How Many Downloads Is Good for a Podcast? (And Why That’s Not the Only Question You Should Be Asking)

One of the first things every podcaster wonders is: “How many downloads is good for a podcast?”

And hey, it’s a fair question. When you see people posting big download numbers online, it’s easy to start comparing and wondering if your show measures up. But here’s what I want you to remember — downloads are just one piece of the puzzle.

They matter, but they don’t tell the whole story. Because while they can show how many people are hitting “play,” they don’t measure what really counts: connection, engagement, and whether your podcast is doing what it’s meant to, which is to support your bigger business goals.

So, let’s talk about what your download numbers actually mean, what’s considered “good,” and how to use that data strategically to grow your show without spiraling into analytics overwhelm.

Understanding What Podcast Downloads Really Mean

When someone downloads or streams your episode, that counts as one “download.” But that doesn’t necessarily mean they listened. Downloads measure reach, not retention, not engagement, and definitely not impact.

That’s why it’s essential to look beyond a single number.

To really understand your podcast’s performance, you’ll want to look at a few key metrics together.

• Downloads: How many times your episodes are downloaded or streamed.

• Listener retention: How long people actually listen before dropping off.

• Engagement: Ratings, reviews, shares, website visits, or DMs from listeners.

When you combine all three, you get a much clearer picture of your podcast’s true performance and the opportunity to make more strategic decisions moving forward.

Why Downloads Still Matter (Even If They’re Not Everything)

Let’s be honest, watching your download count rise is exciting. 🎉

And yes, that number can impact how podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify promote your show. More downloads can mean:

• Better visibility in charts and search results
• More opportunities for sponsorship or partnerships
• Data you can use to track growth and refine your strategy

But chasing downloads for the sake of bigger numbers? That’s where a lot of podcasters get stuck. Because high downloads don’t automatically equal high impact. The real magic happens when you combine visibility with intentional strategy.

So…How Many Downloads Is Good for a Podcast?

Here’s where things get interesting. According to Buzzsprout, here’s how your show compares after 7 days of publishing a new episode:

• More than 30 downloads, you’re in the top 50% of podcasts.
• More than 93 downloads, you’re in the top 25% of podcasts.
• More than 335 downloads, you’re in the top 10% of podcasts.
• More than 795 downloads, you’re in the top 5% of podcasts.
• More than 3,994 downloads, you’re in the top 1% of podcasts.

But remember, those numbers don’t define your success.

A niche podcast with 150 loyal listeners can still outperform a show with thousands of passive ones, especially if those listeners are your ideal clients, community members, or potential collaborators.

So instead of asking how many downloads is good for a podcast, start asking:

“Are the right people listening — and are they taking action after they do?”

Factors That Influence Your Podcast Downloads

Several factors affect your download numbers, and most are within your control.

1. Your content quality
Episodes that are valuable, clear, and easy to listen to build trust. A polished production sounds good and keeps people coming back.

2. Your niche + audience size
A smaller niche doesn’t mean a smaller impact. It means your content is tailored to a specific group, which is gold for connection and conversion.

3. Your consistency
Releasing episodes regularly trains your audience to expect you. Random posting makes it easy to forget you exist (harsh, but true).

4. Your discoverability
Strategic podcast SEO, like optimizing your titles, descriptions, and keywords, can help new listeners find you on both podcast platforms and Google.

5. Your audience engagement
Encourage reviews, share listener shoutouts, or use tools like SpeakPipe for audience feedback. Engagement breeds visibility.

Podcasting is a long game… think marathon, not sprint. Most creators see slow, steady growth before the exponential curve kicks in.

Setting Realistic (and Strategic) Download Goals

Instead of obsessing over “big numbers,” think about intentional progress.

Let’s say you average 100 downloads per episode. Your goal might be 150 over the next few months. Once you hit that? Maybe aim for 250.

Small, steady growth creates sustainable success and not burnout.

And remember: if your podcast is tied to your business, success might look like more client inquiries, more speaking invites, or more traffic to your offers. Downloads are just one indicator of that bigger picture.

Using the SEAMless Podcast Framework™ to Grow Strategically

If you’re trying to hit download goals without a clear plan, it’s easy to end up spinning your wheels. You check the numbers, tweak a few things, but still wonder why growth feels slow or inconsistent.

That’s why I created my SEAMless Podcast Framework™ — four phases designed to help you grow your podcast strategically.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• S – Strategy: Align your podcast with your business goals so every episode drives visibility, leads, or authority (not just listens).

• E – Execution: Simplify your production process and stay consistent without spending your entire week editing or repurposing.

• A – Attraction: Optimize your show for discoverability — from keywords and titles to promo strategy — so your podcast gets found by the right listeners.

• M – Momentum: Use data and systems to sustain growth, track what’s working, and evolve your show as your business scales.

The truth is, growing a podcast doesn’t just mean chasing bigger download numbers; it means building a system that supports your long-term goals.

The SEAMless Framework™ helps you do exactly that: turn every download into direction, every episode into impact, and every phase into measurable momentum.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start growing your podcast with a strategy that actually fits your goals, that’s where my coaching comes in. In my SEAMless Sprint and SEAMless Podcast Growth Audit, we take a close look at your data, audience, and systems, then build a clear plan to grow your show with intention.

When your podcast is backed by strategy, you get more downloads, direction, confidence, and the momentum to keep going.

How to Increase Podcast Downloads (the Sustainable Way)

Want to see your numbers climb without losing your sanity? Focus here:

1. Double down on what works. Check which episodes perform best and then create more of that type of content.

2. Make your show shareable. Turn quotes or clips into audiograms and post them across social media.

3. Optimize for SEO. Use keywords (like how many downloads is good for a podcast) naturally in your titles and show notes.

4. Build strategic partnerships. Guest appearances and cross-promos can bring new listeners fast.

5. Stay consistent. Consistency compounds, both with your audience and the algorithm.

Reading Your Analytics Like a Strategist

Data doesn’t have to be overwhelming; it can actually be empowering.

Check your analytics monthly (not daily) and look for:

• Trends: Are specific topics performing better?

• Timing: Do certain release days perform higher?

• Listener demographics: Are you attracting your ideal audience?

Your analytics aren’t there to judge you; they’re there to guide you. Use them to make more strategic decisions and amplify what’s already working.

Defining Success Beyond Downloads

At the end of the day, the real win is building a podcast that supports your business and not just your ego.

Sure, downloads matter. But engagement, loyalty, and conversions? Those are the metrics that pay off in the long term.

Even a small, consistent audience can become your warmest leads, most loyal clients, and biggest advocates.

Because when your podcast is aligned with your goals, and when you treat it like a strategic part of your brand, every episode becomes an asset that works for you long after it’s published.

So, how many downloads is good for a podcast?

Enough to build momentum, but not so many that you lose sight of what matters most.

Keep your eyes on progress, not perfection. Keep creating content that connects. And remember: sustainable growth always beats short-term spikes.

If you’re ready to make your podcast metrics mean something, beyond the numbers, grab my SEAMless Podcast Growth Checklist to start tracking the metrics that actually matter.

Because your show deserves to be more than “good.” It deserves to grow strategically.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about how many downloads your podcast gets; it’s about how strategically you grow.

My SEAMless Podcast Framework™ is built to help you do exactly that, moving from guessing and refreshing analytics to creating a show that drives visibility, authority, and long-term results.