What’s the difference between downloads and plays in podcasting?
PodSchool · Rachel Corbett
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Show Notes
This week I’m answering a question about podcast analytics... how do downloads work, what actually counts as a play, and how much of your audience data is real?
Spoiler: It’s more complicated than it should be.
💡In this episode I cover…
- What podcast downloads really mean
- Whether you can tell how many people really listened to your podcast
- What counts as a “stream” (and why it doesn’t exist)
- How to get better data using Apple & Spotify dashboards
- Why audience growth matters more than round numbers
If you’ve ever wondered what’s really going on behind the scenes of your podcast stats, this one’s for you.
EPISODE CREDITS:
Host: Rachel Corbett
Editing Assistance: Josh Newth
LINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:
Download my free podcasting guide
Check out my online podcasting course, PodSchool
Click here to submit a question to the show
Email me: [email protected]
Follow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.
This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present.