Podcast networks aren't just for the Joe Rogans of the world anymore. These companies—which produce, distribute, and promote multiple shows under one umbrella—have become a legitimate path for independent creators to scale their podcasts without losing their sanity in the process.

Podcast networks handle the parts of podcasting most creators hate—editing logistics, finding sponsors, distribution headaches—while connecting you with other hosts who can help grow your audience. The dirty secret? A good network partnership can save you hundreds of hours of work you'd rather not be doing anyway.

The hard truth is that not all networks deliver on their promises. Most have frustratingly specific criteria you'll need to meet, and others only work with certain podcast genres. To save you from emailing 50 networks just to find one that might accept you, we've vetted 11 of the best—complete with who they're actually good for, what they require from you, and exactly how to join.

Definition and function of podcast networks

Podcast networks are organizations that manage a collection of shows and often act as intermediaries between podcasters and advertisers. They streamline critical tasks like distribution, marketing, and monetization, ensuring episodes reach platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. Many networks also provide valuable production support, offering resources for editing and hosting to help podcasters improve quality. By connecting creators with advertisers and sponsors, these networks can be a gateway to more reliable revenue streams. In addition, some networks build communities of like-minded hosts, fostering opportunities to cross-promote and share industry insights.

Top podcast networks

1. iHeartRadio

Best for: Expanding your podcast's reach across radio.

iHeartRadio is one of the largest podcast networks in the industry. It helps creators launch shows in almost every genre, from true crime and news to comedy and entertainment. Popular shows in the network include Stuff You Should Know and The Breakfast Club.

What's different about iHeartRadio is that shows in its podcast network can be promoted across its radio stations. This cross-promotion helps increase visibility of your show—often reaching millions of new listeners with a single ad.

iHeartRadio also has its own podcast listening app that's compatible with over 250 different platforms and 2,000 connected devices. Audiences already listening to other shows on the network can easily find yours through personalized recommendations and curated playlists.

How to join: Anyone can add their podcast to the iHeartRadio app: Just create a free iHeartRadio account and enter your podcast RSS feed link. Note that you'll need to be in one of the following countries to be included in the app: United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, or New Zealand.

Joining iHeartRadio's podcast network—complete with advertising and other support—is trickier. Try contacting one of its podcasting team via LinkedIn or email.

2. Gimlet Media

Best for: Journalistic podcasts.

Gimlet Media is a well-known podcast network that specializes in journalistic podcasts. Founded in 2014, it handles the entire podcast production process, from conceptualizing a new show to creating and distributing individual episodes.

Founded in 2014 by Alex Blumberg and Matthew Lieber, it was one of the first mainstream podcast networks to support creators in producing their own shows. The biggest advantage of Gimlet Media, however, is that it was acquired by Spotify in 2019—one of the largest podcast directories in the world. Podcasts within the network get access to Spotify's hosting service, extensive distribution network, and data analytics capabilities to extensively track the impact of their show.

Should you join this podcast network, you're in good company. Gimlet Media manages notable shows like Heavyweight, Reply All, and The Pitch. Combined, these shows amass millions of listeners every month.

How to join: Gimlet Media doesn't publicly disclose a detailed step-by-step application process, but it does share contact information to reach out to its team via email.

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3. Wondery

Best for: Diversifying your income streams.

Wondery is a podcast network that helps both independent creators and entertainment companies launch their own shows. As part of the Amazon Music umbrella since 2020, it promises industry-leading resources for production, editing services, marketing, and podcast monetization.

Now under the Amazon Music umbrella (it was acquired by the publishing giant back in 2020), Wondery manages popular shows like How I Built This, Morbid, and American Scandal.

What's especially great about Wondery's podcast network is that it has its own in-house ad sales teams to secure podcast sponsorships and licensing deals for your show.

It also has its own podcast listening membership, Wondery+, that gives listeners an ad-free way to listen to their favorite shows. You can strengthen relationships with your audience by giving Wondery+ subscribers exclusive content and early access to new podcast episodes. Revenue generated from those subscriptions is shared between the network and the creator, giving you an additional revenue stream for your podcast.

How to join: Visit its Creators page and follow the instructions to apply to join Wondery's podcast network.

4. Earwolf

Best for: Comedy podcasts.

Earwolf is a podcast network that specializes in comedy shows and has been part of Sirius XM since 2020. Shows in the network include Office Ladies, Comedy Bang Bang, and How Did This Get Made?—most of which are hosted by comedians, entertainers, or pop culture figures.

Because Earwolf specializes in podcasts of a specific genre (comedy), it's easy to find collaboration opportunities with other creators in the network. This community of like minded podcasters also gives you an extended network of creators to bounce ideas off. In comparison: creators on other networks might give blanket advice that isn't specific to your industry or target audience.

Sirius XM, the parent company that acquired Earwolf back in 2020, also owns podcast hosting platform Stitcher and has its own podcast advertising agency. It helps brands find comedy podcasters and places ads in your shows, giving you another potential revenue stream for your show.

How to join: Earwolf doesn't give any direction on how to join its podcast network. Your best bet is to send a pitch through the main contact form.

5. Radiotopia

Best for: Independent podcasters who want to keep control over their show.

Radiotopia differs from the other podcast networks on this list because it specializes in immersive storytelling shows hosted by independent creators. Founded as a collective for indie podcasters, most of its shows are created by individual producers or small production teams, rather than large media companies. Examples include The Recipe, Weight For It, and Millennial.

The podcast network also promises to let the podcast host keep creative control. With Radiotopia, hosts have total freedom to experiment with different techniques, formats, and co-hosts. They also typically keep ownership of their show (rather than relinquishing it to the network when they join).

Radiotopia says it determines whether a podcast is suitable for its network by evaluating them against the following criteria:

• Is the target audience clear and large enough?
• Is the show sustainable?
• Is the idea special or unique?
• Is the creator entrepreneurial and community-minded?
• Do the show and the host align with Radiotopia's values?

How to join: Submit your pitch through this online form.

6. NPR

Best for: Journalistic podcasts.

Owned and operated by the non-profit National Public Radio, this podcast network specializes in shows related to news, pop culture, and science. NPR's podcast network is an extension of its trusted radio broadcasting legacy. It's home to a wide range of podcasts produced by NPR itself, as well as those from its member stations across the country. Examples include Planet Money, Consider This, and Dateline—one of the most popular podcasts worldwide.

NPR's podcast network is an extension of radio stations—a trusted news source—so it continues the same strict guidelines for creators who join its network. You're more likely to be approved if you can demonstrate unbiased reporting and strong investigative journalism skills.

How to join: NPR doesn't have an official pitching form. Try contacting one of its podcasting team via LinkedIn or email.

7. PRX

Best for: Access to podcast production services.

The Public Radio Exchange (PRX) is a non-profit media company that specializes in audio content. Established as a platform for public radio distribution, its podcast network supports independent creators who want to grow their own shows. Examples include The Month, Reveal and Side Door.

According to its website, shows within the PRX network reach over 25 million people every month. Collectively, the podcasts boast 100 million monthly podcast downloads—so you're in great company if you manage to get into the podcast network.

PRX also gives podcasters access to PRX Productions, a team of specialists that help podcasters improve their production quality. It can help with audio editing, sound design, and engineering to ensure you're sharing your stories with the highest quality audio.

How to join: PRX doesn't have a definitive guide on how to join its podcast network, but its contact page points you in the right direction. Reach out to their content or business inquiries teams to pitch your podcast.

8. Audioboom

Best for: New podcasters also looking for hosting.

Audioboom is a podcast network that supports creators in hosting, distributing, and monetizing their show. It's home to true crime, comedy, and pop culture podcasts. Notable shows in the network include Serialously, The Bald Brothers, and Here's the Thing.

If you're not yet ready to join the network, Audioboom can still help. It offers podcast hosting services specifically designed for creators with less than 50,000 downloads per month. Pricing starts at $9.99 per month—a great deal if you're looking to start a new podcast from scratch.

How to join: There is no official guidance on how to apply to Audioboom's podcast network. Try pitching their team on LinkedIn or via email. You can sign up for hosting here.

9. HubSpot Podcast Network

Best for: Podcasts that cover business-related topics.

HubSpot is a relatively new podcast network that's taken the industry by storm. Launched in mid-2021, this business-focused network now has more than 25 shows under its umbrella, specializing in content for entrepreneurs, marketers, and business professionals.

The parent company of this podcast network, HubSpot, is a software company that helps businesses manage their sales campaigns, marketing strategy, and customer service. Shows within its podcast network follow similar themes. Just one look at its directory tells you everything you need to know about the shows it invests in: Inclusion and Marketing, My First Million, and Creators Are Brands, to name a few.

Unlike other podcast networks on this list, HubSpot shares its eligibility criteria publicly. It offers different services to podcasters depending on how many downloads their show has:

• Accelerator Program (<10K monthly downloads): Partner with one of HubSpot's community managers, access its creator community, and get your show distributed across the network. You'll get a base pay and performance pay as your podcast grows.
• Affiliate Program (25K-100K monthly downloads): This is a promotional exchange where HubSpot adds its branding on your show. In return, your show gets distributed amongst the podcast network and media channels.
• Established Program (100M+ monthly downloads): The highest level of service, HubSpot says this plan is a long-term investment. It offers everything in the other plans plus competitive monthly pay based on podcast CPM rates.

How to join: Visit its "How We Invest" page and subscribe to its mailing list.

10. PodcastOne

Best for: Celebrities or high-profile creators.

PodcastOne is a leading podcast network to consider if you're looking to partner with well-known influencers. Home to over 200 different podcasts spanning genres like sports, comedy and celebrity culture, it tends to collaborate with high-profile celebrities, athletes, and well-known media personalities.

Because of this, you might not just need a successful podcast to get signed to the network, but also a loyal social media following or fan base. Examples of creators already signed to the podcast network include radio personality Jordan Harbinger, author Kail Lowry, and TV star Kaitlyn Bristowe.

How to join: There is no official channel to pitch your show to this network, but PodcastOne has a contact form that you can use to suggest your own show.

💰 Secure the bag: Podcast advertising rates for pre-roll ads, post-roll ads, and mid-roll ads

11. Vox Media

Best for: Distributing your show.

Vox Media is a modern media company that owns online publications, YouTube channels, social media accounts, and of course, podcasts. Founded in 2011, its podcast network covers topics ranging from news and technology to sports and entertainment. Popular shows include Celebrity Memoir Book Club, Criminal, and Point Forward.

The multiple channels that Vox Media owns means it can offer podcast hosts an impressive distribution network. Your podcast could appear on related websites, YouTube channels, and social media platforms—a great way to recruit new listeners and grow your podcast with the network's help.

How to join: Vox Media doesn't publicly share how you can apply to join its podcast network. Try emailing its team through this contact form.

Pros and cons of joining a podcast network

Choosing to join a podcast network can feel like a straight shot to exposure and monetization, but there are trade-offs to consider. On the upside, networks have established advertiser relationships that allow you to begin monetizing your show more easily and quickly compared to going it alone. You’ll also benefit from professional support—many networks offer marketing know-how and hosting services that can simplify your workflow. Still, networks often take a percentage of your ad earnings, which might reduce your overall profits if you have a large audience. In addition, some networks have strict content guidelines and you may need to relinquish certain creative freedoms or queue position behind more prominent shows depending on the network. Ultimately, weighing these pros and cons helps you decide if a particular network partnership aligns with your goals.

How to join a podcast network

If you've decided that joining a podcast network is the next best step for your show, here's how to increase your odds of success:

• Build your podcast's value. Focus on growing key podcast metrics—such as downloads, audience demographics, and engagement rates—before applying to a podcast network. Then include these figures in your pitch to demonstrate your show's value.
• Improve your podcast quality. Invest in good equipment and improve the production quality of your show with AI podcast editors like Descript. It can not only help you grow your listenership, but also show networks that you're serious about your show.
• Engage your audience. It's not just follower count or episode download numbers that matter; podcast networks are more likely to be interested in shows that have a strong listener base and active community.
• Be consistent. Podcast networks plow time, money, and resources into shows within their network, so they look for reliable and dedicated creators to make sure their investment is worth it. Sticking to a consistent posting schedule demonstrates that you're as committed to the show as they'll be.
• Prepare to negotiate. Podcast networks are businesses, too. You should both be willing to collaborate on discussing terms, including ad revenue sharing (how much money the network takes for sponsorships it brings your way), intellectual property rights, and creative control before signing on the dotted line.

Create successful podcasts with Descript

There's more to joining a podcast network than crafting a fancy pitch. Your podcast is the heart of your offer. What is a podcast network looking for? Quality content, consistent publishing, and a growing audience. The better your podcast is, the harder it'll be for your desired podcast network to say no.

Underlord, the AI editing assistant available inside Descript, helps you easily locate AI features that'll improve podcast quality and get you better credibility to join a podcast network. That includes:

• Remote recording tools to co-host a virtual podcast in superb quality
• Edit for Clarity to remove unrelated chatter
• Filler Word Removal, which banishes unwanted “like”s and “ermm”s from your recording
• Studio Sound, which silences background noise—even without a fancy mic
• Integrations with podcast hosting services like Buzzsprout, Castos, and Transistor

Some of the world's most popular podcasts—including those within the podcast networks we've discussed—rely on Descript's AI podcast editor to refine their show. And because the podcasting feature is just one branch of what Descript has to offer, you can even use its video editing capabilities to publish a video podcast and expand your reach from the same piece of content.

Start your free plan today and discover how Underlord can speed up your content production workflow—and ultimately, get more creative.

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Podcast networks: Frequently asked questions

What are the biggest podcast networks?

1. iHeartRadio
2. Vox Media
3. PodcastOne
4. NPR
5. Earwolf
6. SMX Media
7. PRX
8. HubSpot Podcast Network
9. Gimlet Media
10. Wondery
11. Radiotopia

How do I join a podcast network?

Most podcast networks require creators to have at least 5,000 monthly listeners before considering them. You're also more likely to be accepted if your show is high-quality, your listeners are loyal and engaged, and your show covers similar topics to other podcasts within the network. Networks typically look for consistent publishing schedules and professional production quality.

What are the most popular podcast platforms?

As of 2023, Spotify and Apple Podcasts are two of the most popular podcast services. Combined, they claim 66% market share of the podcast hosting industry. However, YouTube has emerged as a major platform for podcast consumption, with recent data suggesting it may now be the most-used platform for listening to podcasts.

How do podcast networks make money?

Podcast networks make money by taking a share of the revenue a show earns through sponsorships, ads, or merchandise sales. This percentage split can vary dramatically depending on the show's size, brand deal value, and revenue stream. Networks may take anywhere from 30% to 70% of ad revenue in exchange for their production, marketing, and distribution services.

What is the typical revenue split when joining a podcast network?

Most networks take a share of your ad income, typically ranging from 20% to 50%, though exact percentages vary based on the network and agreement. If a show requires significant upfront investment, the network might ask for a higher cut to offset costs. While host-read ads can command premium rates, dynamic ads may offer more sophisticated targeting. It's wise to clarify these terms during negotiation so you fully understand how your revenue will be affected.

How can I measure my podcast’s success after joining a network?

Success extends beyond raw download numbers, especially once you’re part of a network and have access to more robust analytics that reveal listener behaviors. Consider metrics such as listener retention, audience engagement on social media, and listener reviews to get a complete picture. Tracking ad performance can also illustrate the financial impact of your new arrangement. Finally, watch how quickly your audience grows—you may notice your show’s discovery rate improving thanks to the network’s promotional channels.