Downloads per episode
Downloads per episode is the average number of downloads each episode earns within a set window, usually the first 30 days. It is the most common way podcasts are benchmarked and sold to advertisers.
For example, if your last ten episodes averaged 1,200 downloads each in their first 30 days, your downloads-per-episode figure is 1,200.
Why it matters: downloads per episode is useful as a consistency and growth gauge, but for B2B it should sit beside audience quality and pipeline, since reaching 200 of the right buyers can beat 2,000 of the wrong ones.
Healthy downloads per episode is a consistent baseline that climbs slowly as the back catalogue and audience compound - steady is the win, not a one-off viral spike.
total downloads across episodes divided by number of episodes, within a fixed time window
Use the same window for every episode to keep the comparison fair.
- Comparing your per-episode numbers to shows in a different niche or category.
- Reacting to normal week-to-week noise as if it were a trend.
- Optimising titles for downloads at the expense of relevance to buyers.
What is downloads per episode?
Downloads per episode is the average number of downloads each episode earns within a set window, usually the first 30 days. It is the most common way podcasts are benchmarked and sold to advertisers.
What window should I use for downloads per episode?
A fixed window such as 30 days keeps episodes comparable, since older episodes have had longer to accumulate downloads.
Is a high downloads-per-episode number always good?
Not for B2B. A smaller, highly targeted audience often drives more pipeline than a larger but poorly matched one.