcasters turn it into a full-time career after building a strong audience and steady income.