Do Podcast Ads Do More Harm Than Good?

Do Podcast Ads Do More Harm Than Good?

Author: Alitu via The Podcast Host April 6, 2026 Duration: 39:22

Back in November, our Independent Podcaster Report found that only 15% of creators were actively monetising their shows. Of those that did, the majority were running ads and sponsorship.

If you missed it, ​the full report is here​.

This week on Podcraft, we got into the thornier side of that: can ads erode audience trust? Are they an annoyance? And how many is too many?

We picked apart some other claims, too:

  • AI voices will become indistinguishable from real hosts
  • One viral clip can change everything
  • YouTube rewards podcasters more than podcast apps do
  • If you don't have 5+ hours a week, don't start a podcast
  • Your podcast idea isn't unique
  • If you're not getting feedback, your podcast isn't memorable

Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host


If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the technical side of starting a show or wondered how to turn your passion into a sustainable project, PodCraft by Alitu: Honing the Craft of Podcasting is made for you. Hosts Colin and Matthew, with their three decades of shared experience, act as practical guides through the entire process. They move beyond theory, offering actionable advice you can use immediately. You'll hear detailed discussions on specific skills, from something as fundamental as selecting your first microphone to more advanced strategies like leveraging live events for community growth. The conversation also tackles the business and marketing realities, exploring how to effectively expand your audience and create revenue from your work. What sets this podcast apart is its balance of deep-dive tutorials on single topics and illuminating interviews with creators who share their own real-world successes and lessons learned. It’s a resource that recognises podcasting as both a creative outlet and a serious venture, providing the grounded, no-fluff guidance needed to refine your sound and build something that lasts. Tune in weekly for a dose of clarity and direction for your own audio journey.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 100

PodCraft by Alitu: Honing the Craft of Podcasting
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