To monetize a podcast with memberships, give your most loyal listeners a monthly tier with something they cannot get in the free feed: ad free episodes, bonus shows, early releases or a say in the next topic. On FanBase you set up to three tiers between $4.99 and $49.99, sell specials as pay per view, take tips and keep 80 percent of every payment.
Ad income depends on download counts and ad rates you do not control. A membership depends on one thing you do control: how much your regular listeners value the show. Even a small, loyal audience can pay for production, guests and time.
What podcasters sell on FanBase
Listeners pay for more of the show they already love, earlier and without interruptions. Each post can be public, members only, for a minimum tier, or pay per view.
- Ad free episodes. The same episode, without the ad reads, posted for members.
- Bonus episodes. A short extra episode each week or month, only for members.
- Early release. Members hear the episode a few days before the public feed.
- Uncut interviews. The full conversation with a guest, including what was edited out.
- Live show recordings. Audio or video from a live taping, sold as pay per view.
- Listener questions. Members send questions by message, you answer on a members only mailbag episode.
- Show notes and transcripts. Full notes, sources and reading lists for the curious.
Studio, membership tiers
PodcastsListener
$5.00
per month
Bonus
$8.00
per month
Producer
$20.00
per month
Tier ideas for podcasts
| Tier | Example price | What listeners get |
|---|---|---|
| Supporter | $5 per month | Ad free episodes and early release |
| Insider | $10 per month | Everything in Supporter, plus a weekly bonus episode and uncut interviews |
| Producer | $25 per month | Everything in Insider, plus a monthly mailbag where your question gets answered and a name check on the show |
Bundles of 3, 6 or 12 months with a discount work well at the start of a new season.
A worked earnings example
This is a hypothetical example to show how memberships and the 80 percent share add up. It is not a result from any real podcast.
| Income source | Example activity | Listeners pay | You keep (80 percent) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supporter tier | 300 members at $5 | $1,500 | $1,200 |
| Insider tier | 90 members at $10 | $900 | $720 |
| Producer tier | 15 members at $25 | $375 | $300 |
| Pay per view | 50 sales of a live show recording at $5 | $250 | $200 |
| Tips | Month total | $100 | $80 |
| Total | $3,125 | $2,500 |
Say 405 people pay each month. For many shows that is a small share of regular listeners, and it can cover editing, hosting and guest costs with room to spare. Run your own numbers on the FanBase homepage and see every fee on the fees page.
Why podcasters choose FanBase
Many podcast membership tools only do one thing: a private feed. FanBase adds the parts that make listeners feel closer to the hosts.
| What you need | FanBase |
|---|---|
| Monthly membership | Up to 3 tiers, $4.99 to $49.99 |
| Ad free and bonus episodes | Audio posts locked to members or a tier |
| One off specials | Pay per view at one price |
| Listener questions | Fan messages and paid replies |
| Release on schedule | Scheduled posts |
| Clear numbers | Analytics by memberships, renewals, PPV, messages and tips |
| Own your audience | CSV export of your fan list any time |
If you are moving from another platform, our Patreon alternative guide compares fees and features, and the membership platform page explains tiers and bundles in more detail.
A simple launch plan for your podcast membership
- Pick one clear promise. "Every episode ad free, plus a bonus every Friday" is easy to understand.
- Announce it in the show. A 30 second host read at the start and end of each episode works better than a link in the notes alone.
- Give a free taste. Post one bonus episode as public so listeners hear what they get.
- Name supporters. A thank you on air is one of the best perks you can offer.
- Keep a schedule. Schedule bonus episodes ahead so they go out on time even in busy weeks.
Shows with more than one host
Co-hosted shows and podcast networks can run several creator pages from one team account, with payout reports per creator as CSV and the same 20 percent fee. Read more on the agencies page.
Paid on time
Payments clear 7 days after each one is made. When your cleared balance reaches $50, you can withdraw, and payouts go out weekly to a bank account or crypto wallet. The payouts page has the details.
Start your podcast page
Joining FanBase is free. Pick a handle, upload your show art, write a short bio, set your tiers and post your first bonus episode. Listeners pay by card or crypto, can cancel any time and keep access until the end of the paid period. You keep 80 percent.