Top 9 Podcast Advertising Networks + One Key Alternative in 2026
Podcast advertising networks are becoming a core part of modern marketing, giving brands direct access to highly engaged podcast listeners at a time when audio audiences are at record highs.
In the last ten years, podcast listenership has grown by 355% to 773 million hours weekly. More importantly, listeners show strong ad receptiveness, with most saying that having ads in episodes is a fair price to access free podcast content.
More importantly, hearing the same ad repeatedly increases recall by 92% without any annoyance or decrease in purchase intent (because podcast users think these ads are fair).
So, how can you get quality podcast ads that increase conversions?
This guide breaks down the top podcast advertising networks that help marketers plan, buy, and measure podcast ads, with clear coverage of targeting options, pricing models, host‑read vs programmatic buys, success metrics, and risk factors.
Side note: We’ll also give you a solid alternative option, in case you need a partner to also help you build a solid podcast strategy.
This way, you can choose the right platform for reach, conversion, and budget efficiency.
Let’s dive in.
Pro tip: Want to grow your podcast audience using LinkedIn? Check out our LinkedIn strategies for B2B podcast audience growth to learn how to turn social attention into steady listenership.
What Is a Podcast Advertising Network?
A podcast advertising network is a platform or marketplace that connects brands and marketing teams with podcast inventory, where they can place podcast ads and sponsorships.
These networks aggregate ad opportunities from multiple shows, covering different genres, audience sizes, and listener demographics. That way, you don’t have to negotiate with each creator individually.
And with the global podcast advertising market growing 26% YoY in the last trimester of 2025, you need the right tool to outpace your competitors.
From our experience, these networks are a great place to be because a lot of the channel’s buying and selling happens here.
Check out the following YouTube video for a breakdown of podcast advertising:
Benefits of working with a podcast advertising network
For marketing teams trying to grow a podcast audience or drive conversions, podcast advertising networks make the process a whole lot more efficient.
You get access to inventory, targeting tools, and performance data in one place, without having to manage dozens of direct deals or juggle tracking across platforms.
Here’s what you gain when working with a network:
Centralized buying across multiple shows and platforms: Skip the back-and-forth with individual podcasters. Networks offer streamlined access to high-performing inventory all in one place.
Smarter audience targeting: Tap into demographic, geographic, and behavioral data to reach podcast listeners who actually match your target audience.
Scalable programmatic buying: With programmatic podcast ad buying gaining traction, networks help you scale efficiently while keeping spend and performance in check.
Real performance insights rather than just download counts: Networks often include attribution tools and advanced reporting so you can tie ad campaigns back to performance metrics like reach, engagement, or even pipeline.
Now, let’s dive into the best podcast advertising networks out there and why they matter.
TL;DR Top 4 Podcast Advertising Networks
Audioboom: A global podcast publisher with massive inventory across genres, ideal for broad-reach campaigns and host-read ads on big-name shows, but less tailored for niche B2B targeting.
Adopter Media: A high-touch agency that excels at performance-driven podcast sponsorships, with expert media planning, host coordination, and proven success scaling DTC brands.
PodcastOne: A top-10 U.S. publisher offering ad access to premium, high-traffic shows across platforms, designed for advertisers that prioritize reach and brand visibility over precision.
Podbean: A self-serve ad marketplace built for flexibility, where brands can buy podcast ads on thousands of independent shows with dynamic targeting and minimal setup friction.
Top Podcast Advertising Networks Reviewed
The top podcasting advertising networks on the market include Audioboom, Adopter Media, PodcastOne, Acast, and more. Let’s see how they stack up against each other:
1. Audioboom
Audioboom is a global podcast advertising network and publisher that connects brands with millions of engaged listeners around the world. With shows across genres, from true crime to sports and lifestyle, Audioboom gives advertisers access to a broad audience while also offering premium ad placements through its dynamic marketplace and host‑read opportunities.
What makes Audioboom especially useful for marketers is the scale of its reach and inventory.
Podcasts in the Audioboom Creator Network generate over 135 million downloads and views each month, which gives advertisers a substantial platform to place podcast ads that reach real listeners across major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube. This is all while tracking performance with analytics tools that align with industry standards.
Key services:
Dynamic advertising marketplace (Showcase) with programmatic and direct sales
Host‑read placements across thousands of shows with targeted listener demographics
Global distribution across major audio platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify
Campaign reporting and analytics that help tie ad placement to audience response
Video podcast ad opportunities where supported by creator inventory
Inventory controls that let advertisers choose premium or broad placements
Why work with Audioboom?
Audioboom has a global reach and robust advertising inventory. You get access to large and engaged audiences with flexible podcast ad buying options that meet a range of campaign goals.
2. iHeartPodcasts
iHeartPodcasts is one of the largest podcast advertising networks in the world, and we chose it because it offers brands access to premium, brand-safe audio inventory across a massive portfolio of owned and operated podcasts.
As the podcast division of iHeartMedia, the network spans thousands of shows across business, health, news, sports, entertainment, and culture. For you, that means being able to reach audiences at national scale.
What differentiates iHeartPodcasts is the combination of owned podcast inventory and advanced ad tech.
We genuinely like how advertisers can run host-read endorsements, dynamically inserted ads, and programmatic audio campaigns across podcasts distributed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and other major listening platforms.
Backed by iHeartMedia’s broadcast and digital infrastructure, the network delivers consistent reach, professional production standards, and robust reporting.
Key services:
Host-read podcast ads across owned and exclusive shows
Dynamically inserted audio ads at scale
Programmatic podcast and digital audio buying
Audience targeting by demographics, interests, and geography
Cross-platform audio distribution (podcasts + streaming radio)
Campaign reporting on impressions, reach, and frequency
Why work with iHeartPodcasts?
iHeartPodcasts offers advertisers massive reach through owned, premium podcast inventory combined with enterprise-grade ad delivery and measurement.
3. PodcastOne
PodcastOne is a large podcast advertising network and publisher that helps brands reach millions of listeners through both direct sponsorships and dynamic ad placements across a wide roster of popular shows.
The network is home to top‑tier podcasts spanning sports, business, true crime, entertainment, and more, just like iHeart Radio. That means you can also use it to attract audience segments across major audio platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
What sets PodcastOne apart is its sheer scale (yes, we mentioned it above!) and established footprint in the industry.
It ranks among the top 10 podcast publishers in the U.S. according to Podtrac, with millions of monthly unique listeners and millions of podcast downloads & streams each month. This is a clear sign that advertisers placing podcast ads there can count on broad exposure.
PodcastOne also uses advanced tools like dynamic ad insertion and programmatic systems to help advertisers fine‑tune where and how their audio campaigns run. We appreciate this because it supports more targeted messaging and efficient media delivery.
Key services:
National and targeted ad placements across a premium network of creator shows
Host‑read and dynamically inserted advertising inventory
Campaign reporting with insights on impressions and listener engagement
Access to a large set of big‑name shows with broad listener demographics
Support for cross‑platform distribution across major podcast and streaming services
Custom sponsorship opportunities tailored to brand and audience fit
Why work with PodcastOne?
PodcastOne combines a top‑ranked, high‑reach inventory with flexible ad placement options and creative sponsorship integrations that help brands engage listeners at scale.
4. Podbean
Podbean is a popular podcast hosting and advertising marketplace that offers a low-barrier way for podcasters and advertisers to connect. Through the Podbean Ads Marketplace, brands can place podcast ads across thousands of shows using dynamic insertion and real-time bidding, while podcasters retain control over the ads that run on their content.
With more than 15,000 podcasters already participating in their ad platform, Podbean makes it easy for marketing teams to tap into a wide range of independent shows while customizing campaigns by category, listener demographics, and topic relevance.
We appreciate how the system is optimized for simplicity and flexibility so brands can test campaigns without long contracts or exclusivity requirements. Of course, podcasters can approve or decline advertisers to protect their brand voice.
Key services:
Access to a large podcast ad marketplace with flexible targeting options
Programmatic ad placements through demand-side platforms (DSPs)
Support for host-read and dynamically inserted ads
Controls for sensitive ad category exclusions and ad placement timing
Transparent reporting on impressions, earnings, and listener engagement
No exclusivity requirements, so you have the freedom to combine campaigns across networks
Why work with Podbean?
Podbean offers easy access to scalable podcast ad placements, with self-serve options, real-time inventory bidding, and flexible brand controls for advertisers who want low-friction campaign testing.
5. Acast
Acast is one of the largest podcast advertising networks in the world. It offers advertisers a broad marketplace and podcast sponsorship options on more than 140,000 exclusive shows with over 1 billion quarterly listens and unduplicated impressions across platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
The network supports both host‑read sponsorships and pre‑recorded podcast ads, so you get flexibility in how you connect with listeners.
One thing we noticed is that Acast’s advertising platform is built for scale and precision.
You can launch campaigns quickly with self‑serve tools, access advanced audience targeting segments, and measure results with attribution and reporting that go beyond simple download counts.
This makes it easier for marketers like you to plan, run, and optimize paid podcast promotion across inventory that covers niche interests and mainstream audiences.
A standout example of what Acast can do is Ulta Beauty: in a branded podcast campaign created with Acast’s network, Ulta saw a 95% uplift in brand awareness and a meaningful increase in purchase consideration by tapping into engaged listener communities across multiple shows.
Key services:
Host‑read sponsorships with creators whose listeners match your target audience
Pre‑recorded ad placements bought direct or programmatically
Branded content campaigns, including segments or full series for deeper engagement
Advanced audience targeting by demographics, interests, and listening behavior
Attribution tools and analytics to track impressions and campaign performance
Self‑serve and full‑service options for ad buying and campaign management
Why work with Acast?
Acast combines global reach with flexible ad formats and advanced targeting so advertisers can run campaigns that align with both broad awareness and precise audience goals.
6. Libsyn Ads
Libsyn Ads is a podcast advertising network and marketplace that makes it simple for brands to shop, buy, and run podcast ads across a large catalog of shows in one place. The platform brings together ad inventory from more than 1,200 podcast publishers with detailed show information, listener demographics, and audio samples.
That means you can pick placements that match your goals without spending hours negotiating with individual creators.
What sets Libsyn Ads apart is its centralized advertising marketplace, though.
Instead of chasing down leads or networks one by one, you can review available ad slots, host‑read ad opportunities, and sponsorship pricing directly online. Then, you can order spots that make sense with their target audience and ad campaign timeline.
Libsyn also supports dynamic and catalog ad formats that let you insert ads into new and back‑catalog episodes, which extends the life of your placements beyond the initial run.
Key services:
Centralized ad marketplace with inventory from 1,200+ publishers
Detailed show data, listener demographics, and audio samples to inform buying decisions
Ability to specify promo codes, landing page URLs, and preferred placement timing
Host‑read and dynamically inserted ad placements
Tools that show which episodes and networks match your audience fit
Campaign support from ad specialists to help navigate placement options
Why work with Libsyn Ads?
Libsyn Ads gives advertisers streamlined access to a broad podcast inventory in a single marketplace with transparent show details and detailed listener data.
7. Spotify Audience Network
The Spotify Audience Network (SPAN) is a major podcast advertising marketplace that gives brands access to ad inventory across Spotify-owned and third-party podcasts.
We picked it for this review because it has a massive reach and pretty decent audience targeting.
In fact, what makes it especially powerful is its combination of real-time podcast ad buying, demographic and behavioral targeting, and integrated measurement tools. Through Spotify Ad Analytics, you can track campaign performance at every stage from impressions to conversions. Then, you can adjust your plans based on data-driven insights.
Plus, you get access to both Spotify-exclusive content and shows distributed across other platforms. That way, you can tap into genre-diverse creators ranging from household names to rising independent voices.
But don’t worry: SPAN helps advertisers reach listeners wherever they consume podcasts, not just on Spotify.
Key services:
Access to Spotify-owned and third-party podcast inventory via a centralized ad network
Demographic, geographic, and behavioral audience targeting
Contextual targeting by show category and episode topic
Real-time performance measurement through Spotify Ad Analytics
Tools to manage brand suitability and inventory safety
Integrated buying via Spotify Ad Studio or through direct account management
Why work with Spotify Audience Network?
SPAN offers unmatched reach and built-in audience intelligence, which helps brands deliver highly targeted podcast ads at scale with deep campaign analytics.
8. Audacy Creator Lab
Audacy’s Creator Lab Marketplace offers a flexible, self-serve, and full-service podcast advertising network. We recommend it for brands looking to run targeted campaigns across a growing roster of independent shows.
Even better, it’s designed for both emerging and experienced marketers.
That’s because Creator Lab blends automation with collaboration, giving brands the tools to plan and launch podcast ads with speed, transparency, and creative control.
So, what can you do on it, you ask?
Well, Audacy supports host-read ads, branded content, and dynamically inserted spots across its network, and makes it easy for advertisers to either manage campaigns themselves or lean on a dedicated team for strategy, execution, and analytics.
The platform also includes free podcast hosting, ad inventory access, and marketplace matchmaking. That means you can connect directly with creators that fit your audience profile.
Key services:
Host-read ad placements and branded content integrations with matched creators
Self-service campaign builder with proposal and contract tools
Full-service campaign management for strategy, execution, and reporting
Dynamic ad insertion with free podcast hosting
Transparent pricing and control over ad formats and creative direction
Marketplace access to browse creator profiles and sponsorship options
Why work with Audacy Creator Lab?
Audacy gives brands a flexible platform to launch, test, and scale podcast campaigns, either through hands-on management or direct creator collaboration.
9. AudioGo
AudioGo is a self-serve audio advertising platform that gives brands access to podcast, music, and radio ad inventory from over 40 top publishers, including Pandora, SiriusXM, The New York Times, and PodcastOne.
We like it because the required starting budget is just $250 and you get targeting options across 1,000+ audience segments. Basically, AudioGo makes it easy for businesses of any size to launch podcast ad campaigns in just a few minutes.
The platform supports pre-, mid-, and post-roll podcast ads, programmatic exchanges, and a built-in Ad Creative Suite for users who don’t have their own audio assets.
Marketers can target by location, device, language, content genre, listener behavior, and even Comscore-powered predictive personas.
Besides, AudioGo has over 170 million unique listeners across the US and Canada, which brings together reach, flexibility, and affordability in one place.
Key services:
Self-serve podcast ad buying with a $250 minimum budget
Access to inventory from 40+ premium audio and podcast publishers
In-platform ad creation with free-produced or synthetic voice options
1,000+ targeting options, including demographics, behaviors, interests, and personas
Real-time reporting and campaign performance insights
Flexible ad positioning across pre-, mid-, and post-roll slots
Why work with AudioGo?
AudioGo offers an easy, low-risk way to test podcast advertising with precise targeting and creative tools built directly into the platform.
Content Allies: The Alternative to Podcast Advertising Networks
Podcast advertising networks sell access to other people’s audiences.
Content Allies helps B2B companies build their own.
We work with B2B teams that want more than short-lived impressions. Instead of renting attention through podcast ad networks, we help brands turn podcasts into owned growth channels that drive authority, pipeline, and long-term demand.
Where podcast advertising networks focus on buying placements, Content Allies focuses on strategy, production, distribution, and measurable business impact.
Podcast ads may support the strategy, but they are never the strategy.
Our ad services are tightly integrated with strategy, production, and analytics, so every campaign supports your broader marketing goals.
If you’re aiming for lead gen, brand awareness, or ABM-style audience targeting, we build the system and manage the entire ad experience from creative to reporting.
Key services:
Pay-per-download advertising campaigns with firmographic targeting
Ad creative development, contextual placement, and pixel tracking
Strategic ad planning tied to business goals and audience fit
Performance dashboards with attribution and ROI reporting
Host-read ad opportunities on aligned industry shows
Analytics tracking across listener behavior, branded search, and conversion rates
Why work with Content Allies?
We combine paid podcast promotion with firmographic targeting and clear attribution so B2B marketers can finally connect podcast ads to revenue.
How to Choose the Right Podcast Advertising Network
Choosing the right podcast advertising network is about understanding what networks are designed to deliver and where their limits are. Networks specialize in access to inventory, standardized targeting, and scalable ad delivery.
However, they’re not podcast agencies, so you can’t expect full-funnel strategy or creative ownership. Knowing what to ask helps you evaluate fit and avoid mismatched expectations.
1. Understand How the Network Defines and Targets Audiences
Podcast advertising networks group audiences primarily by show category, listener demographics, geography, and listening behavior. Strong networks can clearly explain what targeting options they support and how those segments are built within their platform.
Ask: “What audience targeting options do you offer (demographic, geographic, contextual), and how are those segments defined?”
However, be cautious of networks that only speak in terms of total reach without explaining how inventory is segmented or targeted.
2. Clarify What Campaign Measurement They Provide
Most podcast advertising networks report on impressions, downloads, and delivery metrics. Some also support pixel-based attribution, promo code tracking, or brand lift studies, depending on the platform.
Ask: “Which metrics do you report on by default, and what attribution or conversion tracking options are available?”
Keep in mind though that networks typically measure media performance, not revenue impact or pipeline outcomes.
3. Review Available Ad Formats and Placement Options
Networks vary in how they sell inventory. Some emphasize dynamic ad insertion and programmatic scale, while others focus on host-read sponsorships and premium placements.
Ask: “Which ad formats do you support, and how are placements selected across shows or categories?”
Understanding whether ads run at the show level, category level, or network-wide is key to predicting engagement quality.
4. Confirm How Creative Is Handled
Podcast advertising networks generally provide guidelines and requirements, not hands-on creative development. Host-read ads may allow flexibility, but creative ownership typically remains with the advertiser.
Ask: “What creative guidelines do you provide, and how do hosts typically interpret or deliver ad copy?”
If creative strategy or messaging refinement is critical, expect to handle that internally or with an external partner. This is especially important if you need podcast host training (and yes, we at Content Allies can help you with that).
5. Understand Pricing Models And Buying Structures
Networks usually sell inventory through CPM-based buys, sponsorship packages, or programmatic audio placements. Transparency around pricing and minimums varies by provider.
Ask: “What pricing models do you offer, and how are budgets typically allocated across shows or placements?”
Clear pricing structures make it easier to forecast reach and compare networks objectively.
6. Ask How Optimization Works During a Campaign
Optimization at the network level typically involves adjusting placements, formats, or creative rotation. Again, deep strategic iteration is your job, unless you hire a podcast production agency.
Ask: “What levers can be adjusted during a live campaign to improve performance?”
Pro tip: Need a step-by-step playbook for podcast promotion? We break it all down in The Ultimate Guide to Podcast Promotion, from paid ads to SEO and everything in between.
Why Content Allies Is the Right Podcast Advertising Partner
There’s no shortage of podcast advertising networks promising reach and scale, but smart marketers know the real win is in alignment. It’s about placing the right ads, in front of the right audience, with a clear line to results that matter.
At Content Allies, we build end-to-end podcast growth systems. From strategy and creative to paid promotion, SEO, and revenue attribution, we’re focused entirely on B2B podcast marketing.
If your goal is to reach niche decision-makers, grow a branded audience, and tie podcasting to the pipeline, we’ve got the process, the people, and the proof to back it up.
Get in touch and let’s build something that lasts.
FAQs
What is a podcast advertising network?
A podcast advertising network connects advertisers with multiple podcasts through a centralized platform. This helps you run campaigns at scale across shows, genres, and listener types without managing each placement manually.
What’s the difference between host-read and programmatic ads?
Host-read ads are delivered by podcast hosts in their own voice, which often builds more trust with listeners. Programmatic ads are pre-recorded and inserted automatically based on targeting to give more scale and flexibility.
How much should I budget for podcast advertising?
Budgets vary, but most podcast ad networks recommend a minimum of $5,000-$10,000 to test a campaign with measurable results. Bigger brand-awareness pushes or B2B lead generation programs can run significantly higher depending on goals and targeting.
How do I know if podcast advertising is working?
Success can be tracked through promo codes, custom landing pages, pixel tracking, and advanced attribution platforms. Make sure your network or agency can tie performance back to clear marketing KPIs like engagement, lead quality, or cost per acquisition.
Can Content Allies help even if we already have a podcast?
Yes. We work with marketing teams who already have a show and need help driving audience growth, campaign structure, and measurable ROI, without redoing your production from scratch.
What makes Content Allies different from podcast ad networks?
We specialize in full-funnel, B2B-focused podcast marketing. That means every ad, placement, and campaign is built with one goal: helping you reach and convert high-value prospects.
How do I start working with Content Allies?
It starts with a discovery call. We’ll learn about your goals, show, and audience, then build a proposal outlining how we’d grow your reach through a tailored podcast advertising strategy.