Podcast Survival Guide 2025: Why 47% Fail by Episode 3 & How to Beat the Odds

Podcasting has exploded in popularity and transformed from a niche hobby to a cultural phenomenon. Everyone now wants a piece of it. According to DemandsAge, there are about 4.42 million podcasts as of 2025, and the number of podcast listeners is expected to reach 584.1 million by year’s end.

What many aspiring podcasters, however, may not see beyond the rosy picture is the staggering number of podcasts that die as soon as they are launched. 47% of podcasts don’t reach episode 3 according to Listen Notes (2024). Multiple studies have shown that even a larger number of podcasts vanish from the airwaves between episodes 3–20.

While the future of Podcasts remains bright, it is not without challenges. If you’ve ever wondered why so many podcasts vanish, this data-driven deep dive reveals the harsh reality of podcast mortality rates and how to ensure your show survives long-term.

Key Statistics: How Many Podcasts Survive After Launch?

1. The 50-Episode Cliff

• Only a small fraction of podcasts, approximately 8.53%, ever reach 50 episodes, according to data from Podmatch. 

• Milestone Survival Rates:

• 8 Episodes: 48.47%  
• 50 Episodes: 8.53%  
• 100 Episodes: 4.78% 
• 200 Episodes: 2.35% 

2. The "3-Episode Graveyard"

• A staggering 47% of podcasts stop before episode 3 (Listen Notes, 2024).

3. The 6-Month Drop-Off

• 60% of new podcasts quit within 6 months (Internal Spotify data, 2023, reported by The Verge).
• 75% of podcasts quit by Episode 25, typically within 6-12 months. (Buzzsprout (2023)

4. Monetization vs. Survival

• Only 14% of podcasters earn $1,000+/month (Libsyn’s 2024 study of 2,800+ monetized podcasts)
• Top 5% of earners generate $10,000+/month (typically shows with 50K+ downloads/episode), and 61% earn under $100/month.

Why Do Most Podcasts Fail?

No Clear Plan 

Many people start podcasts as a hobby without long-term goals. After the initial excitement has worn off, many can’t keep up with the demanding background work that comes with hosting and running a podcast.

So how do you ensure that, in 2025, your podcast doesn’t just fade into the noise? According to E.B. Moss, a seasoned content strategist and host of Insider Interviews, understanding the "why" behind your podcast is the foundation of lasting success.

Before starting a podcast, ask yourself:

• Are you trying to educate your audience?
• Do you want to drive brand engagement?
• Are you offering entertainment or expert insights?

Underestimating Workload

Aspiring podcasters often underestimate the work it takes to keep a podcast on air. Successful podcasts require equipment such as the Zoom PodTrak P2 and good editing suites to eliminate background sounds and ensure your podcast is always crystal clear, even when recording remotely. 

Many podcasters also struggle to maintain consistent publishing schedules, which in turn affects listenership. A predictable release schedule allows listeners to anticipate new episodes, making it easier for them to incorporate your podcast into their routines. This fosters a sense of loyalty and encourages listeners to return for more.  

Also Read: Dave Jackson’s 4 Tips for Harnessing Creativity and Audience Engagement (From the School of Podcasting)

Lack of marketing can seal a podcast's fate and consign it to the podcast graveyard. Marketing events such as the 2nd annual Podcasting Moms Conference are crucial for the lifeline of a podcast. Attending such events can allow podcasts to connect, learn, and grow, all while having a blast with like-minded podcasters.

Lack of Monetization 

Without revenue, many podcasters cannot sustain their hobbies, and many ultimately give up. 

While a lack of Return on investment combined with poor planning has killed many podcasters' dreams, sometimes it is not that simple. In Episode 39 of podcastingtech, host Mathew Passy asked Adam Torres, host of Mission Matters (Top 2.5% global podcast), who has conducted over 6,000 interviews, when podcasters should quit when it's no longer working. 

According to Adam, podcasting is a craft, and continuous improvement is the only guarantee of long-term success and making money in podcasting. In his own words, today’s Adam cannot judge the future Adam.

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While trying to make money from their podcasts, Podcasters should not try and monetize too early, or push their core fans too hard – at its core, your free, basic podcast experience needs to be stellar. That is what will push your audience to want more, and to pay to get it. 

No Exit Strategy – Lack of estate planning 

Most podcasters obsess over gear and content, spending countless hours to buy the latest equipment, but zero over protecting their legacy.

Platforms automatically delete inactive shows, and without a plan, your podcast could vanish overnight if anything happens to you, just like countless others have.

Illness, burnout, or life changes can kill many podcasters’ life’s work. A lack of estate planning then condemns podcasts to early graveyards because of locked accounts, lack of access, and lost revenue streams. 

In Episode 41 of podcastingtech, Oscar Vasquez, an expert well-versed in the realm of estate planning and digital assets, with a career spanning 28 years, advises podcasters to think of their podcast as more than content—it’s intellectual property and should be secured and protected.

Oscar emphasizes the importance of having a plan in place, whether your podcast is a hobby, a budding business, or a full-fledged venture.

How to Beat the Odds & Protect Your Podcast

✅ Set Realistic Goals – Aim for 10 episodes before assessing growth.
✅ Monetize Early – Use sponsorships, memberships, or digital products.

✅ Invest in smart podcast tools - Use Conntap instead of cards to network smarter and grow your show effortlessly.
✅ Build Systems – Batch-record episodes, outsource editing, automate marketing.
✅ Future-Proof Your Show – Legal protection (contracts, estate planning for podcasters).