From nine-figure platform deals to live show revenues, the world’s top podcasts are generating tens of millions annually as the industry rapidly expands.
Podcasts generated $7.3 billion globally in 2024, according to Owl & Co., with advertising accounting for the bulk of revenues. While still smaller than the $111 billion radio industry, podcasting continues to grow rapidly through platform deals, exclusivity contracts, subscriptions and live events.
1. The Joe Rogan Experience
One of the most influential podcasts in the world, The Joe Rogan Experience averages around 11 million listeners per episode. Spotify signed Rogan to a $200 million exclusive deal in 2020, followed by a new $250 million multi-year agreement in 2024 without exclusivity. The deal reportedly includes guaranteed payments and ad revenue sharing.
2. The Bill Simmons Podcast
Bill Simmons built his media brand from ESPN to founding The Ringer in 2015. Spotify acquired The Ringer for $250 million in 2020. In 2026, Netflix agreed to stream 16 Ringer podcasts in the US, expanding the brand’s reach into video podcasting.
3. Crime Junkie
Hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat, Crime Junkie draws around 6 million weekly listeners. Flowers raised $40 million for her company Audiochuck, valuing it at $250 million. The podcast reportedly generated $45 million in profit in 2024.
4. Team Coco (Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend)
SiriusXM acquired Conan O’Brien’s Team Coco network for $150 million in 2022. At the time, the network averaged 180 million annual downloads and over 1 billion video views across platforms.
5. Call Her Daddy
Alex Cooper signed a deal with SiriusXM worth up to $125 million in 2024 after previously securing a $60 million Spotify agreement. The show averages about 10 million listeners per episode, focusing on relationships, mental health and lifestyle topics.
6. My Favorite Murder
The long-running true crime hit secured a $100 million deal with Amazon in 2022 before later partnering with Netflix. The show attracts roughly 35 million monthly downloads and has expanded into a broader podcast network.
7. SmartLess
Hosted by Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes, SmartLess was acquired by Amazon for $80 million in 2021 and later sold to SiriusXM for about $100 million in 2024. The show has released nearly 300 episodes since launching during the pandemic.
8. New Heights
NFL brothers Jason and Travis Kelce signed a three-year distribution deal with Amazon worth over $100 million in 2024. The podcast has more than 3 million subscribers and blends sports commentary with celebrity interviews.
9. Armchair Expert
Hosted by Dax Shepard, Armchair Expert signed an $80 million distribution and ad sales deal with Amazon in 2024 after an earlier Spotify agreement. The deal includes commitments to produce additional podcasts and livestream content.
10. The Diary of a CEO
Entrepreneur Steven Bartlett’s independent podcast ranks among Spotify’s most popular globally. The show has generated $20 million in revenue from brand partnerships and merchandise. Bartlett declined major platform offers, saying, “We looked at what they did in terms of testing, experimentation, innovation, and I felt like I was looking at the past.”
11. My Therapist Ghosted Me
Irish hosts Vogue Williams and Joanne McNally attract 3.5 million monthly listeners. Live shows at Dublin’s 3Arena generated €2.36 million, while company filings show strong profits and cash reserves tied to the podcast’s success.